“It was embarrassing, telling her I was having trouble finding a job,” said Katie. “But she was incredibly nice and just wanted to know if there was anything she could do to help.”

“She asked me what kind of work I was looking for and what types of things I’d done in the past,” remembered Katie. “I mentioned I’d worked in a call center, she kind of paused for a second and then said ‘I may have an idea…’”

“I thought she was kidding, but she told me State Farm was looking for people to work in their Phoenix call centers and if I wanted to apply, she’d give me a referral and send me all the information I needed.”

Katie got the job and began their State Farm career.

“I was so grateful to Shar for suggesting this and giving me that referral,” said Katie. “It literally changed my life.”

Since then, they became an underwriting service assistant, helping agents and their staff members.

“I got a call one day from Shar,” said Katie. “We got through the call and right at the end I said, ‘Oh by the way, I’m working here because of you!’ And she was like, ‘Wait, you’re not Katie Ellis, are you?’”

“She didn’t have to do what she did, but I’m glad she did, because I’ve been here for seven years and I’m planning on being here for a lot more.”