35 Years of Purpose: Wanda’s Envision Legacy

"There were hardly any computers," said Wanda Fisher, E-Commerce Customer Service Associate with Envision Xpress, reflecting on her early days at Envision. "A lot of the orders were received via fax or regular mail. Everything was put in plastic sleeves and given to the machine handler to fill and put on a pallet. It was all handled by hand." That’s how Wanda remembers the start of her Envision journey in 1990—before email, before digital inventory systems, before the growth that would transform not only the organization, but her life. 

Over the decades, Wanda didn’t just work at Envision—she grew with it. She witnessed the shift from manual processes to computerized systems and saw the organization expand across locations, programs, and impact. “You could fill orders quicker, and ship them out quicker,” she said. “It made it a lot easier.” 

Wanda began as a supervisor in what was then called the Work Activity Center—now the PRIDE department—supporting individuals in learning job skills. She soon transitioned to the factory floor, taking on more hands-on production responsibilities and gaining a deeper understanding of Envision’s manufacturing operations. As her expertise grew, so did her leadership role: she began training new staff and played a key part in opening Envision’s factory sites in Kansas City and Pittsburgh. From there, she shifted into customer service at the White Canes & More Store—now known as Envision Everyday—before moving into e-commerce with Envision Xpress, a division that didn’t even exist when she first joined. 

As Envision evolved, Wanda found her own way to live the mission—through her roles and her relationships. From mentoring new hires to representing Envision at national conferences, Wanda’s impact has been wide-reaching. In 1993, she was named Employee of the Year—an honor that took her all the way to Baltimore, where she toured agencies supporting the blind and built connections she still treasures. 

For all the milestones and promotions, what Wanda holds most dear are the people and programs that shaped her experience. She also found joy in the moments that built community—dressing up for Halloween, creating costumes for holiday contests, and even donning a golf ball mascot outfit for Envision’s golf tournament, which she proudly helped launch in its early years. 

Wanda’s connection to Envision runs deep. She grew up in Wichita and knew of the organization long before joining. “I always wanted to work in special ed,” she said, “and this fit in a different, but really meaningful way.” 

But Wanda’s story doesn’t stop at her job description. Not only did she dedicate 35 years of service, she also actively participated in many of Envision’s programs outside of work. From First Fridays and adaptive cooking classes to D.A.R.K. (adaptive recreation) and golf clinics, Wanda immersed herself in the community that surrounded her. “I enjoy all of them,” she said. “I can’t pick one out.” 

Now preparing for retirement, Wanda speaks with pride—not just about her career, but the organization she’s helped shape. “I’ve grown a lot here,” she said. “And I enjoy Envision and what it stands for.” 

Reflecting on her career, she shared, “I’ve grown from when I started to now. I probably was more laid back… but I’m not afraid to try things like I might have been at one time.” 

Wanda’s legacy is part of a larger story of transformation and the power of purpose-driven work. Her story is a reminder of what Envision makes possible—not only for the individuals we serve, but for the people who serve alongside us.