Joan grew up with a difficult background. Having become pregnant as a teenager her parents forced her to go abroad alone to get an abortion. Having difficulty in coping with her circumstances, Joan got into trouble when she returned back home to Ireland.
Looking back, Joan regrets shoplifting and committing crime for a living, finding herself often on the streets. She eventually ended up in prison for a number of years.
Following her release, Joan had little hope of getting her life back on track. After completing a Workforce Talent pilot programme Joan found the self esteem, and confidence to obtain successful employment with a leading hotel group.
