I found this career in an unexpected way. After being laid off from the fashion industry, I took a serving job and worked alongside two coworkers with Autism who completely changed my perspective. Their consistency, positivity, and work ethic made me curious about why I hadn’t seen more people with disabilities represented in the workplace. That curiosity led me to a Houston nonprofit, where I began volunteering—and on my very first shift, I knew my career path had changed.

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For the past 13 years, I’ve supported youth and adults with disabilities as they build confidence, develop job skills, and move toward employment and independence. I’ve led regional workforce initiatives, built partnerships with school districts and employers, coordinated VR services, and created programs that reduce barriers for foster youth, justice‑involved youth, and students with disabilities.

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Parenting my 12‑year‑old stepson, who has ASD, OCD, ODD, Dysgraphia, and other diagnoses, has deepened my understanding of what families navigate every day. It’s given me a firsthand perspective on the realities behind the systems, the pressure families carry, and the importance of individualized, practical support. That lived experience shapes the way I show up for the people I serve.