Meet Dana: Marin Team Member & Inspiring Advocate

Marin Software is fortunate to have over 500 employees around the globe, and today we're excited to tell you about Dana Carpenter! A member of our research team in Austin, Dana is also an advocate for people with disabilities and recently participated in her second Ms. Wheelchair Texas. This unique competition is dedicated to promoting the achievements and needs of people with disabilities, and it does so with glamour and glitz!

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This year's gala and competition was held on March 29th in Houston.[/caption]

Contestants in Ms. Wheelchair Texas utilize wheelchairs for 100% of their daily mobility needs, and compete to become a spokeswoman for millions of Americans with disabilities. During the course of the competition, each participant delivers a speech on a disability issue they feel strongly about and plan to support. This year, Dana's platform was all about bringing awareness to companies on how flexible employment solutions - such as working from home - can increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities who are otherwise qualified for the position.

"Transportation is a huge barrier to employment for people with disabilities," Dana said. "As of February of this year, only 19% of people with disabilities were employed compared to about 80% of their able bodied counterparts. All it takes is creativity and flexibility to make a difference!"

In her role at Marin, Dana is able to work from home, eliminating worries about how to get to and from the office. Her manager Paul Greer noted, "Dana's efforts and warm positive demeanor strongly contribute to our overall goal to provide best in class sales development support. She is an asset and ally and we're very glad she chose Marin."

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Dana was escorted on stage in style.[/caption]

Bobby Hollis, Senior Manager of Sales Development and close friend of Dana's, echoed that sentiment saying, "Dana is not only a solid contribution to our team and culture, she backs it up with solid quality work that is making great impact to our sales process. Selfishly we want her in the office more because she's just a ball to be around but quite honestly we are extremely fortunate to have her with us in any capacity."

Dana loves competing in Ms. Wheelchair Texas, saying she appreciates being around other women in similar situations. "You really do form a sisterhood so to speak," she explained. "Also, it is so empowering to be on that stage sharing all the ways we are changing the lives of people with disabilities! You feel like you can take on the world, and win!"

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Dana (back, third from left) hangs out with the Ms. Wheelchair participants.[/caption]

Marin is proud to support Dana in her advocacy, and to hire the best employees regardless of physical disability or mobility issues. If you want to learn more about Ms. Wheelchair Texas, please visit their website or watch Dana's speech on YouTube.

"Marin has given me the opportunity to work from home, while still making me feel like I'm part of a team," Dana said. "How cool is that?!"