Becky Young joined the Ticket to Work program in 2006, which she credits with giving her a start in her current field. In 2012, after Becky’s Ticket to Work position had ended, Becky was approached by a colleague who had come to J.Lodge. She joined the company in 2013 as a part-time quality analyst. She was promoted to team lead in 2017, and to Operations Manager in 2018, where she manages a team of 66 employees.
Becky has worked in the public, private and nonprofit sectors, and has held many supervisory positions. She has overcome employment challenges that often come to individuals with a visible disability. She mentions how while times have improved, companies still seem to fear hiring the disabled. From physical work location handicap accessibility, to qualifications, to health concerns, these fears oftentimes impact employer decisions to hire.
Becky is currently unable to work outside the home and was often frustrated by the nature of the remote positions available to her. Through J.Lodge, Becky can work remotely, while using her management skills in a position that fosters professional growth. “I am inspired by others. Watching a colleague overcome obstacles or have a breakthrough moment is particularly rewarding. A simple ‘thank you’ for continuing to believe in employees motivates me,” said Becky.
Becky credits NDEAM for helping fight the stigmas associated with hiring people with disabilities. “Persons with disabilities are just that, a person with a disability. This does not mean they lack the qualifications to perform the job they are applying for. In some cases, it could mean they are an even better employee because of the struggles and limitations they have overcome. We have the will and determination to be on the job, to perform to the best of our ability, and to close that gap of misunderstanding we often face,” said Becky.
Becky Young, Operations Manager