The IFB Beat 9-15 Edition

A Message from the Editor

Greetings All!

This week’s Beat is packed with fresh updates and exciting news. First, let’s give a warm welcome to our newest teammate, Liliana Sticea, who joined as an Accounts Payable Analyst. We’re thrilled to have her on board!

October is also bringing new ways to connect with leadership through CEO Engagement Opportunities—from breakfast conversations to roundtable lunches and even a chance to have the CEO shadow you on the job. Keep an eye out; you might be next!

We’re also shining the spotlight on Jackeline Irizarry from our Puerto Rico facility, who shares her love of singing and dancing. Don’t miss her story!

And in Programs, our S.E.E. kids wrapped up with a celebratory brunch—reflecting on past successes and looking ahead with confidence and courage.

Finally, don’t miss the Hidden Gems Talent Showcase happening in Raleigh this October. If you or someone you know is ready to take the stage, now is your chance to audition!

Thanks for reading, and as always, thanks for the energy, heart, and talent you bring to IFB every day. Who knows—you might be the next one in our spotlight!

Quote of the week:

“You don’t have to be perfect, just consistent.”
— Unknown

Thank you for strolling The IFB Beat. See you next week!

Anastasia Powell

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

 

Quick Links:

New this Week

– Welcome to Our New Hire
– Engagement Opportunities with the CEO in October
– Employee Spotlight: Featuring Jackeline Irizarry – Puerto Rico Facility
– IFB Programs Update: Looking Back
– Winston-Salem Facility Support Groups
– Community Low Vision Center Updates

From Our Community

– Hidden Gems Talent Showcase

HR and Opportunities

– Job Opportunities

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

 

Welcome to Our New Hire

A photo of Accounts Payable Analyst Liliana Sticea

We’re excited to announce that we had a talented individual start with us on Tuesday, Sept. 2: Liliana Sticea, Accounts Payable Analyst under the supervision of Maria Hurtado. Please join us in welcoming Liliana to the team!

 

Engagement Opportunities with the CEO Begin in October

Headshot of Dan Kelly

We’re excited to launch new opportunities that connect employees with leadership and strengthen our workplace culture.

Breakfast with the CEO

A quarterly breakfast where new hires meet the CEO, hear about IFB’s mission and vision, and build early engagement with leadership. The first session kicks off in October, welcoming employees hired between June and August.

CEO Roundtable

A monthly small-group lunch bringing together employees from different departments. The CEO will lead open discussions on company culture, challenges, growth ideas, and lessons learned. Participants will rotate each month to ensure diverse perspectives.

Employee Shadowing

Each month, one employee will be selected for the CEO to shadow for an hour. This hands-on experience gives the CEO insight into daily responsibilities and a closer look at the employee experience.

Get ready: October is just the start! You never know if you’ll be the one sharing breakfast, trading ideas over lunch, or having the CEO shadow you at your work area. Stay tuned; your name might be next!

Employee Spotlight: Featuring Jackeline Irizarry – Puerto Rico Facility

Welcome to the Employee Spotlight! Each week, we celebrate the incredible individuals who make IFB thrive. This week, we’re excited to feature Jackeline Irizarry.

a photo of IFB employee Jackeline Irizarry (Puerto Rico facility)

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I grew up in San Germán, Puerto Rico.

Q: How long have you been with IFB, and what brought you to the organization?
A: I’ve been with IFB for 4 years. I was first recruited when IFB Solutions expanded into Mayagüez, Puerto Rico.

Q: Do you have any fun facts or hidden talents you’d like to share?
A: I’m a soprano chorister, and I also love to dance.

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: I enjoy handcrafting and supporting my son in basketball.

Q: What’s your all-time favorite food or meal?
A: Beef steak with white rice and pink beans. It’s my favorite comfort meal.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: I really enjoy the diversity of the work I get to do, especially within operations.

Q: What’s a quote or piece of advice you’d give to a friend?
A: My advice would be to avoid problems or difficult situations with others whenever possible.

Special thanks to Gladymar Aponte (Quintana), Human Resources Representative/Recruiter, for supporting these highlights. Who knows? You might be next in the spotlight! Stay tuned, and thanks for reading.

 

IFB Programs Update: Looking Back on S.E.E. Adventures

Participants in the Western NC Braille Challenge pose with Kim Schoffner Everyone standing in front of the Blue Whale Skeleton.

Everyone gathered around at the beeping egg hunt S.E.E. students and leaders pose in front of "congratulations, you escaped 57:07" sign SEE Instructor Ms. Kim with miniature donkey

The S.E.E. kids and staff enjoyed brunch together at Golden Corral for the end of Programs. Looking back brought up good times to remember, and looking forward reminded everyone that they have the confidence to try and succeed, go with the flow, and believe they can achieve.

 

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

Support Group Meetings:

  • Tuesday, Sept. 16 — Veteran support group meeting from 12-1 p.m. in TADS Room
  • Thursday, Sept. 18 — On the Spectrum support group meeting from 12-1 p.m. in TADS Room

 

Community Low Vision Center Updates

Flexible cutting mats available at the CLVC

CLVC Item of the Week: Cutting Mats, Cut & Slice, Flexible for $5.95

Shape It! Bend It! Funnel It! Who said cooking has to be boring? Have fun with it!

If you have questions or are interested in any of the weekly items, please contact your local CLVC for assistance.

 

From Our Community

Hidden Gems Talent Showcase

Submitted by Insightful Visionaries

Event Date: Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025
Time: 3–5 p.m. (Showtime)
Location: 3634 Capital Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27604
(Hollytree Harrispark Shopping Center – rear entrance)

Virtual Audition Call

Ready to shine? The Hidden Gems Talent Showcase is calling singers and musicians to the stage!

  • Submit a 2–5 minute audition video with your name and contact information to admin@insightfulvisionaries.org by Sept. 30.
  • Selected performers will be notified by Oct. 5.
  • Important: There is no charge to audition. Ticket charges only apply to those attending the show as supporters.
  • 🎤 Grand Prize: $100 awarded to the competition winner!

Tickets

  • $10 per person
  • $5 per child under 12

For questions contact
📞 Phone: 919-890-0117
📧 Email: thegatheringspace3634@gmail.com

 

HR & Opportunities

 

Job Opportunities

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