Welcome to this edition of Vision Towards Success! On today’s program, we’re joined by Sara Minkara, a passionate advocate and entrepreneur. She is a first-generation Muslim, Lebanese American who attributes much of her work to identifying with these communities At the Age of 7, Sara’s vision began to deteriorate. Her sister had recently experienced vision loss the very same way. Sara’s parents guided them to realize that they have as much to contribute to society than Sara notes that she had excellent support system when she was young and was inspired to help people in all communities and spaces to be more inclusive. This award-winning work proves that every individual has skills and talents to contribute to those around them, Her programs and speaking events foster and strengthen, allowing them to explore their true selves. Sara founded Empowerment Through Integration, a non-profit that allows participants to explore their true selves and become connected to their skills and strengths. The organization works with youth with disabilities, providing critical life skills. She served as its CEO for over ten years, and is still involved with their work as a board member for the organization. Sara is internationally recognized champion for disability inclusion, individual empowerment and social enterprise and the founder and CEO of Sara Minkara LLC. (SMLLC). Sara and her team promote authentic leadership to drive strategic solutions through value-based inclusion. She has lead workshops across five continents, speaking to different communities, from small and intimate groups, to larger venues for hundreds of people. Sara’s work has been recognized throughout the world, and she has received several awards for her life-changing mission. Join us as we learn more about Sara, her journey and accomplishments, and her philosophies. To find out more, please visit https://saraminkara.com This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Welcome to this episode of Vision Towards Success. On today’s podcast, we will hear from Jay Blake, and entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and auto mechanic. Join us as we learn more about Jay, his work with Follow A Dream, and how his philosophy on the power of positive thinking, a skill that can benefit people from all backgrounds and walks of life. At the age of 31, Jay was faced with transitioning to living with vision loss. While working as the head mechanic of a transportation company in May of 1997, he worked as a crew chief. Due to an industrial tire explosion accident that caused him to lose complete vision, smell, and taste. While learning daily living skills. Despite this change, Jay did not lose his positive attitude on life nor his desire to pursue his dreams. He attended participated in rehabilitation training to learn how to make the most of daily life. He soon learned that even without sight, he was still able to do what he loved most-work on racing engines. Through years of determination and perseverance, he was able to realize his dream and founded Follow A Dream Racing. Turning his dream into a reality, Jay combined his participation in drag racing with his desire to spread his true-life success by inspiring others to accomplish their goals through the Power of Positive Thinking, Self-Determination, and Teamwork. Jay also tours the country giving his “5 Tools for Life Success” motivational presentations at schools, corporate events, military bases, as well as promotional and charitable events. Join us as we learn more about Jay’s journey, Follow A Dream, and his renewed sense of determination Find out more about Jay at: https://followadream.org This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Welcome to another profile of a blind employee. This episode, we feature Sammi Grant. She is an actor, disability activist, and dialect coach. Find out more info at www.sammigrant.com If you are interested in learning how to break into the acting industry as a way to help increase disability representation, check out accessacting.com This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Welcome to episode 3 of Vision Towards Success. On this week's installment, we sit down for a chat with Massachusetts educator and blindness advocate Barbara Black to discuss her ourney of blindness acceptance and succeeding in early childhood education. A transcript for this episode is available at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DVhz_9qoqZNTXtTKKgGzozw6TN4NSu5KM8NEs1YR4Eo/edit?usp=sharing This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Hoby Wedler Has been completely blind since Welcome back to another episode of Vision Towards Success. Our guest this week is noted chemist and sensory expert Dr. Hoby Wedler. birth. He Loves to bring people together to help them see new possibilities. Hoby founded a non-prophet organization to lead annual chemistry camps for the blind and visually impaired students throughout North America In 2011. That same year, he began opening doors to the world of wine aromas And developed testing in the dark, which is a blindfolded wine experience , A collaboration with the Francis Ford Coppola Winery. He expanded the program to a global market in variety of industries and special projects. Harvey has become a motivational Speaker , A mentor, and and educator. he says he’s committed to making the world an inclusive and accessible place for everyone. He graduated in 2016 and earned his PhD in organic chemistry from UC Davis. Over the years, numerous people and organizations have recognized his work. Even President Barack Obama recognized him by naming him a champion of change four enhancing employment and education opportunities for people with disabilities. Also, Forbes media named him as a leader in food and drink In their 30 under 30 annual publication.He is dedicated to impacting everyone he works with by unlocking doors, overcoming challenges, increasing awareness, and by expanding their horizon. Find more info on Hoby at www.hobywedler.com, and visit his accessible sensory food/beverage line at www.hoby.com Music copyright Epydemic Sound. A transcript of this podcast can be found at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VTd3otkkLjuGE4G_ozFqTFrDMjRM28iwDv0Vyidsj_E/edit?usp=sharing This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Episode Notes We are pleased to introduce the world to the Trades Win oral history/career explorations project. As our first guest, we are excited to introduce you to Sina Bahram. Sina Bahram is currently living in Cary, North  Carolina. He Received his B S.  In computer science in May 2007 from North Carolina State University. He later received his M. S in computer science in December 2011 and PHD in computer science after.In2012 he was  Awarded the White House champion of change presidential award.He Was also  voted emerging leader ship in digital accessibility at the annual  Knowbility Community heroes of accessibility awards In 2015 Sina has also been a part of different professional organizations like AMC/EITP, UPE and co-president of the net users. .Not only that, he was president of the Java users group  Send senior member of Wolfgrid high  performance grid computer group. He is someone that dislikes being bored. He is running prime access consulting which he says provides him a never ending stream of fun, complex, and impactful projects. He is very passionate about accessibility. He speaks to small and large groups and organizations about web accessibility and gives motivational speeches on overcoming obstacles to the blind. He also likes to speak about his current research and how he can help people with disabilities. He says he loves discussing this topic. He has achieved many other goals in life, and is considered to be very successful in champiogning the power of technology to increase equity for people with disabilities.            For more information on today's guest, please visit www.sinabahrahm.com For an episode transcript, please visit: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uviGxMnoea1Xck5OelhUAeXxA4f0B2Nf3b7jR8p4xJs/edit?usp=sharing For more information on this project and other innovative disability focused person-centered programming, please visit www.poluscenter.org Please like and review us on the Apple podcast app, and get in touch with the Polus Center on social media to have a conversation around this episode.