When Jessabel began experiencing difficulties due to her disability and growing frustrated in her job on a military base, she turned to GCE for help and support.

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Her first position with GCE was on a janitorial contract at the Joint Special Operations University (JSOU). A flexible job with an understanding employer improved Jessabel's quality of life tremendously. She was surrounded by a team that recognized her ability and contributions and saw her potential beyond janitorial work. With the support of her team, Jessabel transitioned into a full-time job as a student services assistant.

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This was the beginning of Jessabel finding her way towards a full-time career in her main passion, digital media. Prior to joining GCE, Jessabel obtained her bachelor's degree in media arts & animation. When her contract as a student services assistant came to an end, Jessabel was able to move into a new contract with Spathe Systems as a Multimedia Specialist. GCE helped her navigate this journey and supported her growth and transition out of the AbilityOne program into this role.

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This new position required Jessabel to learn new skills, including operating cameras, coordinating all-day shoots, and navigating the unique parameters of recording live events on a military installation. Her new team worked with her to learn how to do the job and helped her hone her communication skills.

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As an avid team player, Jessabel quickly grew as a leader and was willing to take on any kind of shoot, no matter how hard it was. Recently, Vice Admiral Collin Green presented her with a challenge coin as a thank-you for her work on an all-day shoot that proved particularly difficult.

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Through the AbilityOne program, Jessabel was able to get the support she needed to find employment at GCE, and GCE was able to help her follow her dreams and use her degree regardless of the barriers she faced because of her disability. Her transition from an AbilityOne position to a full-time job is far from unique: AbilityOne nonprofits provide the specialized care and support needed to help people with disabilities achieve their career goals.

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Jessabel took every opportunity to tell her story and share her skills. She’d often talk with colleagues and customers about her degree in media arts and animation and her interest in pursuing a career in media. By building relationships across GCE and JSOU, Jessabel built a network that ultimately led to the role she has now.

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And for anyone with a disability who may be struggling to find employment, Jessabel says, “Be patient and keep trying. Eventually, you’ll find someone who will see past your disability and recognize your unique skills. Don’t give up.”