Alison Haraburda MEd shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Alison, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Recently, I was able to travel to Alaska to cook at a place that trains missionary pilots. There were 2 things here that brought me joy, but even not in Alaska also bring joy…nature and cooking. I love to enjoy time outdoors whenever I can (I secretly will work outside at a park, too!), and I love to make meals that everyone can enjoy. The meal-making is a little creative side of me that many don’t know brings me joy!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I have been a wife to my wonderful husband, Brian, for 25 years. I have 2 grown children, and I am 1 of 8 children my parents reared.
Three years ago, as of Sept 12, 2025, I launched One Day Niche, which started as an activity-based day program for adults over the age of 26 with disabilities. We are now opening up a residential side to go along with the day program.
I started the program for my brother, who was over 26 and didn’t fit into the other programs in our area due to his cognitive level of functioning. One Day Niche fills a special gap in services for these individuals who would otherwise be at home once school ends for them. ODN tries to create a space, an encouraging, welcoming space for these individuals. We have become like family now.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My relationship with God, my Lord and Savior, has shaped how I see myself. It has been a journey of reading and listening to Him that has helped not only how I view myself, but also how I view others and how I love them.
The greatest command in the Bible is to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the 1st and greatest commandment. The 2nd is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. ” (Matt 22:37-39)
How I view God and others shapes how I view and see myself. If I speak life to myself, I am more than likely to speak life (love) to others. If I speak negative things to myself, then I will speak negative things (hate).
Loving God and having a relationship with Him, then sparks how I love others and myself.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, the journey of entrepreneurship is undeniably challenging, filled with demanding work and significant hurdles, making it an endeavor that does not suit all individuals.
Starting One Day Niche, and it is not a “traditional” program, has made it very demanding, challenging, and stressful at times. The individuals served are forgotten, pushed aside, and ignored, so giving them a voice and a place to feel safe has been a very difficult journey.
I want others to see these individuals as people and not just someone that takes up space and can be “thrown away” or “brushed aside”.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
No – The real me is very reserved and shy.
BUT when you are called to pursue your calling, it becomes your passion, and God gives you the strength as well as the right people to do what you are called to.
The best example is Moses in the Bible – He was to lead God’s people out of Egypt, and he said he couldn’t talk well, and send someone else. But God gave him Aaron to do the talking.
Not only does God do that, but He also works best in our weaknesses. So the shy, reserved person I normally am is being molded into an assertive leader and speaker
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
YES –
Every day is a new and exciting adventure. The days can be long and trying, but ultimately rewarding. I find immense satisfaction in tackling new challenges and seeing the fruits of my labor. Some specific examples include:
* Watching the individuals smile and laugh.
* Getting hugs and stories from the individuals.
* Dancing and signing, and all the fun the individuals have when at ODN.
* See how they are like family now, and as we grow, how they welcome new people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.onedayniche.org
- Instagram: @aliharaburda
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-haraburda-097835295
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onedayniche
- Youtube: @onedayniche8112
