Warren’s always liked helping people, something he gravitated to at a young age. After graduating from high school, his mother encouraged him to find a job where he could make an impact, something he felt called to do – help people. Warren earned a certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and built his career working in local South Jersey hospitals and assisted care facilities. Warren dedicated the next 20 years to his profession, serving at Kennedy Hospital and Cooper University Hospital, where he worked until he lost his vision in 2001.  

The evening it happened was like any other. Warren went to bed being able to see, but when he woke up, he knew something was wrong. He made it into work that day – how he drove, he’s still not sure – but during a meeting with his coworkers that morning he confessed he couldn’t see anything but shadows and shapes. His doctors determined his vision loss was the result of detached retinas.  

Warren grieved the loss of his sight, but didn’t let it deter him from moving forward. As a husband and father, Warren was driven to provide for his family. He worked with mobility specialists and learned the skills needed to rejoin the workforce.  

In 2002, Warren found a way to continue helping people, just in a different capacity. He was introduced to Bestwork Industries for the Blind in Cherry Hill, where he’s worked for the last 19 years. He began as a sewing operator, but found his finger dexterity limited due to diabetes, so he transitioned into a packing role. Through the years, Warren’s worked on various packing lines, including the Navy Black Fleece and most recently the Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS) line. He takes great pride in tagging and packaging the military garments. 

Warren became the person Bestwork staff and his colleagues could depend on, often listening and providing helpful guidance or words of wisdom. He rose among the plant staff as the ‘voice of the people,’ volunteering to serve on the Employee Relations and Safety Committees, and was appointed chair of the Quality Work Environment (QWE), a position he’s held with great pride since 2018. His dedication came full circle when in 2021, he was selected as Bestwork’s Employee of the Year. This accolade was special because he was chosen by peers.  

Outside of work, Warren is a family man. He enjoys the warmer months where he can spend time with his family outdoors being active. He loves going to the shore, especially when he can go fishing and crabbing with his brother. Warren also loves flea market shopping, often visiting popular markets like Cowtown, Berlin, and Columbus located in South Jersey.  

Get Warren talking about his grandkids and he really lights up. Sadly, the Walker family faced tremendous heartbreak in 2021. Warren’s only daughter passed away from COVID, leaving behind three precious daughters, who will now be raised by Warren and his wife. He’s focused on providing for them and their care, and enjoys spending as much quality time with them, as possible.  

Reflecting on his life, Warren does not regret anything that’s happened. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s made him the person he is – kind, caring, and resilient.