Erin Willman’s story is well known to most of us here in Warren County.

The area native lost her sight at the age of 15 and, after years of struggling to find a good job, started White Cane Coffee at the age of 22. White Cane Coffee now employs 12 employees and 76 affiliate employees across the country.

That’s impressive. But even more impressive was Willman’s testimony recently before a U.S. Senate Select Committee on Aging. Sen. Bob Casey, who chairs the committee, called the testimony interesting and informative but also inspiring – in part because of Willman’s testimony.

When White Cane Coffee was born, Willman said there were two major objectives – including braille on all packaging and hiring individuals with disabilities. More important than hiring the disabled is the environment White Cane Coffee creates.

“It is a wonderful feeling to give back to my community and to raise up other people with disabilities because they have gone through probably worse things than I have,” she said. “When they come in to work for me, they find a sense of community. You can hear it in their voice how much that means to them. I’m very thankful for the chance I have been given to be able to give them that hope.”

Erin Willman is a successful businesswoman. She’s also a powerful advocate for those with disabilities.