I began working at YAI as a Marketing Representative nearly two years ago. My role is to identify and promote each individual’s specific abilities and skills to potential employers and to sensitize the corporate community in the process. The key to the position is recognizing that everyone has individual strengths. It’s not just about finding any job for any person with a disability -- it’s about finding the RIGHT job for the right person.

I remember the first time I helped secure a job placement. Her name was Jasmine. She loved fashion and wanted to work in retail. I remember accompanying her for an interview in SoHo. She was in awe of how fashion-forward the neighborhood was and I was in awe that she had never been there before. I realized then that my job was about exposing people to new environments, and it was so amazing to see her relish the opportunity.

We arrived for her interview at Forever 21, a bustling clothing store. I listened as Jasmine spoke with the manager about her interests and abilities. The manager was so impressed that she hired Jasmine right on the spot!

Jasmine’s face lit up. I’ll never forget the look in her eyes -- a mix of elation and pride. This was the first time that Forever 21 had hired a YAI employment training graduate. Jasmine was overjoyed and borrowed my cell phone to share the good news with her mom. Jasmine had lost her previous job because it wasn’t the right fit. All she needed was a second chance. She was able to shine because we found the right match. It was at that moment that I knew the work I was doing was really making a difference.