NDEAM Profile: Karen Roy, Regional Sales Director, Paraplegic

For National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we profiled Karen Roy, a regional sales director for Matia Mobility, from Tennessee.

In the comments, please share if you are ❤ working post spinal cord injury, 💚 when you started, and 💙 what you love most about your job 👍

Name?

Karen Roy

Age?

55

Where Do You Live?

Memphis, Tennessee

How and When Were You Injured?

“At the age of 19 years old I was out on a date with my boyfriend when we were held up in an armed robbery and I was shot in the back causing a T10 complete spinal cord injury.”

Were You Employed Pre-Injury?

“I was in college working toward an under graduate degree in psychology and a masters degree in social work. I was working at a clothing store part time at the time of the shooting.”

What is Your Current Job and What Do You Do?

“I started my most recent joy as the Regional Sales Director at Matia Mobility in July of 2023.” “”Matia Mobility is a leading manufacturer and provider of innovative mobility solutions, specializing in the manufacture and sale of the Tek RMD M1, a groundbreaking mobility device that empowers individuals with mobility challenges. The Tek RMD M1 allows people who can’t stand independently to stand and be mobile simultaneously enabling them to complete functional tasks in a vertical environment.

As the Regional Sales Director I am responsible for driving sales growth in the US, primarily focusing on end users , distributors, and key stakeholders interested in the Tek RMD M1 mobility device.”

How Did You Find Your Job?

“Matia Mobility came to me and offered me this amazing opportunity.”

How Long Did You Search for Your Current Job?

“I was working for a large national CRT provider and there was no room for growth in my position there. I started a preliminary search for opportunities when Matia came to me.”

Please Name Any Programs That Supported You Finding or Maintaining Your Current Job:

“I always keep an active LinkedIn profile and share my disability advocacy related activities on all of my social media channels. I believe this has been key to my success in my professional life.”

What Kind of Disability Accommodations, If Any, Have You Requested and Received from Your Employer?

“When I came to work for Matia Mobility I let them know that I can travel, but would need assistance in transporting the device we sell to locations around the country when we do demonstrations. Matia was happy to make those arrangements available to me.”

Do You Have Any Tips or Tricks to Share on Finding a Job?

“I think the key to finding employment is maintaining good relationships with key stakeholders in your chosen industry. Also, staying visible at industry events is important. People can see your passion when you love the work you do. Share your successes and passions both in person and through different forms of social media and professional events.”

Do You Have Any Tips or Tricks to Share on Maintaining Employment for the Long-Term?

“Lots of hard work! I have been employed since the day I obtained my masters degree, except when I took a few years off before having my third child.”

If You Could Go Back in Time, What Advice Would You Give Yourself Before Pursuing Your Job or Career Path?

“Never be afraid to ask for more responsibility, a promotion or a raise. The answer may be no, then you know it’s time to move on. Don’t live within the preconceived limits placed on you by your managers. Keep reaching for the stars.”

Is There Anything Else You’d Like to Add About Your Job Search or Employment Experience?

“Never stop learning and searching for ways to improve your marketable skills. While stretching is lots of work and often painful, you increase your worth every time you learn a new skill.”

— Follow Karen at https://instagram.com/karenmarieroy