Becca Hinckley is an occupational communication specialist (OCS) with Rise’s MEC program in Moorhead and works with people who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing. Her nominator says she has “consistently shown flexibility and creativity in her work. She is highly adaptable to changing situations and resourceful in finding solutions for the people she supports, and actively engages employers and co-workers to develop trust and natural supports on the job. Becca goes out of her way to ensure the person she’s supporting has maximum supports in place and sets her people up for success in big ways.”

For instance, Becca recently supported someone starting a new job in a location almost two hours away from her office. She drove there and back every day for a week to support the person through the transition to her new job. While on the job site, Becca worked tirelessly with the employer to provide resources, education and accommodation recommendations for successful interaction with their new employee. The employer indicated to Becca that they actually had just hired another Deaf worker and asked if Becca could step in and support that person also. Becca willingly took on support of this second person without thinking twice. She has been out there several times since that first week, and has been a steady and reliable support both for the employee and for the employer.

Becca has incredible initiative. She works in Greater Minnesota supporting a very large geographical area all on her own. She is independent and resourceful, and frequently comes to me with ideas about how to improve supports out there. She also sets up meetings with community partners and referral sources without needing to be told to. She identifies important and useful connections and works to develop an awareness of our program wherever she goes.

Becca came to work shortly after graduating with a degree in American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation. “I really enjoy working at MEC because it’s a one of a kind program that supports D/DB/HH individuals in the community. It’s a great team and we are always learning new ways to support each other as team members and learning new ways to better support the individuals who are requesting our services. I like being in the community and seeing people I support be successful and independent in their career choice.”

In her free time, Becca enjoys spending time with her family and playing with her dog Nelli and two cats, Buddy and Tiggs. She also enjoys hiking and camping in different state or national parks.