Inclusion and allyship are essential in creating a supportive and welcoming workplace for employees with disabilities. Mackenna, who started as an Intern and quickly worked her way into an Account Support Representative at Enterprise Mobility, tells us about her experience living with a hearing and speech disability and the support she has received from her team and leadership. Here, she shares valuable insights into what colleagues can do to help eliminate barriers to inclusion, as well as her favorite aspects of working at Enterprise Mobility.
What do you want others to understand about your disability and its impact on your life?
Although it may seem that I am able to hear and speak well, I have to make a conscious effort to pay close attention to speakers when they talk. This can be exhausting because I constantly feel like I need to have my brain on to stay engaged. By the end of the day, my speech tends to become slurred because when I'm tired, it’s difficult to focus on the things I'm not strong in, like my speech.
What are some barriers to inclusion that others can help eliminate?
When someone thinks I did not hear something that they or another co-worker said, I encourage them to pull me into a private meeting or message me. It can feel discouraging when someone gets frustrated that I didn’t hear what they tried to tell me. Sometimes when I ask them to clarify, they brush it off and say never mind. This frustrates me because I want to be mindful of what others are trying to tell me and be able to have conversations. If you see me trying to decipher what you’re trying to say just message me and let’s carry on the conversation.
What initially attracted you to Enterprise Mobility?
I lived my whole life in auto body shops. My dad owned his own mechanic shop for over 40 years, and I watched him work on cars, build his own vehicles, and much more. He even built me a go-kart from scratch when I was five years old! Did I crash it into every fence and tree I could find? Yes. However, my dad always told me that he didn’t want me in the automotive industry because it would be too dangerous. While in college, I created a LinkedIn profile for one of my classes, which led to a job at Enterprise Mobility. Sarah, a Talent Acquisition Specialist, contacted me and encouraged me to apply for an internship. I applied to the job and got it! I drove to my dad’s nursing home to share the news with him as soon as I found out. I was so excited that I was able to find a loophole to get into the automotive industry. Even if it’s not exactly what my dad did, I still feel closer to him because of it. He was so proud when I told him the news. I ended up piloting a program in which interns start at the airport as part of the “best of the best” program and then transition to a home city location.
What sets the organization apart as an employer?
Finding reasonable accommodations has been a struggle for me at other companies. When my role with Enterprise Mobility moved from the airport to a home city location, I was anxious about answering phone calls due to my disability. However, my Generalist Manager, Gina, quickly put my worries at ease. She knew I had a disability and proactively reached out to me and asked if there was anything she could do to assist me. I mentioned a closed caption phone but forgot to follow up with her due to the volume of emails and reservations at that branch. A week later, I was surprised to receive an email from Gina informing me that I could expect my new device in a few weeks. She went above and beyond to research and provide the accommodation I needed. This showed me that the organization values its employees and is committed to helping us succeed. I have experienced this level of commitment from both my current and previous teams. I will always be grateful to Gina for being the first person to ever go above and beyond for me like that.
What do you like the most about your job?
Developing camaraderie with the team is my favorite aspect of the job as it's fun to get to know each other! I also love helping customers, and when they show their appreciation, it makes me feel like I did my job well and provided a smooth experience for them.
How has your team and leadership supported you during your career at Enterprise Mobility?
My team and leadership have been supportive by providing me with the necessary tools to succeed. For instance, both teams that I have worked on have provided closed caption phones and phone systems. Whenever I’ve indicated that I need additional accommodations to perform my job effectively, management has been more than willing to help me obtain the necessary support.
What advice would you give someone with a disability interviewing at Enterprise Mobility?
Although it may feel intimidating, I encourage you to take that step and interview at Enterprise Mobility! The company is accommodating and welcoming to all employees. My experience working at Enterprise has been nothing but positive. Whether you're working at a branch or remotely, you can trust that Enterprise Mobility will prioritize accommodating your unique needs. The company will go the extra mile to ensure that you have the resources you need to thrive in your role.
