The IFB Beat 5-18 Edition

A Message from the Editor

As we head into Memorial Day weekend, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We hope everyone has a safe and meaningful holiday as we reflect on their service and courage.

This week’s IFB Beat is filled with exciting updates across the organization, including our upcoming Winston-Salem General Assembly, employee recognitions and promotions, training achievements, low vision clinic opportunities, community events, and important safety reminders. We are also excited to continue celebrating the incredible people who make IFB Solutions strong through our Employee Spotlight series.

As always, thank you for all you do to support our mission and one another. Your dedication continues to make a difference every day.

Quote of the week:

“When everyone belongs, everyone succeeds.” — Unknown

Thank you for strolling the Beat. See you next week!

Anastasia Powell

IFB Solutions Communications Manager
apowell@ifbsolutions.org | 336-245-5698

 

Quick Links:

New this Week

– Holiday Closure Update
– Winston Salem Facility: May 19 General Assembly
– Welcome to Our New Team Members
– Promotion Announcement: Brianna Glover
– Safety Update
– The IFB Beat Sunday Evening Text Update
– Schedule Your Low Vision Exam
– Braille and JAWS Training Update
– Employee Spotlight Featuring Desiree Alsopp, BSC (ONI) Team
– Winston-Salem Facility Support Groups
– Meetings for the Week

From Our Community

– NFB Second Chance Prom: Ready to Relive the Magic?

HR & Opportunities

– Job Opportunities

IFB Beat Phone Lines
Support Group Zoom Meeting Links
Archived Editions of The IFB Beat

 

Holiday Closure Update

In observance of Memorial Day, IFB Solutions will be closed on Monday, May 25, as we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country.

We are grateful for their courage, dedication, and service. We hope everyone has a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.
 

Winston-Salem Facility: May 19 General Assembly

There will be a general assembly meeting held on the manufacturing floor of the Winston-Salem facility on Tuesday, May 19 at 3:15 p.m. We’re looking forward to presenting employee of the month awards for February, March, and April. There will be updates from HR and remarks from Dan Kelly, President and CEO.

Supervisors, please be sure to shut down all equipment, fans and other things that contribute to noise on the manufacturing floor promptly at 3:15 p.m. If your workspace is not close to the central offices (outside Travis Guerra and Edward Sykes’ doors), please move closer to ensure you can hear. Any office administration working in the building, your presence will be appreciated. Thank you.
 

Welcome to Our New Team Members!

We are excited to introduce our newest team members who have recently joined the Workforce Services Division:

  • Marcia Simms
  • Sheryl Glover
  • Jolinda Dickens
  • Jessica Lopez

Please join us in welcoming them to the team, and we look forward to their contributions and success!

 

Promotion Announcement: Brianna Glover

Congratulations to Brianna “Bri” Glover on her promotion to Winston-Salem HR Receptionist. In her role, Bri serves as an administrative assistant, often called the “Director of First Impressions,” where she welcomes visitors and supports the HR team with professionalism and care.

Bri joined IFB 13 months ago as a sewing machine operator on the manufacturing floor. Her strong work ethic and commitment to growth quickly set her apart, opening the door to this new opportunity within the organization.

Bri’s journey to IFB is one of resilience and determination. After developing traumatic glaucoma later in life due to an injury, she experienced significant vision loss that made it difficult to maintain employment and find an employer willing to provide the accommodations she needed. Refusing to give up, Bri attended the Louisiana Center for the Blind, where she completed vocational rehabilitation training and is now a proud alumna.

She first learned about IFB through a former employee and later explored the organization further after attending a seminar and career fair in Washington, DC. Inspired by its mission, she applied and hasn’t looked back since.

With the support of accommodations such as JAWS screen reader software and Braille materials and by taking advantage of training opportunities like Braille classes, Bri has continued to build her skills and confidence. Today, she plays a key role in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for employees and guests alike.

For Bri, employment means far more than a job. It represents independence, stability and the ability to provide for her 10-year-old daughter, whom she describes as “the beat of my heart.” Outside of work, she enjoys reading, crafting, shopping and traveling.

Bri’s story is a powerful example of perseverance and the impact of opportunity. Her journey from the manufacturing floor to the front office reflects both her dedication and the possibilities that come with an inclusive workplace.

 

Safety Update

At IFB Solutions, ensuring a safe workplace isn’t just a priority, it’s a vital commitment to our team’s well-being and the integrity of our operations. We’ve implemented safety protocols because everyone’s safety matters deeply to us.

From the moment you step onto our campus, safety guidelines are in place to protect you and your colleagues. It starts with awareness—be mindful of your surroundings while walking around the campus, and don’t hesitate to report any suspicious activity. Our strict access control measures are designed with your safety in mind: all tours must be scheduled and led by an IFB tour guide, and visitors are required to check in at the front lobby to ensure we are aware of everyone in the building. Please do not allow entry to individuals without proper identification, such as UPS delivery personnel, former employees or friends. Additionally, never leave doors propped open unattended. This not only safeguards against unauthorized entry but also protects the sensitive nature of our operations and the products we manufacture.

Why are these measures so critical? Firstly, for general safety reasons—the world presents unforeseen risks, and precaution is our best defense. Secondly, our government contracts demand stringent security to protect access and maintain the highest standards of confidentiality. Lastly, our community includes visually impaired individuals who are particularly vulnerable, making it imperative to prevent unauthorized access.

Failure to comply with these safety guidelines isn’t just about following rules—it’s about preventing potential harm to yourself, your colleagues and the integrity of our mission. Violations are taken seriously, with disciplinary actions enforced to uphold our commitment to a secure environment. Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe.

 

The IFB Beat Sunday Evening Text Update

A few weeks ago, Blackboard implemented a system update that has affected the distribution of the Sunday evening text to all IFB employees. Angela Jordan, who manages Blackboard on our end, is currently working with their team to resolve the issue. We’re hopeful it will be fixed soon.

 

Appointments Available for Low Vision Employees: Schedule Your Low Vision Exam

Time for your yearly exam? Need an updated eye report for your records? Well, the upcoming June clinic is a great opportunity to be seen by a low vision specialist.

The discounted employee cost for the exam is $40.

Clinic dates & locations:

  • Asheville Low Vision Clinic— Wednesday, June 3
    Dr. Quilla
  • Winston-Salem Low Vision Clinic— Thursday, June 4
    Dr. Street

To schedule an appointment, please have your supervisor contact the appropriate location:

  • Asheville: Grant Weathers — 828-761-2468
  • Winston-Salem: Charity Hampton — 336-245-5672

You may also email: lowvision@ifbsolutions.org
 

Braille and JAWS Training Update

Congratulations to Glen Pinkard and Julian Morales for successfully completing Basic JAWS training! Through this training, they have developed foundational screen reader and keyboard navigation skills that will support greater independence in the workplace, at home, and in everyday life. JAWS (Job Access With Speech) is an adaptive technology that provides audio access to computers and digital information, helping individuals who are blind or visually impaired navigate tasks related to work, leisure, and life with greater confidence and efficiency.

Congratulations also to Tracy Gould for successfully completing Uncontracted Braille training. Tracy can now use Braille skills for labeling, writing notes, organizing personal items, and completing many other independent living tasks. Braille literacy opens the door to increased independence, communication, and access to information. Tracy’s next step will be beginning the exciting journey of learning Contracted Braille to further expand her reading and writing skills.
 

Employee Spotlight Featuring Desiree Alsopp, BSC (ONI) Team

Desiree Alsopp

Welcome to the Employee Spotlight. Each week, we celebrate the incredible individuals who make IFB thrive. This week, we are excited to feature Desiree Alsopp.

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I grew up in Guyana and came to the United States on February 23, 2001.

Q: How long have you been at IFB, and what brought you to the organization?
A: I have been with IFB for 18 years and 10 months. What brought me to IFB was the opportunity for visually impaired and blind individuals to have meaningful employment.

Q: Do you have any fun facts or hidden talents you’d like to share?
A: I love spending time with my family, going to church and talking with my friends.

What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: I enjoy fashion, dancing, business and taking vacations with my family.

Q: What’s your all-time favorite food or meal?
A: My favorite foods are pepper pot and bread.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: What I enjoy most about working at IFB is interacting daily with customers and my team members.

Q: What’s a quote or word of advice you’d give to a friend?
A: Be good, kind, patient and understanding. Most of all, show love because love conquers everything.

Special thanks to Base Supply Center Manager, ONI/NMIC, Kim Jackson, for supporting these highlights. Who knows? You might be next in the spotlight! Stay tuned, and thanks for reading.

 

Winston-Salem Facility Support Groups

If you’re interested in attending a support group, please review the update here: https://ifbsolutions.org/the-ifb-beat-12-16-edition/#two-d
 

Meetings for the Week

Tuesday, May 19 Veterans support group meeting from 12–1 p.m. in TADS Room

Thursday, May 21 On The Spectrum support group meeting from 12–1 p.m. in TADS Room

 

From Our Community

NFB Second Chance Prom: Ready to Relive the Magic?

Submitted by Angela Hanes, Forsyth Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB)

IFB Solutions is excited to share a special opportunity for employees who are blind or low vision at the Winston-Salem and Clemmons facilities. Thanks to a generous donor from IFB, five lucky employees with your plus one will receive sponsored tickets to attend the NFB Second Chance Prom on Saturday, June 13, including transportation to and from the event.

Hosted by the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), this unforgettable evening promises fun, fellowship, great food, music, and memories that will last a lifetime.

This year’s theme is “A Night of Royalty,” so pull out your favorite purple outfit and get ready to dance the night away. Guests will enjoy music from DJ Mix Match of Oaks 95, a delicious Southern-style dinner, and the chance to win exciting door prizes.

Event Details

  • Saturday, June 13
    7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
  • Hawthorne Inn – Winston-Salem
  • Music by DJ Mix Match
  • Dinner Provided
  • Cash Bar Available

Tickets are valued at $50 each, and IFB Solutions is proud to help sponsor employees for this special evening.

How to Enter

To be considered for a sponsored ticket, please submit a short statement sharing:

  • Why you would like to attend the Second Chance Prom
  • What attending this event would mean to you

Your response can be heartfelt, meaningful, funny, or simply share why you’re excited about the opportunity. We want to hear from you.

Submit your statement by Friday, May 29 to:
mdugan@ifbsolutions.org

Winners will be announced on Monday, June 1.

Whether it’s your chance to dress up, dance the night away, make new memories, or enjoy a special evening with friends or a loved one, we encourage you to apply.

 

HR & Opportunities

Job Opportunities

BSC Store Operations Level I GTMO

Education and Work Experience

  • A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
  • Training while on the job will be provided.

External candidates may apply at

https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/221636

Internal candidates may apply at

https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/221637?jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

 

Senior Manufacturing/CPI Engineer

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in one of the following engineering disciplines: Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial, or related engineering field
  • Minimum of 2–5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment
  • Knowledge of manufacturing processes, production systems, and industrial equipment
  • Experience with Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma methodologies
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills
  • Project Management experience
  • Required to travel as needed.

External candidates may apply at

https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/222154

Internal candidates may apply at

https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/222155?jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

 

In Line Inspector- Asheville

Education and Work Experience

  • A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
  • 1–3 years previous inspection experience preferred.

External candidates may apply at

https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/222180

Internal candidates may apply at

https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/222181?jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

 

 

For all current openings, visit https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs?clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909. For more information, please contact a member of the recruitment team at careers@ifbsolutions.org.

 

IFB Beat Phone Lines

English line: 336-245-5691

Spanish line: 336-245-5663

 

Zoom Meeting Links

Support Group Zoom

https://ifbsolutions.zoom.us/j/86167111929?pwd=G9vSBWcnTFrMHixqb19TpU7q8sQW1N.1

Meeting ID: 861 6711 1929
Passcode: 992614

One tap mobile:
+13126266799,86167111929# US (Chicago)
+16465588656,86167111929# US (New York)
888 475 4499 US Toll-free
877 853 5257 US Toll-free