We are pleased to announce the addition of our outstanding new Executive Administrative Assistant Mailani Faniel. From the moment she started with Toward Maximum Independence (TMI) her passion for assisting the individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities that we are privileged to serve was matched by her exemplary skills. She shared with us what inspires her and more!
Q. What interested you about working at TMI?
A. I have always had a passion for helping others achieve their goals. For the past couple of years, I’ve been searching for a position with a company who is dedicated to serving the community. I knew I had chosen the right family when I realized my values aligned with TMI.
Q. What is your experience that will help you in your position?
A. As a young child, I remember my father taking my siblings and I out into the community to volunteer for those in need. Those experiences shaped my perspective on the importance of giving back and staying active as a volunteer. I’ve partnered with many different non-profits in the past including: Heal the Bay, Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross, and Make-A-Wish Foundation. Working as an Administrative Assistant and interning with a non-profit in the past, has helped me to build my skills as a young professional. In college, I was elected as President of Rotaract Club of Rotary East Honolulu. For two years, I held fundraisers/donation drives, planned respite nights for ill children and their families, volunteered at elderly homes and more. My previous work experience in various industries has granted me the knowledge needed to successfully execute my responsibilities as the Executive Administrative Assistant at TMI.
Q. What are your hopes for the future of individuals with developmental disabilities?
A. I am a strong believer of manifestation and hope to manifest amazing opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities regarding comfortable living situations, effective healthcare, easy-access to social events, and an overall better quality of life. Those living with developmental disabilities deserve equal rights and I am certain that TMI does everything they possibly can to ensure those rights are provided.
Q. How does working at TMI make you feel?
A. The corporate culture and environment at TMI is warm, kind, patient, and inviting. I immediately felt like I was joining a family when I started with the company. Each TMI employee holds themselves to a high standard, no matter their title. Everyone is extremely helpful and wants to help others achieve their goals. This sense of dedication is contagious and leaves me feeling motivated to get my job done in a way that helps TMI executives proceed smoothly with theirs.
Q. What is your favorite part about working at TMI?
A. Learning about all of the different types of services TMI offers has to be one of the most important pieces of information for me. Gaining an in-depth understanding of how essential these opportunities are for individuals with development disabilities fuels the fire inside of me. Knowing that I work for an organization that holds a purpose to serve, to heal, and to encourage, brings me so much joy.
Q. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
A. When I am not hard-at-work, I enjoy hiking, listening to music, practicing yoga, boxing, traveling, going to the beach, and visiting botanical gardens.
Q. Who do you admire and why?
A. My father is someone I have always looked up to. He has been my mentor for as long as I can remember. He taught me patience, kindness, and the importance of giving back to the community. My dad pushed me athletically and academically in preparation for a successful future. Without him, I don’t know where I’d be.
Q. What are your words to live by?
A. A quote I love to live by is one that my mother taught me growing up while I tried to maintain a balance of schoolwork and playing competitive sports. She always told me, “Work hard, but play harder.” It wasn’t until I began college when she explained to me that although work comes first, life is short and we must maintain a healthy balance of work and fun.
Q. Is there anything additional that you would like our readers to know?
A. These past couple of years have been hard for many. At the end of the day, all we have is each other. I am grateful and so thankful to become a part of such an incredible organization who wants nothing more than to show people that we are here to help them soar.
We love that! We are very happy to have you on board with us and we look forward to watching you soar as well!
Toward Maximum Independence (TMI) has been transforming the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1981 and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing since 2000. In 2020, we launched Disabled Veteran Employment Services. TMI strives to help our clients to realize their hopes and dreams by providing Employment Solutions, Community Living and Family Support Services throughout San Diego, Riverside and Imperial Counties. To stay connected with us, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Together we can share acceptance and awareness, ultimately contributing to further inclusion.