PRIDE Industries’ Adrienne Lawson, Senior Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, participated in the Sacramento Business Journal panel discussion, called “Stability and Stamina in DEI: What it takes to keep a DEI program on track and thriving.” Earlier in the day Dr. Lawson was recognized as one of the SJB’s DEI Champions.
People with Disabilities
Real Leaders is the only impact business magazine and community that inspires 15,000 CEOs to leave the world far better than they found it. Listen to PRIDE Industries CEO Jeff Dern talk about the power of employment for people with disabilities with host Kevin Edwards on the Real Leaders Podcast.
The road to employment for people with disabilities shouldn’t be rocky, but for Eliza Valtierra, it was. And for many individuals like Eliza, born with a disability, difficulty finding employment is just one of many hurdles—some dating back to childhood.
“When I was born, something was already wrong with my ears,” said Eliza.
Eliza doesn’t recall the exact diagnosis, but she remembers that treatment included the puncturing of both of her eardrums, making the situation worse rather than better.
When she was 13 and her ears were finally retested, Eliza discovered that she had 50 percent hearing loss in each ear. By this age, Eliza was enduring more than her share of bullying at school. Kids often thought she was ignoring them or, at times, thought she was too loud or too quiet—the result of her not knowing how to modulate the volume of her voice. Unfortunately, bullying would follow Eliza into her first jobs.
At sixteen, working as a dishwasher at an Italian restaurant, Eliza couldn’t hear the chef or her coworkers.
“They didn’t believe I couldn’t hear them,” she said. “So, they’d throw big balls of dough at me. Really big, and with force. I’d get bruises.”
It didn’t go much better at other jobs or even when Eliza eventually attended community college, where she strived to attain her AA degree in Criminal Justice until her work schedule began to erode her GPA. Finally overwhelmed, she stopped just six months shy of graduation.
Since becoming an electrician, Eliza has continued to thrive in her career. She is one of the electrical shop’s top producers and has received numerous positive Interactive Customer Evaluation (ICE) comments (the equivalent of employer feedback) from our military customer at Fort Bliss.
If there was an upside to leaving school, it was that Eliza—despite the bullying she’d endured early on—loved to work. But, deep down, she knew she wanted more than a job. She wanted a career. Then, at 22, driving down the street, she saw a billboard.
From a Job to a Career
“The billboard said something about becoming an electrician,” said Eliza. “I thought I want to do that, and that’s when my journey to becoming an electrician started.”
Soon after, Eliza started classes at El Paso Community College’s Advanced Technology Center. There she met a master electrician who recommended she simply become an apprentice at an electrical company, where she could begin accruing hours toward her journeyman’s license while working in the field.
And that’s exactly what Eliza did. From 2014 to 2017, she accrued hours and learned the electrical trade. Then, when she was 25 while seeking cost-effective hearing aids through Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DARS), a counselor there told her about PRIDE Industries—specifically, a job there that matched her skill set.
After a couple of calls, Eliza began working with PRIDE Industries Recruiting Counselor Cynthia Baca. Soon after that, she was hired by PRIDE Industries as a maintenance trade helper for its Fort Bliss customer.
“I assisted the electricians and general maintenance workers on their trucks,” said Eliza. “Doing all I could to make their jobs easier.”
Once on the job, Eliza also worked with Job Counselor Brianda Hernandez.
“She made sure I was being treated well and had assistive devices if needed,” said Eliza.
For a year, Eliza worked in this capacity, accruing the final hours toward her journeyman requirement. Then, in 2018, after passing the journeyman electrician test, she was promoted to General Maintenance Worker and, in 2019, to her current position as a PRIDE Industries electrician.
During this time, Eliza met a coworker who knew American Sign Language (ASL).
“He taught me while we worked swing shift together,” said Eliza. “We’d spend the second half of our shifts signing while we worked.”
As Fort Bliss boasts a large Deaf community, knowing ASL came in handy. The skill became imperative when, a year after arriving at the fort, Eliza met the man who would become her husband, a fellow PRIDE Industries employee.
“My husband is deaf,” said Eliza. “So, it’s good that I learned ASL fast. I know it pretty well now.”
Thriving in Her Career
Since becoming an electrician, Eliza has continued to thrive in her career. She is one of the electrical shop’s top producers and has received numerous positive Interactive Customer Evaluation (ICE) comments (the equivalent of employer feedback) from our military customer at Fort Bliss.
In 2022, she was also named Employee of the Year by PRIDE Industries management at Fort Bliss.
On top of all this, Eliza was selected by Don Nelson, PRIDE Industries Vice President of Government Facilities Services, to attend the SourceAmerica® Conference in May 2023. SourceAmerica® is a leading job creator for people with disabilities.
“I selected Eliza for the great work she’s done at Fort Bliss,” said Don. “This was an opportunity for her to learn more about Source America’s AbilityOne® program and what it can do for employees with disabilities. I trusted she’d be able to message that back to the Fort Bliss team from her perspective.”
Eliza’s work ethic expands beyond her role at PRIDE Industries.
In her spare time, she volunteers with the Home Builders Institute (HBI), teaching introductory electrical classes to soldiers transitioning from the military. And she does all of this without falling behind in her work duties.
Advice to People with Disabilities Seeking Employment
Eliza has become an advocate when it comes to employment for people with disabilities. When asked what advice she’d offer others with disabilities who are considering reaching out to PRIDE Industries, she was quick to say, “You don’t need to be scared. PRIDE Industries will assist you every step of the way.”
She recommends that people call the I AM ABLE Employment Helpline to get started.
A Bright Future
Top producer. Employee of the Year. Source America Conference representative. Volunteer teacher. Through tenacity and hard work, Eliza has come a long way since her days spent in the path of flying dough balls.
And her future career goal?
“I’d like to be a supervisor one day,” she said.
If her employment trajectory since joining PRIDE Industries is an indicator of future success, that and more are surely possible for Eliza.
“She’s one of the top five courtesy clerks I’ve ever had.” That’s Raley’s manager Danielle Bergmann talking about star employee Angie Rao, a 32-year employee who happens to have a disability. Learn how Raley’s supermarkets leverage the many talents of people with disabilities for hard-to-fill roles in this Comstock’s feature.
The path to employment for people with disabilities, like Deaf people, can be a long one. And when that journey mandates learning two new languages, it can also be steep.
“From what I know, I was born deaf,” said Jesus Rosales, Facilities Supervisor for PRIDE Industries’ carpentry shop at Fort Bliss. “But at that time, my family didn’t have the resources to know about deafness.”
That was 1977. Soon after, in 1980, three-year-old Jesus and his family immigrated from his birth country of Mexico to Texas. By age eight, Jesus was enrolled in Amarillo Day School’s program for Deaf students where he came to understand more about Deaf culture. It was there that he began learning both English and American Sign Language (ASL) at the same time. Learning two languages at once was challenging, but it got easier when Jesus entered high school at the Texas School for the Deaf.
“We used ASL along with Signing Exact English (SEE) there,” said Jesus. “Then I was on a roll.”
Indeed, he was, both academically and athletically. Sophomore, junior, and senior years found Jesus not only earning recognition in the Honor Roll Society, but also as Best Defensive Player for football, Best Distance Runner for track, and Most Dedicated Player in baseball—a sport he still plays and now teaches.
“I knew right away that Jesus was a dedicated hard worker. He also has integrity and can be trusted to do the right thing when nobody is looking.”
A Few More Hills to Climb
After graduating from high school, Jesus spent a year employed as a computer technician before enrolling in Southwest College for the Deaf. There, he spent three years becoming certified as a dental lab worker.
“I worked in dental, but not for long before I moved,” he said “I also spent a year setting up equipment for musicians. Then, for three years, I worked night shifts at Walmart.”
While his Walmart managers loved his work, Jesus was growing weary of nighttime hours and, by age 32, he was ready for a more challenging vocation with room for growth. That year, 2009, an opportunity arrived.
“A friend mentioned PRIDE Industries,” said Jesus. “There were better jobs that I was qualified for—and better yet, they were during the day.”
Jesus also saw that PRIDE Industries specializes in employment for people with disabilities, including employment for Deaf people. So, that summer, he applied online at the social enterprise’s website. Soon he was working with PRIDE Industries Recruiter Cynthia Baca, as well as a job coach who translated in ASL during Jesus’ interview.
“It was a whole new ball game from then on!” said Jesus.
From Jobs to a Career
Jesus was hired as a general maintenance laborer (GML) for PRIDE Industries’ Roads and Grounds shop at Fort Bliss. Soon after, he applied for and got a position as a general maintenance worker (GMW) in the Between Occupancy Maintenance (BOM) department.
“That’s when I was really introduced to carpentry,” he said. “Fixing doors, floors, ceilings, and walls.”
“I knew right away that Jesus was a dedicated hard worker,” said William Green, Assistant General Manager of Operations for PRIDE Industries at Fort Bliss. “He also has integrity and can be trusted to do the right thing when nobody is looking.”
Jesus spent the next eight years cultivating his carpentry expertise as well as his leadership skills and discovered that one of his strengths is particularly useful.
“I found that I’m good a visually training others,” said Jesus. “It works better for some Deaf people than writing it all down. I show them instead.”
Because Fort Bliss employs many Deaf individuals, this skill is especially important, but it’s also helpful for hearing employees.
“Many of our employees, Deaf and non-Deaf, learn best by being shown the task,” said William. “Jesus rolls up his sleeves, goes out to the jobsite, and shows people how to do it. This hands-on approach also builds esprit de corps (team spirit) and trust between supervisor and employees.”
Leadership Skills
In 2018, Jesus was promoted to GMW lead—a role he excelled at. Then, in 2020, he was promoted again—this time to supervisor. In each case, he was selected based not only on his overall job performance, but also on his leadership skills.
“Being a supervisor is the hardest position, in my view,” said William. “They are where the rubber meets the road as far as getting things done, making decisions that are sometimes unpopular, and taking care of our employees.”
These days, Jesus can be found leading his team in completing any number of carpentry tasks, from conducting extensive cosmetic work to repairing masonry to reshingling roofs. Recently, he also broadened his leadership skill set when he was selected to be part of the team that created PRIDE Industries’ new core values: Integrity, Tenacity, Teamwork, and Innovation.
“Jesus is a positive role model for everyone here,” said William. “And the fact that he was asked to sit on some corporate committees to give his perspective—that’s a testament to his value as a leader.”
A Bright Future
As for Jesus’ future, his supervisor, William, is the first to say that it’s bright.
“His potential for growth has factored into his promotions,” says William. “Going forward, Jesus has what it takes to do anything he wants to do in life.”
And Jesus’ thoughts on his future?
“I plan to continue advancing my career at PRIDE Industries,” he said.
Supporting Employees with Disabilities
Jesus sees potentially bright futures for others, too. When asked for his thoughts on employment for Deaf people at PRIDE Industries, he said, “The possibilities are endless. There’s training. There’s hands-on work. If you don’t know exactly what to do, we are here with support, accommodations, and training that other companies don’t have.” And now, for all those with disabilities seeking employment, a simple call to PRIDE Industries’ I AM ABLE Employment Helpline can get the process started.
It’s been quite a journey for Jesus, including the mastery of three languages: Spanish, English, and ASL. Some might argue that he’s mastered a fourth: The language of leadership.
Four years ago, Marc Grundy didn’t think he’d be an advocate for jobs for people with autism. In fact, back then, after he’d started and stopped college, he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with his life. Around that time, Marc’s mother had issued an ultimatum: If he wasn’t going to stay in college, he’d have to get a job—not always an easy task for people with autism. That’s when Marc got in contact with PRIDE Industries.
But let’s go further back in time for a moment.
Early Interventions
Marc was diagnosed with autism when he was a toddler, after his parents noticed a few things.
“I wouldn’t make eye contact with my mother or grandmother,” said Marc. “And I didn’t respond to verbal or emotional signals—tendencies I continue to have.”
Other signs included repetitive behaviors and difficulty communicating. Fortunately, Marc’s mother worked in healthcare, so Marc’s diagnosis—and early interventions that accompanied it—came sooner than they do for some individuals with autism. But even early interventions and hard work—both on Marc’s part and on his mother’s—didn’t waylay the bullying that’s born of societal ignorance.
“As much as possible, employers should be aware of what autism is, so that they can put good policies in place for people with autism who are looking for employment. A big part of that will be accommodations.”
“Once I was in school, I was teased and bullied at times,” said Marc. “I really struggle with expressing emotions. That can make the other person not want to hang out with you or like you. Some people think you’re creepy and will say so.”
As Marc grew older, he came to understand more about his autism. He also realized what he did and did not want to do with his life.
“I started at college,” he said. “But I didn’t like the pace of learning in college.”
Job Preparation and Placement
Around that time, Marc’s mother required that he seek employment. She also recommended PRIDE Industries, the leading provider of employment for people with disabilities, including those with autism. Soon after, in March 2019, Marc was put in touch with Carlos Perez, a Youth Services Job Developer (at the time) for PRIDE Industries.
“He really helped me,” said Marc.
Carlos showed Marc how to prepare a resume, apply for jobs, and participate in the interview process.
“He really worked with me on subject matter that involved doing a good interview,” said Marc. “Like what you should say that employers most care about and what you should ask them. Also, what would make them see you as a good candidate.”
Then, in August 2019, Marc acquired a paid internship as an assembler in the manufacturing department of PRIDE Industries.
“It worked well for me because of my passion for building things,” said Marc.
Marc began with simple, entry-level tasks and gradually undertook more complex ones that made use of his eye for detail.
“When I build things, I always tell myself, ‘Quality over speed,’” said Marc. “I pay great attention to detail. I think that’s one of the strengths of the high-functioning autistic mind.”
Marc’s strengths were such that, four months later, he was hired into the position permanently.
And now?
A “Great Employee”
Four years later, Marc continues to impress his supervisor.
“Marc has been a great employee,” says Production Supervisor Mukesh Kumar. “He has been working in the Medical Business Unit, helping to produce the Game Ready™ units for one of our biggest customers.”
Game Ready™ is a medical device that has been described as “the number one recovery tool used by thousands of professionals, athletes, trainers, surgeons, professional teams, and sports medicine professionals around the world.”
It’s not only Marc’s attention to detail that impresses his co-workers. His soft skills are also on point.
“Marc’s dedication, commitment, and teamwork are commendable,” said Kumar. “His pleasant personality contributes to a positive work environment as well. He’s always here, eager to work and learn new things.”
It’s that desire to learn new things that keeps Marc looking forward.
“Though I’m pretty fine with where I’m at right now,” he says, “I do have a few thoughts on what else I could do, and I think they are things PRIDE Industries could help me pursue.”
Advocating for Jobs for People with Autism
When we asked Marc what he wants potential employers to know about hiring people with autism, he emphasized awareness.
“As much as possible, employers should be aware of what autism is, so that they can put good policies in place for people with autism who are looking for employment,” said Marc. “A big part of that will be accommodations.”
U.S. businesses must, by law, provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities to enable them to work. That scares employers because they think it will be expensive. It is not. The Job Accommodation Network, a disability employment consultancy, surveys employers regularly about the cost of accommodations, and the numbers have been consistent over the years. Most accommodations (56 percent) are free, and the rest cost an average of $500. For autistic employees, creating a sensory-friendly break room or giving people extra time to formulate answers to questions are inexpensive ways to enhance well-being and productivity.
Speaking of accommodations, Marc was recently part of a team helping us prepare for an upcoming job fair—one geared specifically for people with disabilities. In fact, Marc’s expert advice will result in quiet spaces being allocated for participants who communicate better without too much external stimuli. As we expect high attendance at this on-the-ground event, we’re especially grateful to Marc for sharing his insights.
When asked for his concluding thoughts on jobs for people with autism, Marc says simply, “Just make them feel safe.”
Isn’t that what everyone, whether seeking a job or simply living in the world, wants?
