In 1951, Martha Martin was born premature and legally blind. Though unable to see, Martha grew up as a normal child doing everything and anything outdoors to keep up with her siblings. Martha attended grade school and high school in Bakersfield, CA, and then she went to Bakersfield College where she graduated with an associate's degree in business.

After graduating from college, Martha got married and raised two beautiful daughters. Martha's first jobs included telemarketing and setting up appointments for people to do carpet cleaning. Martha also volunteered her time at the Center for the Blind for nine years, where she consistently helped people overcome different barriers that were similar to her own.

In 1999, Martha became employed at Goodwill Industries of South Central California as a clothes sorter/retail clerk. 10-plus years later, Martha still checks donated clothes to see if they are missing buttons or if the clothes are too worn out to be sold, and if so, she removes them from the retail racks.

Although unable to see the clothes she hangs, Martha is one of Goodwill's fastest clothes hanger on staff. In fact, in 2006, Martha won the prestigious honor of being named ‘Goodwill Industries of South Central California's Employee of the Year.' Though she can't sort clothes by color, Goodwill has created innovative ways to help Martha do her job as efficiently as possible. One of Martha's greatest challenges was when she was paired with a fellow Goodwill employee who happened to be deaf. Although communication was their number one challenge, both employees were able to figure out a system that enabled them to get their job done day-in and day-out.

"I love working with everybody at Goodwill, and it really keeps you in a good mood," says Martha. "It helps to make you realize you can still do things. I like trying to help people who need training at Goodwill. I have been at this job for 10 years and I really enjoy it. I am hoping to get in another 10 years."

Goodwill Industries of South Central California is also hoping Martha has another 10 years left in her before she decides to enjoy the life of retirement.