Recognizing Excellence: Envision Celebrates 2025 Employee of the Year Honorees

At Envision, we believe in celebrating those who go above and beyond—not just in their day-to-day roles, but in how they embody our core values. 

During Envision’s 2025 Annual Employee Luncheon, we announced this year’s National Industries for the Blind (NIB) Employees of the Year. These awards honor individuals who are blind and employed at NIB-associated agencies, celebrating their exceptional contributions and unwavering commitment to excellence. 

Each honoree and nominee were nominated by coworkers and supervisors who recognized their remarkable impact. They will go on to represent Envision and Envision Dallas at the NIB Conference later this year. 

This year also marked the introduction of a new recognition category: Sighted Employee of the Year. This award honors sighted team members who go above and beyond in advancing our mission and supporting their colleagues. 

Meet the 2025 Winners 

Francisco “Paco” Padilla – Wichita 
Francisco “Paco” Padilla was named the Peter J. Salmon Direct Labor Employee of the Year. As a Production Lead, Francisco is more than a manager, he’s a motivator and mentor. He’s known for his calm leadership style, open communication, and deep commitment to building trust across his team. “Francisco motivates the team through positivity, a clear vision and recognition,” said Production Supervisor Maricela Rickards. “He supports others through training and mentorship while remaining steadfast in his purpose to serve people with visual disabilities.” His impact extends beyond the workplace, too. Francisco is active in the community and sets an example of what personal growth and purpose-driven leadership can look like. 

Madison Kester – Wichita
Madison was named the Milton J. Samuelson Indirect Labor Career Achievement Award recipient. Over the past seven years, she has advanced her career at the Envision Child Development Center, growing from Early Childhood Educator to Home-Based Educator. Her creativity, professionalism and unwavering dedication to the children and families she serves make her a trusted leader and advocate both inside and outside the classroom. 

“Madison exemplifies the Envision core values of passion, teamwork and initiative,” said Teresa Houston, ECDC Director. “She is nurturing, adaptable and always willing to help where needed, whether in the center or representing Envision at community events.” 

“Madison makes an impact on every life she encounters in the ECDC,” added Sarah Kephart, Director of Envision Arts. “From the children she cares for, to the parents who trust her, the colleagues who look up to her, and even those outside the ECDC she collaborates with, we all feel Madison’s positive energy, attitude, and compassion.” 

Her impact reflects the heart of Envision’s employment mission—advancing through growth, leading with purpose and making a lasting difference. 

Ray Oddis – Wichita (Sighted Employee of the Year)
Ray Oddis, Orientation & Mobility Specialist, has been named Envision’s first Sighted Employee of the Year. 

Throughout his time at Envision, Ray has been more than a specialist—he’s an advocate, a teacher, and a trusted friend to everyone he serves. 

“Ray always has a way with words,” said Envision Vision Rehabilitation staff. “Every patient who has seen Ray has had a positive experience. When newly diagnosed, or new-to-the-clinic patients walk through the door, Ray always turns their frowns upside down. 

“Maybe it’s the years of wisdom he carries, or how, to him, everyone shall be heard, loved, and taught to succeed in the best way possible for them. This leads him to gain the trust of all his patients and peers alike. We all know that just a warm hug from Ray can go a long way!” 

Kimberly Bunch – Dallas
Kimberly Bunch was named the Peter J. Salmon Direct Labor Employee of the Year. A vital member of the Sewing Department, Kimberly brings energy, reliability and a team-first mindset to every shift. She’s known for stepping in wherever needed and checking in on others to keep operations running smoothly. “Kimberly is a bright spot at Envision Dallas,” said Hannah Christenson, Director of Community Services. “She takes initiative, supports her coworkers and leads by example.”  

Blake Lindsay – Dallas 
At Envision, the impact our employees make often becomes a lasting legacy—and few embodied that more than Blake Lindsay. We are proud to recognize him as the 2025 Milton J. Samuelson Indirect Labor Career Achievement winner for Envision Dallas. 

Blake was a passionate advocate for accessibility, education and opportunity for people who are blind or visually impaired. He championed our mission with energy and heart, using his voice—both literally and figuratively—to elevate others. 

His leadership was marked by compassion, professionalism, and a deep belief in the potential of others. 

"Blake was the embodiment of our mission and our core values," said Larissa Roman, Executive Director, Dallas Foundation. "He exemplified integrity every day. He had a true curiosity, drive and passion for our work. He always took initiative and was a great team player. He approached his job with excellence every day." 

Blake’s spirit lives on in the lives he touched and the legacy he leaves behind. 

Luis Vargas – Dallas (Sighted Employee of the Year) 
Luis Vargas, a Maintenance Tech, was honored as the first Sighted Employee of the Year for Envision Dallas. 

Luis continues to lead by example at Envision Dallas. Whether supporting his team or stepping in to help others, he approaches every challenge with positivity and a willingness to serve. 
 
“Luis is a very good team player and there is no job too big for him,” said Alex Corneanu, Envision Dallas Maintenance Manager. “He is creative, loyal and willing to help in any circumstance.”  
 
“Luis has a positive impact on our operations,” Corneanu added. “His attitude is positively influencing the other team members as well. Luis is a valuable employee.” 

Celebrating All 2025 Nominees
In addition to our honorees, we proudly recognize all of the exceptional employees nominated this year. The 2025 nominees and winners embody the values that make our mission real: inclusion, leadership and meaningful opportunity. Their stories remind us that when we invest in people, we create impact that lasts far beyond any single moment. 

Wichita Nominees: 

Peter J. Salmon: Arthur McClendon, Hunter Dunn, Greggory Larson 

Milton J. Samuelson: Johnson Riungu, Nick Gasaway, Tierra Walker 

Dallas Nominees: 

Peter J. Salmon: Paul Williams, Miguel Briseno, Samuel McKinzie, Thuy Pham, Johnny Espinosa 

Milton J. Samuelson: Samuel Jackson, Tanner Blakely, Carlos Blanco, Gale Levitan, Alma Smith