Loker welcomes the opportunity to teach all of us to see beyond the surface.

CNN: A beauty beyond skin deep

Her mother, a strong, loving woman, readily took on the challenge of raising Loker and her sisters.

CNN: A beauty beyond skin deep

Loker was raised in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, in a home where love and acceptance were given freely.

CNN: A beauty beyond skin deep

At home, Loker's looks were not an issue and she was treated the same as her sisters.

CNN: A beauty beyond skin deep

While day-to-day encounters with strangers brought the same hurtful stares and comments, Loker was used to it.

CNN: A beauty beyond skin deep

Visit the CNN Facebook page Monday night for a live discussion with Penny Loker at 8 p.m.

CNN: A beauty beyond skin deep

The company was recognized this year as a diversity leader corporation, a recognition that only adds to Loker's pride.

CNN: A beauty beyond skin deep

"As an adult, it's hard to stand by silently when you know what these kids are going through, " Loker says.

CNN: A beauty beyond skin deep

Penny Loker, 31, was born with hemifacial microsomia and Goldenhar Syndrome, two birth defects that left her with a disfigured face.

CNN: A beauty beyond skin deep

Loker's recoveries were lengthy and painful, recalls older sister Crystal Loker.

CNN: A beauty beyond skin deep

Her father died soon after Loker's first birthday.

CNN: A beauty beyond skin deep

In spite of it all, Loker is quick to point out her many blessings: Being able to share a home with her family, having a job she loves, having good friends and a good health care system to help with the cost of a lifetime of surgeries.

CNN: A beauty beyond skin deep