Quintanna’s Journey: Finding Confidence One Step at a Time

When asked what she is most proud of, Quintanna doesn’t hesitate for long.

“Being confident, brave, and independent,” she says.

Those three words say a lot about Quintanna and the goals she continues working toward.

For the past five years, Quintanna has worked at Marshalls, where she has gained valuable workplace experience and demonstrated her dedication as an employee. Through Compass’s employment support, she secured her position and continues developing skills that will help her reach her future career goals. One day, she hopes to return to an office environment, where she can build on the administrative experience she gained before the pandemic.

Outside of work, Quintanna enjoys staying active and making time for the things she loves. She likes playing basketball, bowling, swimming, going to the gym, traveling, attending concerts and plays, listening to music, watching television, completing crossword puzzles and word finds, and practicing meditation. She also dreams of appearing in a commercial one day, another opportunity to challenge herself and try something new.

Quintanna also uses her voice to support others in her community. She serves as Co-Chair of the Adults with Developmental Disabilities Citizen’s Advisory Committee (ADDCAC), where she helps inform the community about resources available to people with developmental disabilities. She was inspired to join the committee because she wanted to learn more and gain knowledge that could help others.

Another experience that has helped Quintanna build her confidence is Toastmasters, an organization that helps people strengthen their public speaking and leadership skills. There, she delivered a speech titled Get Up and Get Moving about Special Olympics. Speaking in front of an audience can be intimidating, but Quintanna took on the challenge and used the experience to become a more confident communicator.

For Quintanna, independence means being able to take care of herself, manage everyday responsibilities, and do more on her own. Those goals continue to motivate her both at work and in her personal life.

When asked what advice she would give someone who is working toward becoming more confident and independent, Quintanna keeps it simple:

“Keep believing in yourself and surround yourself around positive people.”

It’s advice that reflects Quintanna’s own journey. Whether she is taking on responsibilities at work, speaking in front of an audience, advocating for others, or trying something outside of her comfort zone, she continues working toward the three things she said she is most proud of: being confident, brave, and independent.