Empowering Possibilities
Stories of growth, belonging and possibility at Laradon.
15 Years.
One Dream Job.
And She’s Just Getting Started.
This Is Where I Belong.
It’s a bustling Thursday morning at Denver International Airport. Lines wrap around corners at security, tired travelers wait at baggage claim and the terminal hums with frantic energy.
Some passengers march toward their gates with wide smiles, eagerly embarking on their next great adventure. Others trudge through running on no sleep, feeling the weight of a long travel day.
On any given day, more than 225,000 passengers cross through DIA. But only a lucky few will run into Julie.
With her ponytail pulled tight and high and a bright, welcoming smile on her face, Julie takes her spot at her podium every Thursday and Friday. She stands ready to ensure every passenger’s luggage makes it safely to its next destination.
15 Years of Growth
Julie has been working at DIA for the past 15 years. She started her career pushing wheelchairs to and from the gates, but over the years, she worked her way up to baggage tagging.
Julie hasn’t just been maintaining a job. She has been advancing in her career, taking on new leadership roles and handling one of the highest-stress environments in the country like an absolute pro.
That workplace confidence didn’t happen by accident. It was nurtured through Laradon’s Employment Program, which empowers adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to find meaningful careers where they can truly thrive.
Grace Under Pressure
As holiday travel ramps up and the airport fills to capacity, Julie frequently interacts with frustrated, tired or angry passengers. While it would be easy to snap back at someone being rude, that is simply not Julie’s style. She meets friction with grace and professionalism.
Julie knows that no matter how hectic the airport gets, Angela is always just a quick phone call or text away.
“My co-workers have my back, and I always have theirs.”
For Julie, DIA has become more than a workplace. It is a community.
A Team That Has Her Back
Every day when Julie clocks in, she makes it a priority to greet her teammates, check in on how they are doing and share her signature smile.
New Responsibilities
Recently, Julie’s dedication was rewarded with an exciting new responsibility: managing company paycheck distribution on Fridays.
Julie sits in her office and waits for her co-workers to come in. They sign by their names, and she helps them get their direct deposit started.
For many people, 15 years at the same bustling airport might feel like a lifetime. But for Julie, it’s just the beginning.
“This is my dream job. I want to work here until I retire.”
As Julie clocks out of her shift, waves goodbye to the co-workers who have become family and boards the bus home, she smiles to herself. She knows she made a real impact today, doing exactly what she loves.
Open Doors for Workers Like Julie
This October, celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month by supporting Laradon’s Employment Program. Your generosity helps adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities open doors through job coaching, resume building, interview preparation, workplace support and career growth.
Help Make More Possible
