Join us in congratulating John Koigi and Deng Kong for being selected as the 2019 Lighthouse Employees of the Year. They were chosen by their peers and will represent the Lighthouse at the National Industries for the Blind Conference and Expo in Washington, D.C. later this year.
2019 Employee of the Year Deng Kong
Deng is the 2019 Indirect Labor Employee of the Year. She is the receptionist and office assistant and has been a mainstay at the Lighthouse for 19 years. Working at the front desk, Deng is the first face people see when they visit. She demonstrates to visitors and employees that the Lighthouse is a place where every person is encouraged and given the tools to succeed.
“Being at the Lighthouse has provided me with meaningful employment, which leads to self-confidence and the ability to live independently. I practice the Lighthouse values of communication, accountability, confidentiality, respect, and training every day at work and in my personal life,” she said.
2019 Employee of the Year John Koigi
John is a Set-Up Specialist Sr. Defense. He was chosen as the 2019 Raymond W. Haman Direct Labor Employee of the Year. Prior to working at the Lighthouse, John worked at a convenience store. After a bullet narrowly missed his face during a robbery, he decided it was time for a change. He came to the Lighthouse with no prior experience in machinery. In three short years, he is now training to become a department lead and is enrolled in the Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship program.
John now owns a home and is proud to be able to provide for his wife and three children. “I love coming to work every day. I enjoy the community and camaraderie. At the Lighthouse, I have the opportunity to fulfill my family’s dreams and retire proudly.”
Congratulations to John and Deng!
