Charles Ansley is an IT professional who turned a life-changing vision loss into a story of resilience and ambition. After losing his sight in 2019 due to complications from high blood pressure and glaucoma, Charles refused to let his disability define his future. Through NSITE’s vocational programs, he completed the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) training and is preparing for certification to launch a career in network engineering and cybersecurity. He now inspires others who are blind, proving that with determination and hard work, there are no limits to what can be achieved.

Losing vision unexpectedly can feel like life as you know it has come to a sudden stop, but for Charles Ansley, it became the catalyst for a powerful new beginning. After experiencing sudden sight loss in 2019 due to high blood pressure and glaucoma, Charles faced the challenge of raising his teenage son while also reimagining his career and personal goals.

In this episode, Charles shares how he rediscovered his passion for IT, enrolled in NSITE’s Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) program, and mastered tools like JAWS and NVDA to pursue a career in network engineering and cybersecurity. He explains how the program’s instructor-led, accessible training created a sense of community and provided him with the confidence and technical skills to succeed.

Drawing from his own journey, Charles reflects on the mindset shift that helped him see beyond limitations and become a role model for other people who are blind, low vision, or visually impaired. His story proves that, with perseverance, adaptive technology, and the right support system, barriers can turn into possibilities and independence can be redefined.

Mary Jane Surrago is assistant secretary emeritus of the Board of Directors for National Industries for the Blind (NIB), a nonprofit that creates and sustains employment for people who are blind, low vision, or visually impaired. She retired in February 2025 after 50 years of service and received NIB’s highest honor, the R.B. Irwin Award. Over her career, Mary Jane held leadership roles in administration, governance, communications, and rehabilitation services. She also authored Empowering People: The Story of National Industries for the Blind, in honor of the organization’s 75th anniversary in 2013.

For many professionals, a long career is defined by titles and achievements. But what does it look like when a career is defined by unwavering dedication to mission and service?

Mary Jane Surrago spent 50 years at National Industries for the Blind (NIB), shaping its communications, governance, and storytelling while supporting its mission to create employment opportunities for people who are blind, low vision, or visually impaired. Along the way, she led milestone initiatives like NIB’s 50th anniversary campaign, authored the organization’s official history, Empowering People, and was recently honored with the R.B. Irwin Award, the highest recognition NIB bestows. Her journey reflects the power of combining professional excellence with a deep commitment to creating an impact.

In this episode of Mission Driven, a special series of the Heard and Empowered podcast, NIB President and CEO Soraya Correa sits down with Mary Jane to reflect on her five decades of service. Together, they explore the lessons learned from a lifetime of leadership, the evolution of NIB’s mission, and the advice Mary Jane offers to those pursuing meaningful, mission-driven careers.

Alexis Flores is the chemical production line lead at LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired in San Francisco, a nonprofit that empowers people who are blind or visually impaired through training, education, and resources. He manages production operations while also taking part in the hands-on manufacturing process. Starting as a production assistant, Alexis learned to operate machinery and adapt processes for accessibility, which led him to a leadership role. Through community support and advocacy groups, he has been inspired to achieve success both professionally and personally.

For Alexis Flores, advocacy isn’t just a role—it’s a calling.

As chemical production line lead at LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired in San Francisco, Alexis has seen firsthand the power of employment to transform lives. Now, he’s using his role as an NIB Advocate for Leadership and Employment to champion broader change—speaking out about the barriers created by SSDI income limits, urging policymakers to expand employment opportunities through the AbilityOne Program, and representing his community on Capitol Hill.

In this episode, Alexis reflects on why advocacy matters, how lived experience shapes his leadership, and what it means to stand up for people who are blind in the workplace and beyond.