On an average day, you can walk into a Deseret Industries location and find associates hanging up clothes. But what you may not know at first glance are the inspiring stories behind the faces of those associates. 

Take Joni, for example. She has a sweet smile. But after talking with her, you will discover you are talking with a brave mother of five who is a hero to her family.  

“Some of the customers like to ask me about my life experience, and they are inspired by my story,” Joni says. 

Joni left the Marshall Islands in the Pacific for the United States for two primary reasons: to help her children get an education, and to be sealed to her family in a religious ceremony in a temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Now that she has accomplished these goals, Joni is working at Deseret Industries, where she is enrolled in the job training program. DI’s job training program is unique because it offers associates a chance to gain employment skills and training while also helping them become more self-reliant. 

“I really wanted to work here,” Joni says. “DI is a good place to learn, and it has been really nice because they help me reach my goals.”  

As part of the program, Joni has set a goal to improve her English. She works on the retail floor and has frequent opportunities to talk with and assist customers. 

“I like to push myself...I like to grow,” Joni says. “Working at DI pushes me because I talk to the customers, and I have to open my mouth and talk.”

Joni is also learning other skills through DI, such as cashiering and customer service. By taking full advantage of this learning opportunity, Joni is gaining hands-on experience and is growing daily. 

“When I learn something new, I write it down in my book, and I practice,” Joni says. 

Because she is determined to improve, Joni is proactively growing her skill sets. Her proactivity not only makes Joni more valuable when assisting customers but also a better team member. With her unique life experiences and new skills, Joni has become a valuable and supportive part of her team. 

“I feel like I can work with people, and we support each other,” Joni says. “I like working with my friends.”  

So, the next time you walk into your DI and ask an associate for help, remember that you are talking to a hero in their own story. Visit your local DI to talk to and support your local associates.