We work with people to discover jobs that match their skills and become more independent in their communities. At nVent’s distribution center in Dayton, Minn., Sue Weaver fills dozens of orders each day, making sure shipments go out quickly and correctly. With the support of Rise and her team, she has overcome barriers and embraced her role with enthusiasm.

After a brain injury shortened her career as a nurse, Sue came to Rise nearly 16 years ago. Through Rise’s employment program, she has had several supportive job opportunities, including quality checking at a medical device company and working at a salvage yard. Now Sue, 59, is busy at her job at nVent.

As part of the order fulfillment team, she walks the floor, gathers products, and prepares shipments. Sue’s keen eye for detail is important in making sure electrical supply kits are packed correctly before being sent all over the world. “I do a lot of walking and a lot of filling orders,” she says.

At first, Sue had a hard time focusing and remembering tasks at nVent. “Some days, remembering a job is a miracle,” she shares. With the help of her direct support professional (DSP), Hanna Diaz, she found ways to stay on track and succeed.

Hanna played a key role in working with Sue to learn her job and remember the steps she needed to follow. One of Hanna’s biggest contributions was creating a printed task guide that Sue and her coworkers use every day. “It’s even laminated! Hanna deserves a medal of honor,” Sue jokes.

“Having support on site for memory and repetition makes a big difference. Without that, people like Sue can feel frustrated and discouraged, which can limit their opportunities at work and in their careers,” Hanna explains. Over the years, Sue’s career has evolved, and today, she takes great pride in her work at nVent.

Hanna has seen Sue’s growth firsthand. “I’m very proud of how far you’ve come,” she tells her. While Hanna is still available for support, Sue is empowered to work more independently and take full ownership of her work.

For Sue, work always comes first. “I like to talk to people and I’ve made friends at work, but if there is a big order, mistakes can be made if you’re not focused.” She describes herself as an “over-achiever” who is “very motivated.” She loves being productive, saying, “I like to get work done. I don’t like to stand around.”

Sue’s nVent supervisor Melanie is more than satisfied with her work. “Sue is great. She caught on to everything fast,” Melanie says. “Her personality is awesome. She’s a very pleasant lady.” Rise’s partnership with nVent’s new distribution site has been a huge success. “This crew has been a great asset,” Melanie shares. “It’s worked out great and up-ticked our production.”

When Sue isn’t busy filling orders, she spends time with her dog, an eight-year-old red lab named Cooper. A lifelong athlete, Sue played college tennis on a scholarship and loves running and the outdoors. She’s recently discovered a love for pickleball. “My family—we’re extremely competitive. We’ll dive for the ball!” she says with a laugh.

Looking ahead, Sue hopes to work with dogs, possibly doing training, walking, or grooming. With her dedication and drive, there’s no doubt she will tackle any new opportunity with the same enthusiasm she brings to nVent every day.