community impact q&a
QUESTION and ANSWER session with a COMMUNITY RESOURCE
Q
Laura Walker, The Goodwill Industries of Akron
Question: Where do you work currently?
Answer: The Goodwill Industries of Akron. Q: What is your job title here?
to carry forward the mission to help individuals prepare for, find and retain employment. Through strategic and operational oversight, I work diligently in a range of tasks to oversee Mission Services and our Workforce.
a person gain a sense of pride and self-satisfaction. While everyone’s employment journey is unique, I believe every person who desires to work should be able to have this experience.
Q: What is the inspiration behind why you work in this field?
Q: What advice would you give to someone who is new to your field?
A: I have a passion for helping others that I discovered early in my career. While in college, I went through a period of rediscovery after losing a child, a parent, and a job. I found a Direct Support Professional position with Hattie Larlham that was able to fill a void in my life. What I did not realize at the time was that I was about to embark on a journey that would turn my career path in a different direction and ultimately change my life forever.
A: Focus on the abilities of those that you will work with. Each person will amaze you with their own unique talents and characteristics. Set a person up for success but also leave room for failure to learn those valuable life lessons and give the person the opportunity and support to overcome challenges they will face in the natural world.
A: Vice President of Mission Services. Q: How long have you been employed in your current job?
A: Seven months. Q: How long have you been employed in this industry?
A: Sixten years. Q: What were your previous jobs in the industry?
A: Direct Support Professional, Job Coach, Program Manager, Program Director, and CARF Surveyor. Q; Educational background?
A: Bachelor of Science. Q: What do your day-to-day job responsibilities include?
A: As a member of the Executive Leadership of Goodwill Industries, it is my responsibility to ensure that employees have the resources available 36
August 2022
Q: What part of your job are you most passionate about?
A: Workforce and Professional Development. Whether it is working with a person referred for services or a team member, my passion is to help people pursue their interests and reach their goals. Employment helps
Q: What is your favorite success story you have seen?
A: A young gentleman coming out of high school that my team supported was working on basic employment skills in a factory setting. At a meeting where we discussed his first 90 days, he told his team and me that he wanted to be successful at work so that he could purchase a car and eventually move out on his own. With the support
