What is your name, title and role with Work Without Limits? My name is Kathy Petkauskos and I am the proud director of Work Without Limits! My official title at UMass Medical School is Senior Program Director.
How long have you held this position? I started working for UMass Medical School as a contractor in November 2008 and then was hired as a full-time Project Director in the Spring of 2009. I was then promoted to Senior Program Director to lead the newly created Work Without Limits initiative.
Kathy Petkauskos and Alexis Henry at the Raise the Bar HIRE! 2013 Conference
What is the best part of your job? The best part of my job are the people I work with! In particular, my staff and fellow Work Without Limits team mates. I also LOVE working with the employers who are so committed to hiring persons with disabilities, who make up our business network, and who have become dear colleagues of mine. I also enjoy getting to know and working with all the community organizations who work tirelessly on behalf of their job seekers. I have the best job on earth!
Do you have any special skills, interests or hobbies? I love sports and physical activities especially in the Summer. I love walking, hiking, swimming, tennis, boating, anything that brings me outdoors in the good weather! Also, Go Pats!
What is your best advice for job seekers? Put your best self in the best light, and never give up! Be honest and genuine and the right employer will snatch you up before you know it!
L-R Roger Guzman of TJX, Kathy Petkauskos, Pat Hunt of DisabilityImages.com, Richard Curtis of State Street at Partners for Youth with Disabilities Party
What is your best advice for employers seeking a more inclusive and/or diverse workforce? Become a sponsor of Work Without Limits and join a network of employers all committed to disability inclusion. Help lead the way to equal employment for people with disabilities. We all need to work together and we can’t do it without committed employers. There’s a lot to learn and there are resources available to help.
Kathy Petkauskous with Disability:IN Massachusetts 5 year members at Blue Cross Blue Shield MA
What is your favorite place in the world? My favorite place in the world is either in my living room with the fireplace going and candles lit, or on any beach or mountain top!
