Leila Abel: A Journey of Resilience, Dedication, and Community Impact

Photo Credit: Karen Presecan Photography

Leila Abel's life story is a powerful testament to resilience, determination, and the unwavering support of loved ones. From overcoming personal hardships to building a successful career and giving back to her community, Leila's journey is inspiring and heartwarming.

Leila's home is a bustling and dynamic place filled with love and activity. Her husband, Jeff, is a steady presence, providing unwavering support and companionship. Although their sons, Zach and Erik, are grown, they remain closely knit. Zach, who works at a local bank, moved back in with Leila and Jeff after buying a house with Erik in 2019, which the brothers rent out. 

"We all get along swimmingly, so I don't think he's going anywhere. He is an awesome roommate," Leila shared, reflecting the warmth and camaraderie that defines their family dynamic. Erik, currently serving overseas in the military, married Mackenzie in June 2023. Though Erik is far away, Mackenzie stays with Leila and Jeff occasionally, adding to the lively household.

Leila's journey to her current role as a software test lead for the Department of Defense (DoD) is a testament to perseverance and resilience. Her brother, Gary Garrett II, was pivotal in recommending her to a government contracting company. Despite initial concerns about the distance she would need to commute, Leila was given an opportunity that set the stage for her career. "I had the greatest boss, Greg Gillette. While I worked for him, he allowed me the freedom to pursue job-related interests," Leila recalled. This supportive environment enabled her to develop her skills.

Leila has never quite stopped developing and fostering her skills and education, and she's worked incredibly hard for everything she has. After being kicked out of high school during her senior year, she earned her GED and, later, her high school diploma. 

"Shortly after, I became divorced and a single mother," she recounted. The struggles were immense, from moving annually to facing homelessness. "It's very worrisome wondering how you're going to feed your child and where you're going to live," she recalled. But Leila's resilience shone through, guiding her through these challenges. 

Completing her bachelor's degree took 17 years, but it was a crucial step in securing a better future for her children. 

"I wanted them to see that college was an option if they wanted to go that route. I wanted them to see that you persevere through bad times and that things can change," Leila explained. She shared a poignant story from a challenging period when the economy forced her family to move and live in a small house without air conditioning. "Every night, I would clean the kitchen floor, and we would sleep in the kitchen on the linoleum floor because that was the coolest place to sleep. The house heated up like a large oven," she recounted. Despite these hardships, Leila's determination to provide for her family never wavered.

Her brother, Gary Russell Garrett II, played a pivotal role in her life, giving her a stable place to live during her most challenging times. "My life would have been so different if my brother hadn't provided me with an affordable, stable place to live," she said. 

Since then, she's obtained her master's degree and is a Class A residential builder. She's a proud business owner in a male-dominated industry and the owner of One Way Construction. 

"My grandfather and father had a construction business years ago called One Way Construction, where I took the name," Leila explained. In honor of both her grandfather and brother, she helps others achieve their dreams of home ownership. Because of her past hardships, she approaches her business a bit differently and knows personally how life can change in an instant— for better or worse. 

Recognizing the rising construction costs, she has explored financing options for customers with less-than-perfect credit or those needing financial assistance. Looking ahead, Leila dreams of addressing homelessness through establishing a nonprofit.

"My biggest wish is to address homelessness. Realistically, I know I can't end it," she admitted. Her vision is to offer a leg up to those in need, helping them get back on their feet and providing the stability they need to rebuild their lives.

"I would love to start a nonprofit organization (NPO) to provide temporary housing to veterans, single parents, recovering addicts, and anyone who needs a boost while trying to get or stay on track," she shared. Leila's vision for her nonprofit is comprehensive, aiming to provide not just housing but also job training and resources to help individuals transition to permanent housing and stable employment.

Until that dream comes to fruition, Leila offers her talents elsewhere. Outside of work, Leila is passionate about reading and volunteering. She has a special connection with author Andrew Sweet, for whom she occasionally beta-reads. "If you check out his books, you will find my name inside the cover of a few," she noted proudly. Leila's love for animals also shines through her volunteer work. She has fostered for local shelters and regularly helps out with One By One Death Row Dog Rescue. "I like to help people and animals," Leila said simply, capturing her generous spirit.

Leila's ties to Virginia run deep, and she appreciates the state's beauty. "I am also a huge fan of four seasons, although I could do without this humidity," she admitted with a smile. One of her favorite pastimes is driving through backroads to see how areas have grown and changed over the years. "I've lived here my whole life," she said, and her love for the community in Stafford and the greater Fredericksburg area is evident in her efforts to give back. 

When she isn't working or volunteering, Leila looks forward to her vacations—something that wasn't possible when she struggled to make ends meet. She doesn't take her time off for granted, and she looks forward to precious time and opportunities to reconnect with her grown sons and her husband. 

Looking ahead, she is excited about an upcoming cruise with Zach. "I am very much looking forward to spending Mom and son time with him!" she exclaimed. Future vacations will be "wherever Erik is stationed," she said.

"I very much look forward to those, she said. "I don't care where we go; I just want to see him. I haven't seen him in over a year, which crushes my soul."

Jeff likes to lift Leila's spirits with a camping trip so they can be surrounded by nature. The couple also loves riding ATVs. 

"When we have a little time, we go to Funland and 'kill dinosaurs' [play Jurassic Park]," Leila said. "We've long mastered the game, but still enjoy it."

The two also love Texas Roadhouse and Pizza Hut, which hold dear memories for Leila and remind her of "hanging out after high school football games."

Alpine Chef and the Four Seasons are also favorite spots for dinner and brunch if they can slow down and savor the weekends. They also love checking out local events and festivals in the area. 

Leila's household also includes three beloved dogs: Hank, a Cavapoo; Phoebe, a mini poodle; and Hershey, a toy poodle. There's Shadow, affectionately known as Fat Fat, a fluffy cat who thinks he's a dog. "Fat Fat followed Niko, our German shepherd who passed away last year, everywhere; that's how he learned to act like a dog," Leila explained. Each pet adds joy and warmth to their home, underscoring the loving and caring environment that Leila and her family have created.

Leila's story is a testament to hard work and perseverance; she's overcome various obstacles throughout her life, and she has her sights set on creating even more of a lasting impact in the community with her future aspirations of establishing a nonprofit organization to help combat homelessness. Her story proves that someone can change their story with grit and determination, and she looks forward to assisting others to create their happy endings.