Lorena Salas, Goodwill’s 2003 Achiever of the Year, is a valued associate who has consistently demonstrated excellence during her 17-year career with us. Despite living with blindness and cerebral palsy, Lorena has continued to persist and thrive.

Becky Markley, Employee Resource Specialist at Goodwill, has known Lorena since 1996 when she first came to Goodwill Commercial Services while attending the Indiana School for the Blind.

“Lorena is an ambassador both at work and in the community, always singing the praises of Goodwill and the positive impact it has had on her life,” said Becky. “It has been with heartfelt joy that I have been able to see her grow from a high school student to the beautiful woman and Goodwill associate she is today.”

Lorena is a textile hanger at Goodwill’s Castleton store in Indianapolis. She organizes clothing on rolling racks that are used to transfer merchandise to the sales floor. Although she uses a walker and experiences weakness in her hands and low dexterity, she sets daily production goals to challenge herself.

“I get really excited when I hit six racks because it helps keep the store organized and improves our customers’ experience,” said Lorena.

Lorena’s co-workers are integral to her success.

“She understands her role at Goodwill is important,” said Ed Ball, Store Manager. “She takes her job seriously, but she also loves to laugh and brings a lot of joy to our store. We are proud she is part of our team.”