“For we walk by faith and not by sight.”
2nd Corinthians 5:7
That scripture for some is a hopeful encouragement. But for Jason Polansky, it is a literal description of his life’s journey.
Completely blind since birth due to anophthalmia, Jason has had about a dozen procedures surgeries in his 24 years. In describing the condition, Jason said. “I was basically born with empty eye sockets.
From an early age, Jason’s parents involved him in NFB events in his hometown of Frederick County Maryland. “I started off doing the buddy programs with Blind Inc in middle school, he said, “then went on to the training center in Louisiana. Jason says that NFB has been a part of his life at every stage.
In 2015, Jason enrolled in Messiah College because of “the stellar business program and community atmosphere,” he said. He graduated with a degree in marketing, hoping to begin a career incorporating his marketing degree and his interest in recruiting.
After graduating, Jason stayed in Pennsylvania, and landed a job with Microsoft recruiting software engineers. Unfortunately, the position was cut during the pandemic.
But he bounced back and began working as a sales representative for Accessible Pharmacy, a new startup founded by a blind person and based in the Philadelphia area. The company provides free home delivery of medications, and a variety of health aids to blind and visually impaired consumers. Currently, Jason is employed with Whole Foods recruiting engineers.
In 2019, as the current president was preparing to step down, Jason was asked to consider taking the helm. “I was nervous at first but thought it was a good opportunity to help me develop good leadership skills,” he said.
Keeping members engaged can be a challenge even in the best of circumstances. But Jason had to figure that out during a pandemic. But Jason was able to meet the challenge. “I’m proud of how we still stayed connected and we even got a few new members and have seen others become more active,” said Jason.
Jason and the rest of the Capital Chapter members are looking forward to hosting the 2021 state convention. “We’re talking to local legislators and securing sponsors,” he said.
In his spare time, Jason enjoys reading books on faith and leadership. He also likes taking long walks and listening to either country or alternative rock music. He is also involved in church ministry in his current hometown of Mechanicsburg.
Contact Jason at:
jaedpo96@gmail.com
(301) 606-4480
Written by Lisa Bryant
