My journey began in 1986 when I owned and managed 19 Discount Variety Stores for 13 years. During that time, I focused on developing and training my teams, and it was then that I discovered my desire to serve and contribute to others. As an employer, I went above and beyond to support people with disabilities by providing a modified workplace that supported their independence.
While others may have viewed my life as meaningful and fulfilling, I struggled with feeling like I had not achieved enough or that I was not enough. Despite encouragement from those around me, I couldn’t shake these feelings.