Read more about Julia’s story in Two-Minute Break

When Julia began with the company back in April of 2007, she was part of Alltel Communications. Over 15 years, she’s been a part of customer service, technical support, and customer relations. She was also a support coach for new employees and participated in numerous projects and leadership programs prior to her current role as an Outside Sales Analyst in Verizon Business — Government and Federal Accounts.

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How did you end up in Dubai?

My friends got together and decided they wanted to go. Since I’m the travel planner of our group, I immediately went looking for hotel accommodations and airfare. They liked the price, so we booked it and were on our way!

What’s your greatest accomplishment?

Being a mom. When I look at my son and his little personality, I know I have to be doing a good job with him. So I give myself a thumbs up.

What are you passionate about?

Marketing. When I started working at Verizon in customer service, I listened to customers’ feedback on what was presented to them in commercials — plans, phones, things like that. I would look at it and think about what I would have done differently.

Have you ever used any Verizon employee discounts?

Yes, for rental cars, hotel accommodations, and even some theme parks.

What’s the first thing you do on your phone when you’re bored?

TikTok, Facebook, Instagram. If I’m waiting to get an oil change or something, those are definitely my go-tos.

What’s your biggest challenge?

Public speaking. I’ve gotten a lot better, but it’s still nerve-wracking. I tell myself, “OK girl, you’ve got to let that go and get past it if you really want to be successful.”

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When Rachelle Toone, who is part of our Inside Sales team, moved from the Philippines to the United States in 2008, she never imagined how much working at Verizon would change her life.

A love story with ‘Verizon’ written all over it.

When Rachelle made the move she wanted to build a better life for herself and her daughter. Her first full-time job was at a Verizon retail store, a role that led her to meet her future husband Christian Toone (also a Verizon Employee) a few years later. Before long, the couple happily welcomed two more daughters into their family.

Every good story has some difficult chapters.

It’s never easy to have two children just 16 months apart, but the family was further tested when their daughter was diagnosed with autism. “It felt like [being] in this little, teeny, tiny boat in the middle of a storm,” Rachelle said.

A lighthouse in the form of parents and caregivers with wisdom and support.

It was when Rachelle and Christian joined the PACT Employee Resource Group that the clouds began to part and the couple felt less alone. They received “tips and tricks on how to survive” and “got the ball rolling on getting the support needed [for their daughter].”

Paying it forward.

Not only did Rachelle and her family find the support they needed to help care for their daughter, they found a way to help her thrive – and purpose for moving forward. “The ERGs I’m a part of taught me to constantly raise my hand and be a volunteer for the people going through the things that I went through.”

How is the Toone family doing now? Watch to find out more about what the family now calls their daughter’s “superpower!”

Click here for a transcript of the episode.

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