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A Journey of Inclusion and Transformation with Jen VanSkiver
Empathy Unbound: A Journey of Inclusion and Transformation with Jen VanSkiver
In this episode of 'Empathy Unbound, Embrace Your Superpower', the host welcomes Jen VanSkiver, Chief Officer of Strategic Growth at Special Olympics Michigan.
Jen shares her inspirational journey of becoming a key advocate for Special Olympics through her experiences as a mother of a special needs child. She discusses the transformative power of Special Olympics for athletes and their families, emphasizing the importance of acceptance, inclusion, and the profound impact of sports.
Jen also elaborates on the creation of Michigan's largest Special Olympics facility, focusing on how it serves as a model for inclusivity and societal integration for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Highlighting personal anecdotes and professional insights, Jennifer illustrates the intersection of her career and personal life, aiming to create a more inclusive world for special needs individuals.
00:00 Introduction to Jen VanSkiver
00:37 Jen's Journey and Motherhood
02:32 Special Olympics Michigan: A Transformational Experience
03:16 The Power of Sports and Inclusion
07:00 The Kennedy Legacy and Special Olympics
09:44 Volunteers: The Backbone of Special Olympics
12:15 West Michigan's New Special Olympics Facility
17:54 Jen's Career and Commitment
23:34 Personal Reflections and Family Impact
29:54 Balancing Protection and Independence
31:05 The Role of Sports in Personal Growth
32:20 Special Olympics: Filling the Gap
33:43 The Power of Words and Inclusivity
38:15 Challenges of Visibility and Accessibility
42:34 Investing in the Intellectually Disabled Community
48:35 A Mother's Pride and Societal Change
52:13 Living the Brand: Personal and Professional Integration
54:23 The Impact of Music: A Tribute to Stevie Wonder
55:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
- Jen VanSkiver LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-vanskiver-339b737/
- Special Olympics Michigan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/special-olympics-michigan/
- Jen FB: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.vanskiver
- SOMI FB: https://www.facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsMichigan
- Jen Insta: https://www.instagram.com/jenvanskiver/
- SOMI Insta: https://www.instagram.com/SpOlympicsMI/
- SOMI Website: https://www.somi.org/
- Unified Sports & Inclusion Center: https://www.somi.org/unified-sports-inclusion-center
View all episodes
By Andrew PhippsEmpathy Unbound: A Journey of Inclusion and Transformation with Jen VanSkiver
In this episode of 'Empathy Unbound, Embrace Your Superpower', the host welcomes Jen VanSkiver, Chief Officer of Strategic Growth at Special Olympics Michigan.
Jen shares her inspirational journey of becoming a key advocate for Special Olympics through her experiences as a mother of a special needs child. She discusses the transformative power of Special Olympics for athletes and their families, emphasizing the importance of acceptance, inclusion, and the profound impact of sports.
Jen also elaborates on the creation of Michigan's largest Special Olympics facility, focusing on how it serves as a model for inclusivity and societal integration for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Highlighting personal anecdotes and professional insights, Jennifer illustrates the intersection of her career and personal life, aiming to create a more inclusive world for special needs individuals.
00:00 Introduction to Jen VanSkiver
00:37 Jen's Journey and Motherhood
02:32 Special Olympics Michigan: A Transformational Experience
03:16 The Power of Sports and Inclusion
07:00 The Kennedy Legacy and Special Olympics
09:44 Volunteers: The Backbone of Special Olympics
12:15 West Michigan's New Special Olympics Facility
17:54 Jen's Career and Commitment
23:34 Personal Reflections and Family Impact
29:54 Balancing Protection and Independence
31:05 The Role of Sports in Personal Growth
32:20 Special Olympics: Filling the Gap
33:43 The Power of Words and Inclusivity
38:15 Challenges of Visibility and Accessibility
42:34 Investing in the Intellectually Disabled Community
48:35 A Mother's Pride and Societal Change
52:13 Living the Brand: Personal and Professional Integration
54:23 The Impact of Music: A Tribute to Stevie Wonder
55:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
- Jen VanSkiver LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-vanskiver-339b737/
- Special Olympics Michigan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/special-olympics-michigan/
- Jen FB: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.vanskiver
- SOMI FB: https://www.facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsMichigan
- Jen Insta: https://www.instagram.com/jenvanskiver/
- SOMI Insta: https://www.instagram.com/SpOlympicsMI/
- SOMI Website: https://www.somi.org/
- Unified Sports & Inclusion Center: https://www.somi.org/unified-sports-inclusion-center