Elizabeth Starin’s story at Peckham, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities, is a testament to resilience, growth, and the life-changing power of opportunity. From her pre-Peckham days as a fast-food worker and bank teller to her current role as a receiving supervisor in Peckham’s 3PL (third-party logistics) line of business, Elizabeth’s journey showcases how Peckham fosters upward mobility and personal development for its team members and opens doors for those with their eye on a staff position.
Elizabeth joined Peckham’s Charlotte manufacturing facility after a friend’s recommendation. Despite having no prior experience sewing, let alone the exacting work needed to sew military garments, she discovered she had a knack for the skilled craft. “I didn’t realize I was good at it,” she recalls. Her talent shone through as she mastered the production line, became a team lead, and trained others. She spent some time at the Lansing facility to learn new garment techniques, then returned to Charlotte to teach her team, ensuring quality standards for military contracts. Her impact extended to Flint, where she earned Patagonia’s approval by training staff and certifying stitching processes.
Peckham’s structure empowered Elizabeth to explore diverse roles. After a brief stint with another employer, she returned to sew on Peckham’s Green Jacket line, then advanced to team lead, trainer, and eventually a level four master craftsman certified by the Labor and Board division. As if that wasn’t enough, she took the initiative to create training videos, collaborated with design teams, and even trained with mechanics to support maintenance tasks.
But wait, there’s more.
Her then-vocational service specialist, Kat Thompson, encouraged Elizabeth to pursue the laundry supervisor role, a leap that broadened her skills. Her versatility led her to supervise three departments in Peckham’s Organizational Clothing Individual Equipment operations — shipping, receiving, and assembly. Her drive and ambition led to 3PL and her current role: receiving supervisor and forklift trainer.
Elizabeth’s disability — depression — informs her daily approach to work. “I base my performance on how I did that day with my disability,” she explains. “If I’m giving 100% for where I’m at, I’m proud.” This self-compassion, paired with Peckham’s support, has been crucial. Over the years, she completed 168 classes through Peckham, with a standout lesson in understanding she can’t control others’ actions. This mindset shift bolstered her confidence and leadership.
Peckham’s culture of opportunity and forgiveness has been pivotal. “They give you the chance to fail, learn, and grow,” Elizabeth says. Peckham’s programs, from certifications to leadership training, provided the tools she needed. “If I wasn’t at Peckham, I probably wouldn’t be in a supervisor position,” she admits. “They gave me structure and support.” Elizabeth’s story demonstrates Peckham’s mission: to unlock potential for people with disabilities. Her advocacy for self-empowerment — “If you don’t ask, you won’t know” — mirrors the organization’s ethos. With aspirations to become a manager, Elizabeth continues to grow, proving that with the right support, barriers become stepping stones to success.