Team Spotlight

Edna –  Team Spotlight

D.E.S.I.: What brought you to D.E.S.I.?

Edna: When I first came here through the TSE program, I had a couple of other opportunities. But when I read the story of D.E.S.I., it made me tear up. I wanted to be a part of that. I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to help people.

D.E.S.I.: What was it about D.E.S.I.’s story that appealed to you?

Edna: The fact that it was founded by a woman who overcame all those obstacles with her daughter to create this great work environment—it’s kind of like a family.

D.E.S.I.: What is your favorite part about working for D.E.S.I.?

Edna: I love the feeling of fulfillment that comes from knowing we’re actually making a difference in people’s lives. And not only with the clients, but with the food bank, too. We help in whatever way we can because we have to be there for each other.

D.E.S.I.: Have you had a moment at D.E.S.I. where you really felt like you’d overcome an obstacle?

Edna: When I started here, I got sick. It was my second day, and I had to go to the hospital. I had gallstones, and they had to remove them. So I had to take some time off before I could really begin. Liz was very understanding. She knew it was an emergency, and she told me to come back when I was ready. For me, that was just like, “Wow, she understands.” She was so supportive that it really inspired my full commitment when I came back. And when I did come back, everybody was so sweet. It felt really nice because I had just moved here from Arizona. My whole family is in Arizona, but this felt like a new family.

D.E.S.I.: What have you learned from D.E.S.I.?

Edna: I love getting to know the clients. Every time they come in, they’re always so excited. Even though I’m in administration, I’m able to talk with them during their breaks or at lunchtime and show them card tricks. I’ve learned that you have to connect with everybody, make them feel welcome, and remind them they’re no different from anyone else.

D.E.S.I.: So you have a good relationship with the clients?

Edna: I like a lot of the things they like, too. I like Pokémon. I’m a big anime fan. I love watching scary movies, action movies, and comedies. I feel like there’s always a way to connect with someone—you just have to find it. You put yourself out there, and they reciprocate. I want to make them feel seen.