Meet Cynthia

Get to know our new Program Coordinator, Cynthia Coffin! 

Tell me a little about your background or what you were doing before this position.

I moved here from Denver, Colorado, in May. I have a bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma. Last spring, I graduated with my master’s in social work from the Metropolitan State University of Denver. And, I’ve done several internships with nonprofits in Colorado. Right before I came here, I was a consumer (a participant at Disability Empowerment Center), and I met Terry (Independent Living Specialist) who told me about the open position that I have now. That’s how I got the job here.

 
Why were you interested in joining Disability Empowerment Center?

I’ve always been wanting to do this type of work since I graduated from college. My ideal job is to work as a program coordinator or independent living specialist. I want to gain skills in the social work field. And, I have passion for working with people with disabilities.

 
What's your favorite part of your job so far?

Working with the consumers, seeing them succeed, getting motivated to complete their goals, that’s my favorite parts. I’m also getting some programs up and running like EPIC (Empowering People In the Community that offers free outings for people with disabilities).  

 What do you like to do outside of work?

I like to watch movies, hang out with friends and go to church. I also like to do advocacy outside of work. I’m involved with the National Federation of the Blind, and I go to conferences, like I attended the Washington Council for the Blind Conference in October.

Do you have any secret skills or something else to share that most people wouldn’t know about you?

Back in 2003, I participated in the Special Olympic Games in Ireland. I was a gold medalist, and my events were the 5 and 10k run.

What do you like about Seattle?

I like the Puget Sound, the water. I also like the weather here. And, I like being at sea level. 

[Visual: Headshot of Cynthia, a white woman with short wavy blond hair. She wears glasses.]