Success Stories

Vincent Garcia

Vincent Garcia graduated from UCLA in 2017 and spent nine months searching for a full-time job, before landing a 16 hour per week internship. In 2018, Vincent participated in Integrate’s Employer Connect program with Warner Brothers. In April 2019, he was one of four individuals hired into full-time project roles for 12-18 months in Warner Brothers Global Technology division, and in August 2020 hired as a full-time Engineer in Automation for Warner Media. During his time as a Project Hire Vincent led a team of six co-workers in Warner Brothers’ annual Hackathon.

Working with Integrate helped me be successful in finding employment by connecting me with neurodivergent-friendly companies. The representatives at Integrate took the time to guide me through the interview process which was key to making a great first impression. My management and I were quickly able to come to an understanding of our responsibilities and expectations with the help of Integrate.

Vincent Garcia
Automation Engineer, Warner Media

 

Michelle Charest

Michelle Charest first came to Integrate in 2016 when she was a student at Purchase College (SUNY), participating in our Employer Connect program. Graduating in May of 2017, she found employment the following year working part-time at a local independent movie theater. Integrate maintained contact with Michelle and in 2020 invited her to apply for a full-time, six-month role at Prudential Financial. Michelle was hired by Prudential, and started in early 2021, as one of five contractors on their Defined Benefits Operations team. An exceptional contributor, Michelle’s assignment was extended from six months to a year. Continuing to be an asset, Michelle was invited to apply for and hired into a full-time permanent position in September of this year where she continues to excel and has been chosen to provide support and training for new hires as well.

Integrate’s Employer Connect program provided a supportive and structured setting for me to gain interview experience and networking skills. After completing the program, I stayed in touch with Integrate and they continued to support me with further guidance and potential opportunities, including one that led to my current position as a Defined Contribution Benefit Associate at Prudential Insurance. Integrate actively works with employers to advise them on approaches to successfully onboard, train and retain autistic employees. Knowing that my employer has this awareness gives me the confidence to fully engage with my team and perform to the best of my ability.

Michelle Charest
Defined Contribution Benefit Associate, Prudential

Elissa Ball

Elissa Ball graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2009 and struggled to find appropriate, full-time employment. In 2012, she began working as a tutor for Kaplan Test Prep, helping students prepare for the SAT’s and ACT’s, and spent seven years with Kaplan. In 2018, Elissa participated in Integrate’s Employer Connect program. In 2020, Elissa was one of several individuals Integrate presented to the Simons Foundation for a variety of internship opportunities. She was hired for a 12 week internship as a Data Analyst with SPECTRUM News, a publication of the Simons Foundation, and extended for an additional month to participate in ongoing projects. During her time at SPECTRUM News, Elissa had two articles published under her own byline.

Integrate helped me find a place where I was successful. I wish more organizations had the level of expertise, high expectations, heart and professionalism that Integrate does.

Elissa Ball

 

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