For over a decade, Webster “Jon” Hubbard has shown tremendous growth and dedication within his different positions at the Peace Corps. From starting out as a Facilities Clerk to being promoted to Shipping and Receiving Clerk, Jon’s commitment has allowed him to grow in his capabilities and confidence, demonstrated through his work and as a cyclist for autism awareness.

Jon’s workforce journey began shortly after completing high school. After making his way to Didlake, Jon was assigned to the role of Facilities Clerk for the Peace Corps. His initial responsibilities varied from setting up conference rooms and offices one day to restocking printer paper throughout the building and unloading a van or truck the next. Regardless of the task at hand, Jon was always willing to help out his coworkers and fill in for other employees when they were absent. Seen as the “jack of all trades,” staff quickly realized one of his greatest strengths was his physical abilities. One of Jon’s greatest accomplishments was assisting the Peace Corps facilities department move from its headquarters building in NW Washington D.C. to a new building in NE Washington D.C. The department had to move every single piece of furniture — an incredibly laborious task Jon took on with the team.

Over time, in his role as a Facilities Clerk, Jon became comfortable using different skill sets within his work environment, increasing his self-confidence along the way.

“In the beginning, Jon was much more passive and waited for direction before doing any work. Today, Jon has grown in his abilities and confidence and actively seeks out tasks to complete. When he saw the Shipping and Receiving Clerk position open up, he asked if he could train in the area to see if it was a good fit and he has done an excellent job meeting those expectations. The ‘Jon’ who first started with us wouldn’t have asked or applied for the position, so it’s been great to see him expand his skill set,” says Kyle Bradley, Contract Operations Manager, Didlake.

Nowadays, Jon’s responsibilities as a Shipping and Receiving Clerk include busy mornings filled with sending packages through an X-ray machine and scanning packages in the mailroom. “This job has helped me get more experience. Especially since I went from a different one to this one. It teaches me more about FedEx, Amazon and the mailroom with the packages too. Basically, it teaches me more stuff,” says Jon. His new role also allows for more interaction with customers and his own office with a phone, a couple of his favorite parts of the job.

Outside of work, Jon is an avid cyclist. In addition to riding his bike to work (sometimes from Manassas to DC or from Leesburg to DC and Maryland!), Jon participates in an annual 100-mile bike ride from Washington D.C. to Dewey Beach, Delaware. Jon says,” I always do an event for Autism. It’s called Bike to the Beach. It’s a nonprofit and they raise money for special needs and disabilities and autism awareness. I’ve been doing that for five years.” Jon’s other hobbies include working out and hiking, which he credits for his weight loss. “That’s the reason why I lost 80 pounds, from cycling. I eat junk food every day and still don’t gain any more weight [laughs].” Jon is also a sports and Washington Commanders fan, always ready to bring the team together for a friendly debate.