We often say, if you want to understand our core values at IBVI, look no further than our people. Their passion, drive, and resilience—each story is woven together to shape who we are and further our mission.
This month, we’re excited to celebrate an important milestone for Neala Roach, who has spent the last 25 years as a dedicated member of our IBVI family. Reflecting on her career, Neala shared that her greatest lesson is “to listen, learn, and always be ready to adapt to change.”
As the manager of our Beale Air Force Base store in California, we’d like to highlight how she’s built an incredible culture around IBVI’s mission to support and empower people living with visual impairments.
Leading by Example
Legendary basketball coach John Wooden once said, “ The most powerful leadership tool you have is your own personal example.”
With more than 35 years of experience in retail, Neala brings a wealth of knowledge to her role at IBVI. When she joined us as the first non-military manager of a base supply center (BSC), she set a new standard of what strong leadership could look like. For Neala, she credits her teammates for the many successes her store has celebrated along the way, and the strength of the BSC program altogether:
“Our store might have a small staff, but we all run like well-oiled machines and it’s because of our employees. We all believe in the mission IBVI stands for, and that’s what keeps us going.”
Learning and Building Relationships
Throughout her journey with IBVI, Neala has embraced new challenges with her desire to learn and grow as a leader. Adjusting to the unique needs of a military base has brought its own challenges, but it’s an experience she counts both rewarding and enriching, especially in the relationships she’s made over the years. Perhaps most meaningful, however, has been the way IBVI’s mission has allowed her to gain a deeper understanding of what life is like for those living with visual impairments.
“Working with IBVI has taught me how to be patient, and it’s given me a better understanding of the challenges people face living with different visual issues.”
This recently hit home for her in 2019, when her oldest grandson was diagnosed with Keratoconus, a condition that affects his vision. “It really makes you think about the paths you take in life.”
Not only have these qualities of empathy, patience, and understanding guided Neala in her own journey, but they’re the same qualities we hope to strengthen across communities in our mission to employ and empower people who are blind or visually impaired.
Seeing the Real Life Impact of IBVI’s Mission
If you ask Neala, one of the most rewarding parts of her role has been seeing firsthand how IBVI’s mission changes lives. She shared the story of Pookey, a close teammate whose life has been transformed by her work with IBVI.
“IBVI has given her a better quality of life and even helped her buy her first home,” Neala shared. It’s stories like these that make her proud to be part of an organization that prioritizes upward mobility and empowerment.
Throughout her career, Neala has watched many co-workers go on to grow within the company, and some have even ventured out to start their own businesses. Knowing she’s contributed to a company that supports and empowers its team members is something she takes great pride in.
Tackling New Challenges with COCESS
As for her next chapter at IBVI, Neala has taken on another new and exciting challenge—managing the Contractor Operated Civil Engineer Supply Store (COCESS) at Beale Air Force Base.
This new addition to the base supplies construction materials, hardware, and building supplies to civil engineering personnel, helping to keep the entire base running smoothly.
Launching COCESS has brought its own new challenges, but it’s a task that she’s embraced with enthusiasm:
“Supporting the base with office products and clothing through the BSC was challenging enough, but COCESS is on a whole new level. It’s good though, I’m appreciative and proud of the role I’ve played in getting it up and running.”
Celebrating 25 Years of Dedication and Inspiration
As we celebrate Neala and her 25 years with IBVI, we’re reminded of the passion, dedication, and heart she brings to work each day. Her contributions to our mission, her support for her teammates, and the impact she’s had on our successes are all part of an incredible journey we take great pride in highlighting here this month.
