We had the good fortune of connecting with Zibora Gilder and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zibora, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
For me not giving up is the single most important decision I have made that contributed to my success. Owning your own business with limited financial resources can really be difficult especially when you are in such a niche field that not many people have done before. I have experienced so many challenges from financial challenges to natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey and Pandemics like Coronavirus. I had to be committed to my purpose in assisting Deaf people achieving their employment goals and never quitting no matter the obstacles I experience.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Empowered Hands LLC is an innovative staffing agency that provides employment services to Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals. We are company provides person-centered services that focuses on the whole person. We understand that to be successful in employment you must have self advocacy and self management skills. This is what sets us apart our doors or open to everyone from 16-80+. We have a very honest approach to employment and we assist with teaching life skills as well as employment skills to ensure our clients success.

Through my personal experiences have a Deaf African American Brother I have had a front row seat to the challenges he has faced in life and employment and anything I can do to improve the chances of success of others my team and I are committed to assisting their own level of success. We have a very diverse staff so that in meeting our clients needs we are well rounded and aware of the community needs.

Business has definitely not been easy. There are limited financial resources for all of the behind the scenes life services that we must provide to ensure successful employment . This has been a welcomed challenge for me. As a company we have become creative in the for fee classes, services, and events we host. We want to make sure that all Deaf individuals regardless of race, creed, or economic status has access to our services.

To overcome the obstacles I have endured and overcame those obstacles. The key is to never give up and to plan extremely well.

Along the way I have learned to keep god first, provide quality services and the money will follow, and to remember love is charity. You have to be committed to the services you are providing and make sure that you don’t allow the financial gains or lack of resources to stop you from achieving your purpose. Get creative and work with what you have to achieve whatever needs to be done.

I want the world to know that hiring a person with a disability or hearing challenge isn’t hard or a safety issue. Deaf individuals are focused, hard working, and dedicated. They are human and with a chance and the right supports there is no limit to the success they can achieve. I have found chemical engineers , graphic designers, criminal justice majors, stockers and dish washers employment. Their limitations lie in companies lack of education and willingness to work with people with disabilities out of FEAR. With Empowered Hands we try our best to ease your fears by educating and providing quality candidates for employment.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a foodie so if I had a friend come visit I would have to take them to Grace’s you can’t go wrong with that cornbread when you are in the south. I would also take the to Ozo Bay for the best crab cakes in town. We could also do Pappas restaurants, Breakfast Club, Cali Sandwiches, Ester’s, and the Los could continue for food.

We could hang out at Thirteen for drinks. We could also go to some bars in the Heights for a good time. If they are interested in the arts Miller Outdoor Theater and Discovery Green always have a cool event.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like shoutout Melissa Ausebrooks, Kecha Ray,Kristen “KJ” Jackson and my mother Debora Hudson. These four women pushed me out my comfort zone and encouraged me to start my businesa. They continue to support and encourage me throughout my journey.

Website: Www.empoweredhandsllc.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowered_hands/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/EmpoweredHands

Image Credits
Aj Webb https://instagram.com/ajwebbdigital?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= Hung https://instagram.com/hungphotography6?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.