October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). NDEAM is an annual month-long celebration of all abilities, recognizing the important contributions that people with disabilities have made in the workplace, and promoting inclusion in workplaces.

In honor of NDEAM 2022, we are spotlighting Carrie, a team member at Planet Access. Planet Access is a social enterprise boutique of Search Inc. and a Toad&Co. partner store located in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago.

Planet Access Store Lead, Marta, says, “Carrie is a team player; She gets along with everyone and wants all of her coworkers to be included. I feel that everyone is always happy to work with her which is a testament to how awesome Carrie is, and what a positive force she is. Carrie is also willing to listen and learn, and that is such a privilege to have in an employee.”

Read our Q&A with Carrie:

Q: Tell us about yourself. What are some of your interests and hobbies?

A: I’m Carrie Newman. I’ve lived in Chicago for about 14 years and I’ve lived independently for about 11 of those years.

I love flowers and I love animals. I love jewelry. Hobbies, I’d say photography, music and painting. I like a lot of Motown and Rock n Roll from 60s and 70s. I like the Beatles and I like the Beach Boys.

I love Stevie Wonder. He shows that anything is possible. He’s blind and plays music. Anyone can do anything. It’s a hopeful thing.

Q: How long have you been working at Planet Access?

A: Since May.

Q: What is your favorite part of your job at Planet Access?

A: My coworkers. My favorite task is the register.

Q: How did you begin working at Planet Access? Tell us about your experience in Career Services at Search.

A: Search helped me get this job. We were desperate at the time, my parents and I, when we found Search and I landed in the perfect place. I would recommend Search Career Services.

Q: What’s your favorite product or brand in the store?

A: Toad&Co. for clothes and Mata Traders for jewelry.

Q: How would you finish this sentence? “Working allows me to…”

A: Working allows me to be independent and have supportive coworkers.

Thanks for being a part of our team, Carrie! We are so lucky to have you.

Originally posted on Search, Inc.