For Justin, employment has never been just about a paycheck — it’s about independence, dignity, and purpose. Over the past 16 years, he has gone from being a Columbia Ability Alliance client to managing one of the organization’s most impactful programs: the AbilityOne Janitorial Contract at the Federal Building.
Justin’s early life wasn’t without challenges. Born with cerebral palsy after a stroke at birth, he faced stigma and repeated rejections in the job market — not because of lack of potential, but because of assumptions about his physical abilities and speech.
“A lot of employers wouldn’t hire me… they think you’re mentally deficient because of how I speak.”
After high school, he turned to Columbia Ability Alliance for help. The team supported him in writing resumes, preparing for interviews, and staying motivated through years of job searching. Even after graduating with a Bachelor’s in Social Sciences from WSU, finding employment proved difficult — until Columbia Ability Alliance hired him in 2007.
That job changed everything.
“It gave me the ability to buy my first home and support myself.”
Leadership Rooted in Lived Experience
Today, Justin manages the janitorial program at the Federal Building, where he oversees 12 individuals with disabilities — many of whom have been with the team for over a decade.
What makes Justin’s leadership unique is that he’s walked in the same shoes as those he now mentors. He knows firsthand what it’s like to feel excluded from opportunity — and what it takes to rise above it with the right support system.
“I was a client myself… now I help others find that same path.”
He’s passionate about building not just skills, but community — for employees and for building tenants alike. The AbilityOne program fosters interaction, respect, and friendships across all levels of ability.
“This job is more than work — it’s their social outlet, their way to build relationships and feel part of something.”
Creating a Culture of Belonging
Justin’s team is a shining example of inclusive employment done right. Federal Building tenants know and appreciate the janitorial team by name. The program is not siloed — it’s integrated. That daily interaction builds real-world experience, professional pride, and community recognition.
“They put a smile on people’s faces. That’s what it’s all about.”
The outcomes speak for themselves: stable employment, personal growth, and lives changed for the better — including Justin’s own.
