Congratulations to the 2025 Ability At Work Award Spotlight Honorees!
Vocational Services Spotlight
The Vocational Services Spotlight is given to a person in DRTC’s Vocational Services Program, which is funded in part by United Way of Central Oklahoma. This is DRTC’s legacy program providing skills training and workforce development both at DRTC’s main campus and within the community. While many jobs are located on DRTC’s main campus, around 82% of the agency’s programs happen throughout the community, including Vocational Services for people living with disabilities—where people are part of the workforce for other companies and also give back through volunteering at several fellow nonprofits throughout the Oklahoma City metro.
Sandra Ketner – Vocational Services Client
Recognized for her dependability in the workplace, Sandra Ketner consistently answers the call when the need arises. Sandra works on a variety of contracts at DRTC in our Production Center, as well as the Mobile Workforce where she goes to businesses, like previous DRTC Ability At Work Awards Employer of the Year A-T-C Drivetrain. Sandra also volunteers at Bethany Children’s Health Center, where she has gained a reputation for being someone they can always count on. It’s obvious Sandra takes great pride in her work and in being a strong voice, advocating for herself and others living with disabilities.
Sandra is looking forward to finding a job where she can help people who need support. She has a servant’s heart and is truly happy when helping others.
Sandra has proven to be an integral part of the success of DRTC. She serves on the Safety Committee and the ACT Committee which is a client-based group that organizes events and fundraisers benefitting several causes around the metro. As a member of the Safety Committee, Sandra keeps an eye out for her surroundings and the safety of her coworkers, alerting them of any hazards she sees on the work floor.
She is an excellent ambassador of DRTC, raising awareness for the agency and its mission.
Direct Service Professional Spotlight
Direct Service Professionals are the boots on the ground personnel who work one-on-one with DRTC clients helping them reach their employment goals, all while navigating the everyday challenges of life. They lend a helping hand, listening ear, and sound advice. Their work is vital to the success of people served throughout DRTC.
Janie Tuttle
A positive attitude, great work ethic, and leader describes our first Direct Service Professional honoree: Janie Tuttle.
Janie’s forward-thinking ideas have improved DRTC’s Production Center by starting a Learning Session for people when they are between projects. People engage in real-time situations for skills used in everyday life.
Janie also helped develop Safety Material Trays to promote a safe work environment and build morale. These trays include necessary personal and safety materials. Janie continually identifies areas to build strengths and ability for individuals to navigate the community and workplace.
Through support and uplifting others, Janie feels her encouragement leads to significant transformation. One example is a person who at first struggled with self-confidence, but with Janie’s guidance they gained new confidence and quickly became a valued member of the team in their new job at a local business.
Janie says the work is challenging but incredibly rewarding. Her positive attitude is contagious, and her work ethic motivates others around her to excel. She brings dedication and insight as a Direct Service Professional.
Amber Reed
Described as “passionate about employment,” Amber Reed is our next Direct Service Professional spotlight honoree.
Amber is an Employment Consultant who works directly with Employment Services Program clients as they navigate and realize their career goals. By helping light the way for her clients, she ensures they are well-prepared for success in the workplace. Amber believes in the power of everyone to advocate for themselves both in the workplace and in their personal lives.
She leans into her clients’ vision of their employment success, and puts in the work to make sure their employment is a good fit. Sometimes that takes creativity, and Amber is thankful for her community of her peers who work together to help clients reach their goals.
Amber also sees strength in the workforce community, recalling how several coworkers told her they would take care of her client once he was on the job. Amber was reassured her client’s community picked up where she left off and cares for his success as much as she does.
Amber represents DRTC’s commitment to equitable and accessible employment through her optimism and positive vision when working with clients, businesses and partners.
Emerging Employer Spotlight
The Emerging Employer award recognizes an employer who is embracing an equitable and accessible workforce while acknowledging the talents, strength and contributions of people living with disabilities to their operations.
As employers across the state and nation grapple with workforce shortages, some are leading the way to create new opportunities for people living with disabilities.
Veritiv
This year, Veritiv is our inaugural Emerging Employer honoree.
What makes Veritiv an Emerging Employer? The company is asking great questions about accommodations and offering additional assistance as DRTC works to fulfill their contract. They are constantly on the lookout for accessibility needs and are eager to help provide the necessary tools to complete the job. Veritiv’s focus on accessibility to allow more people to work on their project highlights this commitment.
Joshua is one of DRTC’s clients, and works on several of Veritiv’s jobs. He says he “likes gluing and making trays,” and when he finishes a full pallet, he feels like he accomplished his work.
We are committed to this amazing new partnership to continue building the Veritiv workforce of tomorrow!
AbilityOne Spotlight
The AbilityOne Program is a national procurement program designed to provide employment opportunities for people with disabilities through services rendered or product manufacturing. Nationwide, more than 39,000 people living with disabilities are employed at approximately 400 nonprofit agencies, providing critical products and services that provide mission support. As an AbilityOne federal contractor, DRTC employs approximately 300 people at Tinker Air Force Base, the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center at the Federal Aviation Administration, the federal building complex in downtown Oklahoma City, and the US Marshals office in Oklahoma City. Our essential personnel at these locations support the mission at each location through food service at Tinker Air Force Base where we serve military and civilian personnel 365 days a year, and custodial services at all locations, ensuring smooth operations throughout.
Falesha Oliver
Our first honoree in this category has a big heart for others, and that big heart may have saved a co-worker’s life.
Falesha Oliver works at DRTC’s GSA contract.
Falesha has gone above and beyond for the people she works with and was the first to visit one of her co-workers who had an unexpected and traumatic medical emergency. Her co-worker was recovering from a leg amputation and Falesha was a great comfort and support during their time of recovery.
Not long after the co-worker returned to visit, Falesha’s sixth sense was buzzing. Something didn’t seem right. Her instincts led her to call the hospital to have someone look at her friend. The same co-worker did indeed need immediate medical attention and Falesha’s actions likely saved his life. Today, Falesha keeps looking for ways to assist her co-worker and friend.
She lives by the Golden Rule and believes a positive atmosphere brings positive results.
If you couldn’t tell Falesha has a wonderful caring heart, and in the words of her contract manager, she’s a tremendous leader. Falesha is someone her team can count on to step up when needed, and lend a helping hand or understanding ear.
She is unselfish and truly cares for others, and her fellow co-workers have learned valuable habits from her.
Susan Smith
Our next AbilityOne Spotlight honoree is Susan Smith… who lives by the proverb: “don’t put off tomorrow what you can do today.”
Susan is one of DRTC’s custodians at Tinker Air Force Base, and her dedication and integrity are on display daily. Her contract manager described Susan as selfless— recalling a time Susan clocked back in after leaving work early so she could finish her responsibilities in support of the mission at Tinker Air Force Base. Customers on Base also recognize her work. They’ve praised her attention to detail and efforts in ensuring their buildings really shine.
Susan says her work is very important and her customers always come first. DRTC and Susan are proud to support the mission at Tinker Air Force Base every day.
Susan’s commitment to her work is evident to others and is why she’s being recognized as our second AbilityOne Spotlight honoree.
Employment Services Spotlight
DRTC’s Employment Services Program serves as another pathway to workplaces for people living with disabilities to achieve their employment goals. Employment Consultants work one-on-one with job seekers to learn about their skills and interests, providing assistance as needed through the application, interview and onboarding process. Successfully transitioning into employment is worthy of celebration all of the time, and our Employment Services Spotlight Honoree is no exception.
Sergio Martinez
Sergio Martinez loves working at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art and goes to great lengths to make sure museum guests have the best possible experience.
One example was when Sergio provided a guided tour in Spanish for a family of visitors to the Museum. Sergio’s action that day helped create a memorable experience for those guests. Sergio loves being around other people and connecting with them, adding their job allows them to build and maintain independence.
Sergio is reliable and dependable and has a positive attitude that is simply infectious. They are also a good example for new team members at the museum, and challenges themself to improve every day. Through their job, Sergio feels they are making a useful contribution to the lives of others.
Employer of the Year
Th Employer of the Year award is given to a company that has consistently made great strides to recognize the benefits of hiring people with disabilities.
Petra Industries
Petra Industries has partnered with DRTC since 2008, and is the most consistent customer of the Production Center during that time. Every individual on the main campus has worked on Petra jobs, and the company trusts DRTC to meet its needs for accessory kitting and fulfillment.
DRTC appreciates the long-term partnership of Petra Industries… and looks forward to continued success in the years to come!
Congratulations to Petra Industries for being named DRTC’s Ability At Work Employer of the Year!
