We are proud to celebrate Flora Spikes, our 2025 Employee of the Year and nominee for the 2025 Milton J. Samuelson Career Achievement Award, presented by National Industries for the Blind.
Established in 1996, the Milton J. Samuelson Career Achievement Award honors professionals who are blind and have demonstrated outstanding job performance, leadership, community and workplace engagement, and continued career growth. Flora’s career at the Lighthouse has been a perfect reflection of these qualities.
Originally from San Benito, Texas, Flora moved to Austin in 2017 and joined the Austin Lighthouse team in 2019. Since then, her journey has been one of growth and a willingness to step into new opportunities. Over the years, Flora has worked in Riggers Belts, Skin Care and now serves as our receptionist and HR admin, a role she stepped into in November 2020.
When asked how she felt about being named Employee of the Year, Flora shared that she felt deeply honored. She credits the Austin Lighthouse for opening her eyes to the many opportunities available to people who are blind. “We’re capable of more than what we think,” she says. “We have to believe in ourselves and strive for more.”
A turning point in Flora’s career came during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a scary time for all, but as designated essential workers, the team showed up, adapted, and made things happen. Flora began that period working in Riggers Belts, but as customer demand for our PURELL SKILCRAFT sanitizer products rapidly increased, she stepped in to support the Skin Care department, helping meet an urgent need of hand hygiene products for the nation.
That willingness to adapt and take on new challenges became a defining part of Flora’s journey. Her growth did not go unnoticed. Encouraged by colleagues who believed in her potential, Flora took another bold step forward by applying for the receptionist role.
Flora credits former Lighthouse Adaptive Technology Instructor Eric Sifuentes, who brought the receptionist job to her attention and helped her complete the application, and colleague Karen Nevins, who encouraged her daily and consistently reminded her of her abilities. “She told me I was smart and that she could see my potential,” Flora shared. “That belief made all the difference.”
Flora’s career is a powerful example of what’s possible when talent is recognized, support is given and someone is encouraged to believe in themselves. We are honored to celebrate her achievements and cheer her on as she continues to shine.
Flora will be recognized at Realizing America’s Promise, the NIB/NAEPB 2026 Conference & Expo in Washington, D.C. this February.