Our leaders are off to a great 2023!
First, nearly 50 Disability Lead Members have participated in an internal survey to help support our overall connections work. Thank you Members who have participated!
In the first three months of 2023, Disability Lead has identified and made connections to over 74 opportunities for our Members with over 19 successful connections. Some highlights include:
- Kruti Shah published an op-ed in Newsweek on the power of disability inclusion.
- Katherine Vakil spoke at a press conference alongside Senator Dick Durbin on prescription drug affordability.
- Maureen Burns worked with her mentor Amber Smock to host a webinar on Palliative Care and Disability. This is one of two webinars Access Living is hosting on measures to enhance quality of life of those nearing the end of life, without taking drastic measures.
- Commissioner Rachel Arfa and Justine Fedak spoke at an event with Choose Chicago on making Chicago more accessible.
- Emily Blum spoke at DEIA summit with the Executives Club.
- Michele Lee is quoted in Forbes about her work to ensure the autonomous vehicle industry is accessible to the disability community.
- Bridget Hayman and Access Living quoted in a piece about their lawsuit with the city of Chicago over accessible housing.
- Chris Huff moderated an event (featuring NEW Member, Fya) on the topic of Black Mental Health. Claire McNorton, Jae Jin Pak, and TJ Gordon helped plan and support.
- Azeema Akram spoke at event with Disability & Philanthropy on the importance of disabled leadership. The event was moderated by Emily Harris.
Congratulations to all and we look forward to sharing more stories of our leaders paving the way throughout 2023! If you have an advancement you’d like included in future stories, please contact Emily at eblum@disabilitylead.org.
Category:
Connections