ReEmployAbility is always excited to celebrate with our employees for their accomplishments big and small. This year we have one BIG accomplishment from our CRM Solution Architect & IT Manager Abby Torres!

Abby & her daughters, Lily (10) and Lucy (4)

We are thrilled to recognize her for graduating Cum Laude with her Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Systems from Mississippi State and earning her Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) and Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) certificates.

Abby has been diligently working on all three while working full-time and raising her two daughters, Lily and Lucy, with her husband Ricardo.

The Torres family lives in Columbus, Mississippi where Ricardo is stationed as a Captain in the Air Force. Partly due to their military assignments, Abby has attended four different colleges in three different states to complete her degree.

Abby has been on the ReEmployAbility team since 2010, starting as a Data Entry Temp. She grew in the role as ReEmployAbility grew and learned everything she could about CRM when the office transitioned to the new software. She quickly became an indispensable source of knowledge for CRM. She knew exactly how to evaluate processes and recommend solutions for the whole team to be more efficient and provide the best service possible.

L to R: Co-Founder Frances Ford, Abby Torres, and CEO Debra Livingston in 2012

“Abby grew with us,” said CEO Debra Livingston. “As the business grew, Abby made sure to learn the technology we were using inside and out. We wouldn’t be where we are today without her passion, drive, and dedication to ReEmployAbility’s mission. She led us to where we are today and I’m delighted to celebrate this milestone with her.”

Abby is being promoted to Director of IT/CRM Architect for her dedication to both her career and ReEmployAbility. We look forward to having her grow the IT team in her new role.

We sat down with Abby to reflect on her journey with ReEmployAbility.


What has been your favorite part about working at ReEmployAbility?


A: The hardest question first, I see! There are so many things I love about working for ReEmployAbility, it’s difficult to pick a favorite. The family atmosphere, the positive energy, the inspiring leadership, and the opportunity to do what I love every day are just a few of my favorite parts about working here.

Above all, I think knowing that my work and contribution is making a difference – on my team, the business, our clients and ultimately our communities – always gives me a reason to continue learning and striving to be better and do better every day.
 

How would you describe the corporate culture?


A: The first word that comes to mind when I think of ReEmployAbility’s corporate culture is empowering. At ReEmployAbility, our values are centered on the idea that everyone is capable of contributing something – to their communities, to their jobs, to their families. We focus on ability rather than disability, as we strive every day to bring out the best of our own abilities and those of our team members. The positivity is contagious – even from hundreds of miles away.
 

You’re a remote employee due to being a military spouse. Where was your favorite place to live? Any places you’d love to be stationed in the future?


A: So far, our military assignments have only moved us to Columbus, Mississippi. It’s a small town, but it has been a great place to raise my daughters and bloom where we were planted. Our next move is to Tucson, Arizona this summer. After Tucson, who knows! The unknown is an adventure that we’ve grown to love.
 

What is something about you that people would be surprised to know?


A: One thing that might be surprising is I grew up in a rural lobstering town in Maine. My grandfather owned a shipyard and my earliest memories are of playing in the warehouse with my sister and swinging on the swings next to the ships. Lobster traps and ocean breeze will always hold a special place in my heart.


The Torres Family visiting Abby’s childhood home in Maine

Congratulations Abby!