When asked to describe what it is like working as a DI associate, Emilia chooses two words to summarize her experience: confidence and gratitude.

“I really can’t emphasize enough how personable it is to work here,” she says. “Of all the team building I have done in my life, this feels the most like a family. Everyone is super friendly. Everyone looks out for each other.”

Emilia’s journey to DI began a few years ago when she returned from serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She came home early due to health challenges and began working a job answering phones.

“My physical ailments got worse, so they had to let me go because I wasn’t able to be in-office as much,” Emilia recalls. “In a last-ditch scramble, I went to my bishop. I said, ‘I don’t know where to go,’ and he directed me to DI.”

The recommendation from her bishop was just what Emilia needed. Since coming to DI, she has pushed herself to develop behaviors and skills that will prepare her for future employment opportunities. For example, Emilia has used her experience to focus on her people skills.

“I have a history of some social anxiety,” Emilia says. “I wanted to get better with basic conversation so I could be less nervous approaching people.”

If she hadn’t mentioned her social anxiety, you wouldn’t even know it was something she struggled with. She is well-spoken, friendly, and confident. Emilia has been proactive in improving her skills and credits the DI ecosystem for its culture of goal setting.

“This is the first time I have felt really valued as an individual for what I bring to the team,” Emilia says. “It’s not about my output, it’s about who I am as a person.”

In addition to feeling recognized for her skills, Emilia is grateful for the patience and understanding her team members have shown as she navigates her health challenges.

“I have been in jobs where I just didn’t feel appreciated,” Emilia says. “Here at DI, I can feel that the managers and co-workers care about me.”

Emilia has also further developed that same kind of care for those around her.

“I’m not a people person, but I find that there are a lot of levels to them,” Emilia says. “This job constantly reminds me to look at the levels, the layers, and the depths of the person versus just seeing them as a customer or co-worker.”