Heard & Empowered

Have you ever wondered how state programs can create meaningful job opportunities for people who are blind or have low vision? In this episode, we dive into the life-changing work being done by the New York State Preferred Source Program for New Yorkers Who Are Blind (NYSPSP).

Our guest, Christopher Burke, is the executive director of NYSPSP. With a background in public administration and social entrepreneurship, Chris shares his passion for empowering people who are blind or have low vision through gainful employment. He explains how NYSPSP partners with nine agencies across the state to provide a wide range of products and services to government entities, while ensuring at least 50% of their workforce comprises people with blindness or low vision.

Tune in to discover how this innovative program is providing meaningful and well-paying jobs and setting an example for other states to follow. You’ll be inspired by the stories of people who have found stability, purpose, and upward mobility through NYSPSP’s entrepreneurial approach to creating job opportunities.

For full transcript and show notes, please visit: https://heardandempowered.org/40

Today’s episode focuses on an extraordinary collaboration between employees from NSITE and American Printing House (APH) to create the Job Seeker's Toolkit.

Marianne Haegeli is the director of learning and leadership at NSITE. She has more than 15 years of experience as a Learning and Leadership Development professional with engagements in nonprofit, public, and private sector environments.

In 2020, Richard Rueda joined the APH ConnectCenter managing CareerConnect, a well-respected interactive resource for job seekers. As assistant director, he works with a team of dedicated professionals promoting critical life changing tools and supports.

Lori Scharff worked since 2012 as a work incentive practitioner assisting individuals who are entering the work force. Lori joined the APH ConnectCenter in 2022 as the lead content contractor for careers and employment. Her most recent project was to update the Job Seeker's Toolkit.

Tune in this week to discover how APH CareerConnect® and NSITE are collaborating to completely revamp the landscape for job seekers who are blind or have low vision. They discuss the simple ways and the innovative and accessible approaches they use to help people find the employment opportunities that are right for them.

For full transcript and show notes, please visit: https://heardandempowered.org/39

Maurice Crittendon is the senior specialist for talent acquisition at NSITE. After losing his sight due to diabetic retinopathy, Maurice ventured to Minneapolis for orientation and mobility training before returning to the Washington, D.C. area. Accepted into National Industries for the Blind’s (NIB) Fellowship for Leadership Development, his journey was interrupted by a 6.5-year period on hemodialysis.

In 2017, Maurice received a life-changing kidney and pancreas transplant, enabling him to continue his career at NIB. Maurice leverages his personal journey and professional experience to bridge the gap between talented people with blindness and inclusive employers.

Tune in this week to find out how Maurice developed his passion for recruiting and event management. He details the important work he’s done at NIB and NSITE, his experience in crafting effective resumes, and the details of how NSITE helps people who are blind or have low vision find corporate jobs through the NSITE Connect job board.

For full transcript and show notes, please visit: https://heardandempowered.org/38

Heard & Empowered was created to show that anything is possible when you show up with the right mindset and attitude. Our guest this week, Jonathan Lucus, exemplifies this ethos in everything he does as the director of NSITE, which is National Industries for the Blind’s (NIB) talent management enterprise.

NSITE works with public and private corporations as much as with the AbilityOne® Program to place people who are blind or low vision in a variety of positions, including many executive and senior leadership roles. Its job board, NSITE Connect, is an invaluable resource that people can access to find currently available jobs. NSITE also provides opportunities outside the AbilityOne Program for people who want to work in Corporate America.

Tune in this week for a deeper understanding of how NSITE helps people enter the U.S. workforce effectively and make a positive contribution through a career in the private sector. Jonathan discusses NSITE Connect’s triple-pronged approach, NSITE’s career training certifications, entrepreneurship programs, and how NIB and NSITE are driving real change in how the corporate world embraces people who are blind or low vision.

For full transcript and show notes, please visit: https://heardandempowered.org/37

Dr. Hoby Wedler welcomes returning guest Doug Goist to the podcast this week. Doug is a program manager for workforce development at NSITE where he helps people who are blind and visually impaired find employment by providing training opportunities. Blindness doesn’t get adequate coverage in most diversity training, so NSITE created a program called “Blindness, Equity, Inclusion,” where Doug helps companies in the commercial sector audit themselves and discover how they can support people with blindness and vision impairments in the workplace.

Doug also has a deep passion for artificial intelligence (AI) and technology. After losing his sight, technology became his key to navigating a challenging world. Tune in this week as he discusses the many ways in which AI is revolutionizing the world for people who are blind or visually impaired. Technology is now available to help individuals create and decipher visual content, navigate their surroundings, “see” inside things, and so much more, opening up numerous opportunities in the workplace and every aspect of life.

For full transcript and show notes, please visit: https://heardandempowered.org/36

In this week’s episode, Dr. Hoby Wedler is joined by Brandye Lacy, the marketing coordinator at Travis Association for the Blind, also known as Austin Lighthouse. With a passion for writing and advocacy, she excels at crafting and telling compelling stories while championing causes that break down barriers to equality and equity. Brandye began losing her vision when she was in seventh grade and initially tried to hide it. Despite this, her passion for communications never wavered. By combining her love for this field with her advocacy for the empowerment of people who are blind or visually impaired, Brandye has excelled at promoting this cause to bring about beneficial changes in public policy.

Tune in this week to discover why and how Brandye is advocating in Washington, D.C. for Congress to mandate that the Department of Defense (DOD) allocate 1% of its procurement budget to the AbilityOne® Program. This increase from the current 0.55% to 1% would nearly double the funding, making a huge difference by boosting employment opportunities and economic independence for people who are blind, visually impaired, or have significant disabilities. Brandye will discuss the direct impact of this policy change and its effects on the broader community of individuals who are blind and visually impaired and work outside the AbilityOne network of agencies.

For full transcript and show notes, please visit: https://heardandempowered.org/35

Do you ever wonder if there is a purpose for blindness? How can it be seen as a gift? This week, Dr. Hoby Wedler is joined by Blake Lindsay, an author, public speaker, voice artist, and the director of communications and outreach for Envision Dallas. They explore these questions as well as discuss Blake’s fascinating story. While enjoying a 22-year career in radio broadcasting, Blake also spent 7 years at Nations Bank (now Bank of America) and worked with Dallas Area Rapid Transit and Zig Ziglar Corporation before moving to Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind, which became Envision Dallas.

During their conversation, Blake shares his personal story of living with retinoblastoma, the path he took to get to where he is now, and what it took to write his book, Blind for a Purpose. In addition to the tremendous impact Blake’s parents had on his life, he shares how Louis Braille and Zig Ziglar were also very strong influences on him. Blake’s story highlights how he made different jobs accessible while building strong relationships with colleagues and mentors. His positive outlook and perspective on blindness are sure to inspire you—and maybe even shift your own perspective.

For full transcript and show notes, please visit: https://heardandempowered.org/34

Dr. Hoby Wedler welcomes a familiar voice back to the podcast this week as he sits down with the Executive Vice President at Bosma Enterprises, Lise Pace, live from the 2024 NIB Public Policy Forum in Washington, D.C. Lise shares her remarkable journey from a diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa in her early 20s to the thriving and fulfilling career she enjoys today. Despite the initial shock of the diagnosis, Lise’s path led her to Bosma Enterprises where she found the opportunities and resources to reclaim her life and career, finding both purpose and success every step of the way.

As the conversation unfolds, you’ll hear all about Lise’s involvement in NIB’s Advocates for Leadership and Employment program, how it highlights the power of self-advocacy, and the impact it can have on shaping legislation. Tune in to discover the significance of asking Congress to set a specific statutory goal for the AbilityOne® Program, and the potential impact of legislative changes on employment opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired. Lise emphasizes the importance of advocacy not only at the federal level but also at the state and local levels, showcasing Bosma’s commitment to creating jobs.

For full transcript and show notes, please visit: https://heardandempowered.org/33

Dr. Hoby Wedler welcomes a very special guest to the podcast this week: the one and only Soraya Correa, the new president and CEO of National Industries for the Blind. After starting her career as a clerk typist, Soraya rose through the ranks of the federal government to join the Senior Executive Service. She held key leadership roles at the General Services Administration (GSA), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). After retiring from federal service, she worked for the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) before discovering NIB. As you’ll hear, Soraya’s willingness to tackle difficult projects and her passion for making a difference led to significant innovations in procurement.

Tune in to hear about the importance of mentorship and diversity in the workplace and the impact both had on Soraya’s trajectory. She shares her vision for NIB’s future, her strategies for creating opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired, and the lessons she’s learned from a lifetime of service. Whether you’re looking to enhance your leadership skills, understand the impact of diversity in the workplace, or simply be inspired by Soraya’s extraordinary journey, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical advice for listeners from all walks of life!

For full transcript and show notes, please visit: https://heardandempowered.org/32

This week, Dr. Hoby Wedler is joined by Dan Kelly, the Vice President of Public Policy for the National Association for the Employment of People Who Are Blind (NAEPB) and President and CEO of IFB Solutions. Dan is a dedicated advocate for the blind and visually impaired community, whose unwavering dedication shines through every aspect of his work. He discusses his experience with retinitis pigmentosa, a condition that has affected three generations of his family, and how it has shaped his path.

As you’ll hear, Dan’s strategic leadership and passionate advocacy are focused this year on one simple, uncomplicated ask on Capitol Hill. He details ongoing efforts to expand the AbilityOne® Program, aiming to increase employment opportunities for BVI individuals. The key initiative includes urging Congress to mandate the Department of Defense’s allocation of 1% of their procurement budget to this program. If successful, this push would double current employment opportunities and create a significant impact in the community. Tune in this week to learn about the intricate process of legislative advocacy and the importance of personal stories in driving policy change.

For full transcript and show notes, please visit: https://heardandempowered.org/31