Finding Limitless Pathways: An Interview with Adjoin CEO Wendy Forkas

I’m pleased to be joining Wendy Forkas, CEO of Adjoin and creator of Path-Now, to discuss her innovative new platform and over a decade of experience advocating for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through her work developing programs and services to better meet community needs, Wendy gained valuable insights that inspired her to launch Path-Now – a groundbreaking digital solution aimed at tearing down barriers and opening new doors of opportunity. In this interview, we’ll learn more about Wendy’s motivations and vision for Path-Now, the challenges of building an startup, and the lessons she’s learned along the entrepreneurial journey. Her advice for aspiring change makers provides thoughtful perspective on bringing impactful ideas to life.

Please provide a brief introduction of yourself and your professional background.

I’m Wendy Forkas, CEO of Adjoin, and I bring over a decade of entrepreneurial experience in developing and bringing to life new ideas, programs, and services to better meet the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including the creation of Path-Now, a progressive mobile app. My journey has been fueled by a passion for people, innovation and a relentless drive to make a positive impact in the world.

What is Path-Now and what problem does it aim to solve for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities?

Powered by Adjoin, Path-Now is a groundbreaking platform designed to revolutionize the way individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) connect with the services they need to have the best quality of life. Our platform offers a safe and accessible experience, bridging the gap between individuals with IDD and new opportunities. Whether they are seeking vocational, living, or social recreational services, Path-Now empowers users to unlock new opportunities. Our target audience includes individuals with IDD, family members, and care professionals as well as service organizations across the IDD community throughout California who are in search of or provide meaningful connections to accessing the community.

What inspired you to create Path-Now and address the need you witnessed?

The inspiration behind Path-Now was born from my realization of the urgent need for an interactive statewide system directory. This epiphany occurred during my involvement as a facilitator in focus groups within the disability community, engaging stakeholders such as families, professional staff, individuals with disabilities, and community partners. Through these interactions, a recurring theme emerged: the desperate need for a comprehensive statewide directory that encompasses all available services. Participants shared their struggles in navigating the complex support options and the barriers they faced in accessing these services.

Witnessing this significant gap in the IDD community, I embarked on a mission to create what is now known as Path-Now. This platform aims to break down the barriers to success for people with disabilities by offering personalized pathways tailored to each user’s unique needs. I saw an opportunity to harness technology to create a platform that not only unlocks opportunities but also fosters genuine connections and drives tangible outcomes for individuals with IDD.

What were some of the initial challenges you faced in getting Path-Now off the ground?

Like any startup, I have faced numerous challenges in the early stages from securing approval from the Adjoin Board to fund the development of the Path-Now application to gaining traction in the market, each hurdle presents its own set of obstacles. However, through perseverance, hard work, and my relentless passion and belief of the platform, I remain focus on the vision, and work to overcome these challenges and set Path-Now on a path to success.

How did you come to recognize the significant market gap that Path-Now aims to fill?

The need for Path-Now became evident through firsthand experience and analysis of California’s disability support system, revealing a significant market gap. With 400,000 individuals eligible for DDS services and over 40,000 community providers, a centralized platform for IDD individuals was lacking. Regional Centers’ basic directories were insufficient, as noted in stakeholder focus groups and DDS Community Resources Workgroup discussions. The demand for an online directory or marketplace for easier access to suitable services and the introduction of a new service model contributed to Path-Now’s development, aiming to improve access and outcomes in California’s IDD community.

What makes Path-Now stand out from other platforms and directories?

What makes Path-Now truly stand out is our unwavering dedication to people. Our passion lies in ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to the services they need to fully belong in their communities. We are purposefully designed to empower and promote independence among our users. One of our standout features is our customized matching functionality, which streamlines the process and allows users to connect more swiftly with the services that are tailored to their needs. Our emphasis on user experience, personalized connections, and measurable outcomes sets us apart from traditional platforms. Unlike others that prioritize quantity, we prioritize quality connections, ensuring that every interaction on Path-Now leads to meaningful opportunities that make a real difference in people’s lives.

What have you learned about the importance of resilience and perseverance when developing a new application?

Recognizing the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity is key knowledge when developing a new application. Building a successful startup is akin to running a marathon, requiring mental fortitude to navigate the challenges and setbacks along the way. It’s crucial to understand the relationship with developers, as well as the different development models and the significant amount of time it truly takes to create a quality product. One person often cannot do it alone, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and collaboration in achieving success in the competitive landscape of app development.

What skills do you think are critical for a successful founder?

Critical skills for a successful founder encompass adaptability, resilience, strategic thinking, and the ability to inspire and motivate others. Understanding industry dynamics, market trends, and user needs is crucial. Additionally, gaining buy-in, staying focused on goals during challenging times, and being open to feedback and suggestions are key attributes that contribute to entrepreneurial success. And don’t forget having a sense of humor!

What have you found most rewarding about being a founder and what challenges does it present?

The most rewarding aspect of being a founder is witnessing your vision materialize and experiencing its positive impact on people’s wellbeing and quality of life. Although it comes with challenges like navigating uncertainty, managing setbacks, and overcoming obstacles, I find witnessing innovation in action exciting and rewarding as it challenges me to grow both personally and professionally. Also, seeing Adjoin fulfill its mission of creating limitless pathways for people to belong only adds to the rewarding nature of being a founder.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

My advice to entrepreneurs is straightforward: believe in yourself, remain steadfast in your vision and values, and never underestimate the strength of perseverance. Trust your idea and intuition, and do not allow one dissenting voice to deter you. Remember to have fun, laugh often, and surround yourself with a supportive network. Embrace failure as a chance to learn and grow, and most importantly, never stop dreaming big.

Through Adjoin and Path-Now, Wendy Forkas is demonstrating how social entrepreneurship can drive tangible impact by addressing pressing real-world needs with creative solutions. With her relentless focus on empowering independence and community belonging, she serves as an inspiration for any aspiring innovator determined to make a positive difference through their work. As Forkas charges forward on her mission, countless lives stand to benefit from her vision of inclusive opportunities unlocked through both daring inventiveness and compassion.