Hampton Roads Employee Named Finalist for National SourceAmerica Evelyne Villines Award

VersAbility Resources, a Hampton-based nonprofit empowering people with disabilities through early childhood, day support, residential services, workforce training and meaningful employment, proudly announces that Zane Sanford has been named a finalist for the 2025 SourceAmerica Evelyne Villines Award, one of the organization’s most prestigious national honors.

The Evelyne Villines Award recognizes employees with disabilities across the nation who exemplify exceptional leadership, initiative and advocacy within their workplace and community. Presented annually as part of SourceAmerica’s Achievement Awards, the honor celebrates individuals whose work and dedication advance employment opportunities for people with disabilities at a time when national unemployment rates for this population remain nearly double those of people without disabilities.

Sanford began his career with VersAbility in August 2023 as a General Laborer on the Ship Provisions Program in Norfolk, which supports mission-essential naval operations throughout the Hampton Roads region. Through his professionalism, reliability and leadership, Sanford quickly earned the respect of his peers and supervisors. He was promoted to team leader in December 2024, where he now manages a team of over 50 employees and has supported an estimated 1,000 Navy ships, demonstrating the substantial trust and responsibility the organization has placed in him.

As a hearing-impaired employee, Sanford’s leadership extends beyond his job responsibilities. He has provided interpreter support for fellow 16 hearing-impaired coworkers, fostering inclusion, understanding and effective communication across his team. His ability to turn challenges into opportunities has made him a trusted leader and mentor among his peers.

“Zane’s leadership reflects the very best of Hampton Roads’ workforce,” said Kasia Grzelkowski, President and CEO of VersAbility Resources. “His work not only strengthens our support to our nation’s military but also embodies the power of inclusion and opportunity that defines our community.”

In addition to his leadership at VersAbility, Sanford represented the organization at the 2025 SourceAmerica Grassroots Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C., where he met with Congressional and Senate representatives to advocate for the AbilityOne Program and champion expanded employment opportunities for people with disabilities nationwide.

For decades, SourceAmerica’s Achievement Awards have honored nonprofits, employees and business partners for their exceptional contributions to disability employment. Winners will be announced during SourceAmerica’s annual ceremony on Dec. 3, 2025, in celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

To learn more about SourceAmerica’s Achievement Awards and view a full list of finalists, visit SourceAmerica.org.