The hundreds of people who entered our first story contest offered testimony about a growing trend: Individuals applying their life experiences and personal passions to new careers that benefit the greater good.

That trend, however, is merely the sum of our uniquely personal stories. The 17 winners of the “My Encore Moment” story contest told theirs with energy and impact, and we are looking forward to meeting them in person at next month’s first-ever Encore Careers Summit.

Please note that you can read their winning story entries by clicking on their names below, but you must be signed in as an Encore.org member in order to access their profiles.

	Patricia Boies Public Affairs Specialist ; Thanatologist Washington, D.C.
	Susan Burket Computer Programmer ; Nonprofit Communications Manager Potomac, Maryland
	Arlene Carter Human Resources Director ; Nonprofit Fundraiser Seattle, Washington
	Sandy Cherry Telephone Worker ; Nursing Home Ombudsman Dayton, Ohio
	Pat Dexter Retired Teacher : Experience Corps Reading Tutor Mesa, Arizona
	Judi Henderson-Townsend Account Executive ; Recycling Entrepreneur Oakland, California
	Bart Kendrick Marketing and Communications ; Peace Corps Outreach and Diversity Manager Arlington, Virginia
	Martha Koelemay Office Manager ; Registered Nurse Oden, Arkansas
	David Leopard Law Enforcement ; Senior Advocacy and Identity Protection Richardson, Texas
	Carol Mannes Actress ; Social Worker New York, New York
	Mark McVay Transportation Specialist ; Teacher Denver, Colorado
	Sheila Moore Corporate Trainer ; Nonprofit Director Ooltewah, Tennessee
	Milton Morgan IT Specialist ; Senior Technology Advocate Santa Barbara, California
	Pattie Pardini-Barrett Parent Educator ; Mental Health Clinician Chico, California
	Elaine Purchase TV Producer ; Nonprofit Development Director North Bend, Washington
	Valerie Stinger New Product Planner ; Peace Corps Trainer Palo Alto, California
	Robert Ward School Guidance Counselor ; Registered Nurse Lewes, Delaware