2023 Class of Advocates for Leadership and Employment

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Davina A. De Braux
NewView Oklahoma

As lead contract closeout specialist for NewView Oklahoma, Davina De Braux ensures the accuracy and completeness of work and facilitates coordination with customers and government. A member of the Virginia State Bar, Davina received her law degree from Iowa University, a Master of Laws degree in taxation and a certificate of specialization in International Tax from the University of Miami. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in accountancy from Norfolk State University and an MBA from Regent University.

Nicole Eberhardt
Lions Services

The administrative assistant at Lions Services in Charlotte, North Carolina, Nicole Eberhardt’s duties include creating purchase orders, processing shipment invoices, packing slips, and bill payments and incoming checks, and creating RFID labels for many of the agency’s products. Nicole, who was the Lions Services nominee for the Peter J. Salmon employee of the year award in 2018, looks forward to furthering her education.

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Amanda Gomez
San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind

As the workforce development program manager at San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind, Amanda Gomez oversees the agency’s career training center. Her responsibilities include the Ticket to Work program and creation and implementation of training programs designed to help people experiencing vision loss advance in their careers. Amanda holds a master’s degree in educational administration and policy studies from the University of Texas at Arlington and brings over 12 years of experience as an educator to her role at the Lighthouse.

Teresa Harper
Lions Industries for the Blind, Inc.

Currently working as administrative assistant to the executive director at Lions Industries for the Blind in Kinston, North Carolina, Teresa Harper prepares various reports, handles order processing and customer service for government products, and assists with preparation of the agency’s affirmative action plan. A 40-year employee of the agency, Teresa holds an associate degree in office systems technology and a bachelor’s degree in business education. She was the agency’s nominee for the Milton J. Samuelson Career Achievement Award in 2004 and 2019.

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Robert Hilton
LCI

Robert Hilton joined LCI in 2008 as a customer service representative and has steadily advanced within the organization, becoming a customer care coordinator before his recent promotion to assistant manager at the AbilityOne Base Supply Center® at Clay National Guard Center in Marietta, Georgia. A continual learner, Robert takes advantage of career training opportunities offered by LCI. He looks forward to learning about policy and speaking to elected officials about issues affecting people who are blind.

Mia Ison
Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired

A gadget assembler at Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI), Mia Ison is responsible for finishing kitchen tools and gadgets primarily sold through the military retail program. Comfortable in a variety of situations, Mia’s communication skills make her an excellent advocate for the interests of people who are blind. She was the agency’s nominee for the Peter J. Salmon employee of the year award in 2022.

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Quan Leysath
LCI

Quan Leysath serves as the manager of contracts for more than 30 AbilityOne Base Supply Centers operated by LCI. Before joining LCI Quan worked at National Industries for the Blind, starting as a price analyst, and advancing to roles as manager of the product development support department, and program manager for the Base Supply Center Program. He holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin in Whitewater, Wisconsin, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Winthrop University in South Carolina.

Benjamin Lombardo
National Industries for the Blind

Benjamin Lombardo is a human resource specialist at National Industries for the Blind, where he provides support on administrative projects, performance management, talent management, talent acquisition, and learning and development. Dedicated to driving organizational success through effective human capital management, Benjamin has completed Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt training and NSITE Customer-Centered Communication training, and is a member of Toastmasters International.

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Caitlin O’Malior
LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired – San Francisco

A communications specialist at LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired in San Francisco, Caitlin combines her passion for writing with her passion for advocacy and service to the community of people who are blind to provide a voice for the organization. Caitlin, who has a background in education for people who are visually impaired and braille transcription, has been advocating for accessibility and equality for people who are blind or low vision since 2012.

Kenneth Prunier
Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany

A production employee and machine operator at Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany, in Albany, New York, Kenneth Prunier advocates for his co-workers on issues such as transportation and availability of services for people who are blind or visually impaired. In addition, he hosts an annual picnic for co-workers at his home. A 2022 nominee for the Peter J. Salmon employee of the year award, Ken holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Saint Rose.

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Joe Spicer
Mississippi Industries for the Blind

As the contact services manager at Mississippi Industries for the Blind in Jackson, Mississippi, Joe Spicer oversees and implements contracts for call center services awarded by the state. Joe holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi. He was the agency’s 2014 nominee for the 2022 Peter J. Salmon employee of the year award.

Keshia Scott
Lighthouse Works

As a training team lead at Lighthouse Works in Orlando, Florida, Keshia Scott coaches, develops, and trains agents to achieve and exceed specific campaign requirements. Keisha has a passion for advocating on behalf of marginalized groups including people who are blind or have other disabilities. She holds a Master of Science in Cultural Foundations of Education from Syracuse University and a Bachelor of Arts in English and Gender Studies from the University of North Florida.

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