Southwestern
Pennsylvania
A New Chapter in Disability Leadership
We develop leaders and connect them to opportunities. Disability Lead is expanding into Southwestern Pennsylvania (SWPA), bringing our proven model of disability leadership development to Pittsburgh and surrounding counties. Rooted in community input and supported by strong regional partnerships, our SWPA chapter is here to equip, elevate, and connect leaders with disabilities who are ready to lead with power, influence systems with purpose, and drive meaningful change across the region.
Applications are Open Now!
Join Our Network
Our History
Disability Lead was founded in Chicago as a network for and by leaders with disabilities—creating access to power, civic engagement, and professional opportunity. Our impact in Chicago has shown that when leaders with disabilities are equipped and visible, communities thrive.
Now, for the first time, we are expanding into a new region. Our work in Southwestern Pennsylvania began with listening: over 100 conversations with regional leaders, advocates, and allies shaped this next chapter.We understood the importance of our learnings from those conversations and added the expertise of local leadership. Our work is enhanced through the support of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Executive Committee.
With support from funders like the FISA Foundation, Staunton Farm Foundation, and The Heinz Endowments, we’re deepening local roots to grow new leadership.
Our Goals
- Empower a new cohort of leaders with disabilities through our Fellowship Institute.
- Build Visibility for disabled leaders across civic, nonprofit, and business sectors.
- Create lasting connections with regional institutions, organizations, and allies.
- Influence systems by placing leaders with disabilities in roles where they can shape decisions.
- Unlock the full potential of the region through inclusive, representative leadership.
SWPA is ready for bold new leadership—and Disability Lead is here to support it.