My Why: Dave W.

Our “MyWhy” series highlights stories from our PPL employees, sharing the personal motivations behind their commitment to helping others access in-home care through self-direction. Hear directly from the individuals who bring our mission to life, and be sure to check back regularly as new stories are released.

They say age is just a number, but in my house, being 47 still makes me one of the ‘young ones.’ While that usually earns me a bit of teasing playing trivia on Monday nights, it’s also given me a deeply meaningful role as a caregiver for several of our elderly family members.

Navigating that journey isn’t always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding to give back to the people who inspired me throughout my life. That’s why I’m such a vocal advocate for PPL. Their self-directed care services have been a total game-changer for my family. It’s a huge asset to our community because it gives families like mine the freedom and support to care for our loved ones with the dignity they deserve.

One experience that truly solidified my belief in PPL’s mission was when we had to move my uncle-in-law into assisted living. After undergoing surgery, he faced severe complications from sepsis, turning his recovery into an incredibly complex journey. It took an immense amount of effort and coordination across multiple homes and care settings just to ensure he remained safe and supported. 

In the middle of that whirlwind, the true importance of self-directed care became so clear to me. Having the ability to tailor support to a loved one’s specific and shifting needs isn’t just a convenience—it’s often the difference between a stressful transition and one handled with dignity and peace of mind.

My connection to PPL eventually became more than personal—it became professional.

They say the best career moves often come through word-of-mouth, and that was certainly true for me. While I was working as a government contractor, an old colleague mentioned that PPL was searching for someone to lead their New York Work Force Management team. I had always respected her insight, so when she encouraged me to apply, I listened.  

The interview process only reinforced everything I had already come to believe about the organization. After meeting with leaders from the New York call center, I was inspired by their vision and commitment to the people we serve. What started as a personal appreciation for PPL’s mission quickly became an opportunity to help advance that mission myself.

Today, I serve as a Senior Data Analyst at PPL, a role I have held for the past 6 months. Being able to contribute to an organization whose mission has directly impacted my own family makes the work especially meaningful. Every day, I ‘m reminded that behind the data, processes, and decisions are real people who depend on the services we provide.

Continue reading: More MyWhy stories from PPL employees