Sometimes, it only takes a single moment or a simple act to change the course of a life. For SPD senior administrative executive Alexis Lee, that moment came 11 years ago during a volunteering session at the SPD Sheltered Workshop while she was on a career break.
Igniting the spark
Alexis did not begin her career with a clear intention to work in the social service sector. Like many, her early career choices were guided by practical needs i.e. earning a living and building experiences.
She started out in sales at a small and medium-sized enterprise, before moving into an administrative role, working across diverse sectors including education, healthcare and childcare.
“Looking back, it may seem like I have worn many hats and tried out different roles,” said Alexis. “However, what has not changed is this desire to be part of something meaningful.”
At one point, she took an unexpected break from work, which became a turning point. During this time, she started volunteering. “Work can feel repetitive and mundane, but when you are driven by a purpose, that fire in you gets reignited,” Alexis reflected.
Her commitment to giving back extended beyond the workplace. At her previous organisation, Alexis and her colleagues took part in the Spartan Race (below), raising funds for a charity of their choice. “SPD came to mind,” said Alexis. “We trained for half a year and successfully raised more than $1,700.”
A seed that stayed
In 2015, Alexis signed up as a volunteer at the SPD Sheltered Workshop, supporting trainees with their packing assignments. “I wanted to make the most of my time and contribute back to the community,” Alexis shared.
What she anticipated would be a straightforward volunteering session turned into something deeply meaningful. One trainee in particular left a lasting impression with his outgoing and approachable personality. He showed her the canteen, and they struck up a conversation about their lives, as though they had known each other for years.
Despite it being her first time to SPD, Alexis found herself feeling completely at ease. It was a quiet, unexpected sense of belonging that lingered long after the day ended.
What began as an act of giving planted a seed that would continue to grow, shaping her sense of purpose over the years.
Choosing purpose
Years later, Alexis felt ready to step out of her comfort zone, while staying true to what mattered to her most. In 2023, with her positive memories of SPD still vivid, she began searching for career opportunities at SPD. When she came across an opening for the position of facilities administrative executive, she felt a familiar pull. Encouraged by that earlier connection, Alexis decided to apply and the rest, as they say, is history.
The heart of the mission
Today, Alexis feels that she has come full circle. Although this is her first role in the social service sector, she draws confidently on the skills and experience gained from her previous role. She provides vital coordination and documentation support that keeps backend processes running smoothly. Through her work in facilities and operational support, she is part of a team that powers the organisation behind the scenes, ensuring that SPD’s daily functions are well supported.
“It is incredibly fulfilling to be part of the same organisation that inspired me all those years ago,” Alexis reflected. “Now that I am a staff member at SPD, I have greater appreciation for the effort and passion that my colleagues and the organisation pour into serving persons with disabilities every day.”
Alexis’ story is a testament to the enduring impact of a single act of service. What started as an afternoon of volunteering evolved into a meaningful career rooted in purpose. By following her heart back to the place where her journey started, Alexis shows that when professional skills meet personal mission, work becomes a impactful way to change lives.