Advocate
satellite supervisor & Agency Advocate
alfonso harrell
Alfonso Harrell’s journey is one of determination, growth, and purpose.
Born in New York and raised in New Jersey, Alfonso is legally blind. For much of his early life, he wasn’t aware of the opportunities available to someone like him. That changed when he was referred to the Joseph Kohn Training Center (JKTC) through the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (NJCBVI), where he discovered a world of resources, possibility, and hope. Motivated by that experience, he went on to earn his Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts from Bergen County Community College and his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Kean University.
A Career Built on Initiative
Alfonso joined Bestwork Industries for the Blind as a Sewing Machine Operator in May 2021 — commuting more than five hours roundtrip every day without complaint. His drive didn’t go unnoticed for long.
When Bestwork’s new leadership prioritized growing its blind workforce, Alfonso was the clear choice for a newly created internal Recruiter role. He developed and executed a recruiting strategy that resulted in 15 new blind employees hired — and went far beyond his job description in doing so. He learned transit routes to help new hires navigate their commutes, connected people with housing resources, and attended career fairs on Bestwork’s behalf. He became a trusted resource for the BVI community across New Jersey. His technology skills also earned him a concurrent role as Customer Service Associate for Bestwork’s e-Commerce platform, bestworksupplycenter.com.
When Bestwork opened its Satellite Office in Montclair, NJ in October 2023, Alfonso transitioned into a Team Lead role for the light assembly team. He took on the same role when the Roselle, NJ Satellite Office launched in April 2025. Then in February 2026, he was promoted to Satellite Supervisor — overseeing all teams across Bestwork’s three Satellite Offices in Montclair, Roselle, and Egg Harbor City.
From sewing machine operator to multi-site supervisor in under five years, Alfonso’s growth reflects exactly what Bestwork stands for: real opportunity and real results for people who are blind.
Advocating for the BVI Community
In 2025, Alfonso’s impact expanded beyond Bestwork’s walls when he was approached to join the National Industries for the Blind’s Advocates for Leadership and Employment Program.
The Program educates advocates on engaging with legislators — both on Capitol Hill and in their home districts and states. The mission driving this work is one Alfonso knows personally: to increase employment opportunities for people who are blind, on behalf of NIB and its nationwide network of associated agencies.
Since becoming an Advocate, Alfonso has met with and visited legislators on Capitol Hill to discuss issues directly affecting the BVI community. His lived experience and professional journey make him a powerful and authentic voice for the people he represents.
In his own words, “The NIB Advocates for Leadership and Employment program is a valuable opportunity for me to develop the skills and knowledge needed to influence change. I want to participate in this program to amplify the voices of blind and visually impaired job seekers, connect with policymakers, and contribute to initiatives that create sustainable employment solutions. By gaining deeper insights into policy advocacy, I can help bridge the gap between talented individuals and the opportunities they deserve.”
