Gina met her husband while working at MDI in Hibbing 1998. They fell in love and within a couple years they got married and had a baby girl. Over time Gina was able to stop working and stay at home with their daughter. In 2002 tragedy struck and Gina's husband died unexpectedly of a rare medical condition. She was left widowed, with an eight-month old daughter, unemployed and on the brink of major depression.

For two years Gina was living on basic assistance and renting in an unpleasant building. When her daughter was two Gina became tired of struggling financially and living somewhere less than desirable. She decided to seek employment again at MDI.

Although she felt helpless and alone, she knew what to expect at MDI and felt it would be a supportive environment for her as a single mother.

"I was a machine assembler on the night shift at first. I was doing pretty good and asked if I could get more experience as a welder. It took me a while, but I was able to get the position," Gina explains about her new start at MDI.

"When Gina started I noticed her initiative right away," commented her supervisor. "She wanted to do more but I didn't have a position for her yet. So I asked her to fill in when she could and she showed us what she could do."

Gina was promoted to a hand assembler position on the day shift. She admitted that she had been watching the assemblers, which helped her to catch on quickly. The move allowed her to work full time, access regular daycare for her daughter and earn more income.

"In the past I wouldn't have been able to do anything for myself," explained Gina. "Now I feel much more stable and independent." She no longer relies on public assistance, and she and her daughter are thriving as a family. She pays her bills, owns her own house and is planning to purchase a newer car.

"I'd been in the system. When my social worker dropped my case after a year, she told me it was because I was doing too well. It was scary at first but I knew I'd get through it. I was shocked at how it quickly it all happened. It feels wonderful."

Gina enjoys welding and looks forward to attaining her goal of reaching the highest level position in the plant. At MDI Gina has used her self-initiative to realize her individual potential through unexpected life changing events. Her supervisors are continually impressed with her extra initiative and ability to pick up new skills quickly.

As her supervisor said it best, "I don't have to worry about Gina. She's one of my shining stars."