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

In this episode, Dr. Hoby Wedler has the distinct pleasure of welcoming to the podcast Kevin Lynch, president and CEO emeritus of National Industries for the Blind (NIB). He retired April 30, 2023, from a 44-year career working and serving for the blind and visually impaired community in various capacities.   Kevin, a visionary leader, shares his inspiring journey from working with the Association for the Blind in Rochester, New York, to leading NIB in its mission to create meaningful employment opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired.   They discuss the challenges and triumphs of his career, including expanding the AbilityOne® Program to Base Supply Centers all over the nation, how the Contract Management Services program was created to solve a giant headache for the government, how NSITE trains BVI individuals—at no cost—for the highest executive roles in corporate America and other pioneering initiatives that promote economic independence for the BVI community.   Kevin reflects on his experiences in various leadership roles, highlighting the importance of persistence, respect, and high expectations for persons with disabilities.   Tune in to hear Kevin’s motivating insights on leadership, advocacy, and the transformative power of inclusive employment. Discover how his dedication has revolutionized NIB and how his vision and legacy will continue to inspire positive change in the BVI workforce for a long time to come.   For full transcript and show notes, please visit: https://heardandempowered.org/30

The human spirit’s capacity to overcome adversity is strong, especially in today’s guest, MaryBeth Clare. She sits down with Dr. Hoby Wedler to discuss the setbacks she faced after losing her vision, and how those were replaced by the determination and desire to grow that have kept her going in her role as lead cashier and stocker for the military Base Supply Center at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. She describes how her commitment led her to flourish in her job, winning Employee of the Year at Envision Xpress and the Peter J. Salmon Award from National Industries for the Blind in 2023.   MaryBeth’s dedication to learning, adapting, and embracing new skills, such as mastering Braille and pursuing higher education, reflects her unwavering commitment to personal growth and self-improvement. Through her perseverance, she not only transformed her own life but also became an advocate for inclusivity and empowerment in the workplace. Listen in to hear why finding purpose in your work is so important, and how you can implement MaryBeth’s optimistic mindset in your own career journey.   For full transcript and show notes, please visit: https://heardandempowered.org/29

In this episode, Dr. Hoby Wedler sits down with Rob Buettner, Vice President of Relationships & Business Services at Beyond Vision, to talk about leadership, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and where they merge. After being diagnosed with Stargardt’s Macular Dystrophy as a young adult, Rob faced uncertainty and darkness. It wasn’t until he found a community of other people with the same disease that reminded Rob he could do anything he set his mind to, with or without his vision.   From starting a business distributing low-vision technology products to advocating for policy change, Rob’s journey exemplifies the power of perseverance and purpose. Hear what Rob Buettner learned as an advocate at the Public Policy Forum, building strong legislative relationships during his visits to Capitol Hill. Find out why Rob believes in the importance of persistence and kindness for achieving any goal.   For full transcript and show notes, please visit: https://heardandempowered.org/28

Today, National Industries for the Blind (NIB)’s Spring Conference and Public Policy Forum wraps up with the annual Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill, so it's very fitting that this week Dr. Hoby Wedler is joined by NIB’s Vice President of Public Policy, Rick Webster. Rick brings a unique perspective to the podcast as a sighted person passionately committed to creating employment opportunities for BVI individuals.   Rick’s affinity for government and policy change began during his time at Hope College where he studied political science. Even then, Rick’s sights were set on Washington D.C., as he cultivated a deep interest in advocacy. His journey led him through various roles before finding his calling in the nonprofit sector.   Join Dr. Hoby and Rick as they discuss Rick’s pivotal role at NIB where he channels his passion for policy and creating change into initiatives aimed at empowering individuals with visual impairments. From advocating for employment opportunities to spearheading transformative programs, you’ll hear how Rick’s commitment to inclusivity and equity shines through everything he does. You’ll also hear about some of the future initiatives Rick and his team will be working on, what this year’s NIB’s Spring Conference covered, and how you can channel your own passion for BVI equity and equality to produce real change.   For full transcript and show notes, please visit: https://heardandempowered.org/27

This week, Dr. Hoby Wedler dives deep into the world of policy change and advocacy with two remarkable individuals, former Congressman, Luke Messer and Jeff Mittman, CEO of Bosma Enterprises. Luke, with his extensive background in politics and public service, and Jeff, a true advocate for the blind and visually impaired through his leadership at Bosma, bring together a wealth of insight and passion to the discussion.   At the heart of this episode lies the upcoming Public Policy Forum at the Capitol, where BVI advocates will champion the “1% Ask” to increase Department of Defense spending on AbilityOne® Program products and services.   Listen in this week as both Jeff and Luke discuss the transformative potential of this initiative, emphasizing the importance of amplifying personal narratives alongside data-driven advocacy. Their insights underscore the power of persistence, specificity in requests, and the cultivation of meaningful relationships in navigating the complex landscape of policymaking.   For full transcript and show notes, please visit: https://heardandempowered.org/26

Are you ready to stand up and make a real impact on the world for BVI folks? In this motivating and inspiring episode of Heard & Empowered, Dr. Hoby Wedler welcomes Vivian Fridas to the podcast to share how, regardless of ability, we can all thrive and contribute meaningfully to the world. Vivian was born with cone-rod dystrophy, and the discrimination she faced sparked her commitment to championing disability inclusion. With a background in political science and international relations, she navigated through academia and various organizations, including the Women’s Refugee Commission and the United States International Council on Disability, to her current role as a Public Policy Specialist for National Industries for the Blind (NIB).   From delving into the intricacies of policy-making to empowering BVI advocates to raise their voices, Vivian inspires a new generation of changemakers to embrace their role in creating a more inclusive world. She shares the importance of never limiting yourself, how to be an ally for people with disabilities, and the true power of advocacy—whether on Capitol Hill or at home! Let this conversation serve as a call to action, urging all of us to stand in solidarity with those voices clamoring for BVI equality, inclusion, and access.   For full transcript and show notes, please visit: https://heardandempowered.org/25

As we gear up for National Industries for the Blind Public Policy Forum 2024, Dr. Hoby Wedler is joined by Shannon Satterfield, Director of Professional Services at IFB Solutions, to share his extraordinary journey of struggle and advocacy. Shannon was born with achromatopsia and before joining IFB Solutions, he encountered numerous challenges despite his academic achievements. Rejections were frequent, with many people casting doubts over his intelligence and capabilities just because he was blind. However, his unyielding determination, coupled with the support of IFB Solutions, propelled him toward his current role. Now, Shannon is dedicated to empowering BVI individuals nationwide, bridging the gap between aspiration and employment.   Tune in this week as Shannon recounts his career journey and what he loves about his work. His tireless efforts ensure workplaces are accessible and equipped with necessary resources, including remote opportunities, so get ready to be inspired. Whether you’re interested in manufacturing jobs, administration jobs, or just remote jobs for BVI folks in general, you don’t want to miss what Shannon has to say.   For full transcript and show notes, please visit: https://heardandempowered.org/24

You’re in for an inspiring episode this week as Lee Nasehi, the President and CEO of VisionServe Alliance, joins Dr. Hoby Wedler! The impact of Lee’s long-standing dedication to the blind and visually impaired community cannot be overstated, and it has brought significant changes. Today, Lee shares her journey of becoming a seasoned advocate and expert in assisting people who are blind to find employment, and some of the groundbreaking work in which she has participated.   Tune in to discover the impressive and inspiring work Lee undertook at Lighthouse Central Florida, overcoming challenges to make real and positive changes within the BVI community. You’ll find out the different positions she occupied, how she came to be the President and CEO of VisionServe Alliance, and the impactful work that she’s currently engaged in. You don’t want to miss this episode!   For full transcript and show notes, please visit: https://heardandempowered.org/23