Meet the Owners: Mary & Gabi Angelini of Gabi’s Workforce
Some businesses are built from opportunity. Others are built from necessity, love, and an unwavering belief in what’s possible. For Mary Angelini and her daughter Gabi, Gabi’s Workforce is all three.
Connect with Mary and Gabi: https://gabisworkforce.org/
A Mother’s Heart Behind the Mission
Mary still remembers the heartbreak.
“I was crushed when I realized NO ONE would hire my daughter, despite her incredible work ethic, her love of helping others, her bright, bubbly personality, and an indomitable spirit.”
Watching Gabi face rejection after rejection opened Mary’s eyes to a painful reality: the world often overlooks people with special abilities. Despite their talents and desire to contribute, many are denied meaningful employment opportunities. In fact, only a small percentage of adults with disabilities are employed, leaving countless capable individuals without the chance to grow, earn, and feel valued.
But Mary didn’t stop at heartbreak. She turned it into action.
Together, Mary and Gabi decided to take matters into their own hands — creating the very opportunities that didn’t exist. What began as a deeply personal mission has grown into a thriving nonprofit that is changing lives across the Triangle.
Meet Gabi: The Heart and Spark of It All
Gabi is more than the inspiration behind Gabi’s Workforce — she is a leader, speaker, and shining example of what happens when ability is embraced.
Her joy is contagious. Her determination is unmatched. And her belief in others is unwavering.
Today, Gabi proudly works alongside a team of over 40 incredible individuals, most of whom have special abilities, proving every day that inclusion and productivity go hand in hand. The organization now partners with major brands such as Peter Millar and AmerisourceBergen, delivering dependable fulfillment and staffing solutions while creating life-changing employment opportunities.
And for Mary, one of the greatest rewards is hearing from parents.
She loves when families share that Gabi’s Workforce has given their child purpose, that instead of staying home isolated, they are learning life skills, building friendships, contributing to real projects, and creating value for customers.
From One Warehouse to a Growing Movement
In August 2020, Gabi’s Workforce opened its first warehouse at The Loading Dock in Raleigh. In 2024, operations expanded into a larger space at Blue Co., continuing their growth while staying rooted in the local community.
What happens inside their warehouse?
- Pick and pack fulfillment for ecommerce brands
- Domestic and international shipping via USPS, FedEx, and UPS
- Specialty packaging projects
- Product assembly (including sanding, staining, and waxing giant Jenga yard games)
- Labeling and re-ticketing retail merchandise
- Bulk direct-to-consumer shipping projects
With pallet storage available and flexible fulfillment solutions, Gabi’s Workforce provides reliable operational support — all while advancing its greater mission of inclusion.
Their model proves something powerful: purpose and profit can work together.
More Than Jobs: A Culture Shift
The challenge is real. A significant percentage of the Population with Disabilities in the U.S. remains unemployed and underserved.
But Mary and Gabi see opportunity where others see limitations.
Gabi’s Workforce isn’t just about employment. It’s about reshaping workplace culture. It’s about dignity. Belonging. Confidence. Growth.
Team members are valued for their strengths, supported in their development, and celebrated for who they are. Families describe Gabi’s as safe, uplifting, patient, and purpose-filled — a place where their loved ones can shine.
There is even a waiting list of individuals eager to join.
Inspiring Audiences Beyond the Warehouse
Gabi’s impact extends far beyond fulfillment projects.
As a polished and engaging speaker, Gabi delivers powerful keynotes like “Fulfilling Your Dreams” and “Finding Your Superpower.” Her talks challenge assumptions around disability and inclusion while offering practical insights for businesses, schools, nonprofits, and community groups.
Audiences leave inspired, energized, and more aligned with the value of inclusive opportunity. Booking Gabi to speak isn’t just inspirational, it’s an investment in perspective-shifting, purpose-driven storytelling.
