Advancing disability inclusion through learning and development
February 2, 2023 - webinar
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Jessica Lopez
Jessica Lopez is a disability advocate and full-time student at Coastline College triple-majoring in Business, Economics, and Communication. Born without hands and feet, Jessica's lived experience as a disabled student informs her advocacy for inclusive
and accessible workforces and education. Jessica leads consultancy work on disability, has spoken to over 800 educators on accessible education, and has met with legislators to lead the way for expanded disability inclusion. She works to interrupt the narratives we are often led to believe about people with disabilities in order to make the world more equitable. Learn more about Jessica at:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/realjessl/ 
“The Center for Disability Inclusion is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (1.0) for the SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®.” |
PAST PROGRAMS
January 19, 2023
"Starting or Building a Disability-Focuswed ERG"
Cara Pelletier is Senior Director of Employee Experience with 15Five, an HR tech startup focused on employee engagement, manager enablement, and performance management. As 15Five’s first-ever DEIB leader, she built the foundation for their DEIB strategy, defined
metrics and benchmarks, and revamped data collection strategy and self-ID process. Her role is designed to be expansive, allowing for the opportunity to lead and contribute to numerous People & Culture initiatives, including redesigning our onboarding programs, developing and implementing an employee retention strategy, managing the employee engagement survey, developing and implementing diversity recruiting strategy, and relaunching employee resource groups.
metrics and benchmarks, and revamped data collection strategy and self-ID process. Her role is designed to be expansive, allowing for the opportunity to lead and contribute to numerous People & Culture initiatives, including redesigning our onboarding programs, developing and implementing an employee retention strategy, managing the employee engagement survey, developing and implementing diversity recruiting strategy, and relaunching employee resource groups.
November 9, 2022
"Creating Inroads for Veterans with Disabilities in the Workplace"
Offered in collaboration with Center for Disability Inclusion, Disability:IN Minnesota, Disability:IN Chicagoland, Disability:IN Wisconsin and Disability:IN DC Metro. In honor of Veterans Day, this moderated panel focused on outreach and recruitment strategies to reach veterans with disabilities. Moderator: Andreas Hall, General Dynamics Mission System. Panelists: Maria Baer, Diversity Recruitment Specialist with Mayo Clinic, retired U.S. Army, David Donovan, HR Recruitment Specialist, Sedgwick County, Tonya Barber, Director of Global DE&I, UnitedHealth Group and Tom Downs, Head of Diversity Talent Acquisition, Booz Allen Hamilton; retired U.S. Army.
October 26, 2022
"Disability Equality: The Untapped Essential for Any Business"
Darla Wilkerson, CEO at the Center for Disability Inclusion, gave this keynote at the Columbia Employment Consortium, hosted by Commerce Bank. This event acknowled National Disability Employment Awareness Month and recognized area Disability Employment Champions with award presentations. Three local businesses received awards and recognition for their inclusive employment practices.
October 13, 2022
"Inclusive Leadership: Creating a Sense of Belonging"
Felecia Hogan, Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at Commerce Bank, provides leadership, strategic direction and operational oversight to advance DEI values and goals across the organization and in our communities. Hogan has been a champion of diversity and has a passion for helping people grow both professionally and personally. She has served as the Board President of Commerce Bank’s E2E (Employee to Employee) Foundation, Commerce’s employee funded foundation that provides financial assistance to employees and their families in times of great need. She helped found VIBE, Commerce’s employee resource group (ERG) for multicultural team members, and is now a Sponsor.
August 24, 2022
"Buildng Your Talent Pipeline"
Andy Traub, Director of Corporate Disability Inclusion, CDI - is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, and is an internationally recognized leader in both disability and diversity employment. Over the past two decades, Andy has developed and implanted talent acquisition/ management for entities ranging from government to national employers, including Google, Best Buy, Walgreens, Office Depot, Amazon, Starbucks, Sodexo, Kroger and several European based companies as well as consulting with government entities in Russia, Scotland and Germany.
July 26, 2022
"National Independence Day: Celebrating the ADA - A Lived Experience with Joni Thomas"
Joni Thomas, Community and Disability Liaison with Nebraska Total Care was born in Iowa and moved to Nebraska when she was two years old. At two and a half, she contracted polio, which resulted in physical disabilities. She got involved in advocacy at the age of four. Schools at the time were segregated when it came to students with disabilities. Potential students were required to take tests to prove they were “educable” and could learn. Joni argued and defended her answer to one of the questions on the test, and “that sort of set the tone” for her life. In the 1980’s, her desire to work without losing her benefits led her to John Milligan at Legal Aid of Nebraska. Mr. Milligan represented her in a lawsuit against the State of Nebraska regarding the implementation of the Social Security Administration Work Incentive 1619b. The program was not required by the Center for Medicaid Services for every state to participate. The work incentive would allow Joni to work and maintain the needed benefit of Medicaid. During the lawsuit the Social Security Administration made the program mandatory for all states. The change allowed millions of people who experience a disability to work and receive needed Medicaid funding. She has worked in various disability-related fields in volunteer positions, and has held paid positions with Union Bank, CILs and the State of Nebraska. For the State of Nebraska, she worked as a Grants Coordinator
May 19, 2022
"Assistive Technology and Accommodations: Simpler Than You Think"
Meaghan Walls, President/CEO of Assistology, LLC in Omaha, Nebraska which provides Assistive Technology (AT), Rehab Engineering, Accessibility and Universal Design consultation that enable an individual to have increased participation in activities that improve functional abilities for daily living, as well as overall quality of life, as well as help businesses increase their ability to create inclusive spaces, services, products and practices. Previously, Meaghan served as Director of Rehabilitation Services at Children’s Respite Care Center in Omaha. Her career also includes positions as a Biomedical Sales Engineer at ADInstruments in Boston, and as an Assistive Technology Specialist, Assistive Technology Regional Center Coordinator, project leader and researcher for Easter Seals Massachusetts. Most recently, Walls was elected to serve as a member of the Board of Directors for the Omaha Children’s Museum. She was an award recipient of the Midland’s Business Journal 2019 40 Under 40. In 2019 Walls was appointed to the Mayor’s Advisory Commission for Citizens with Disabilities and in 2020 was elected as the Vice Chair of the Commission. She is also the elected Board President of Angel Guardians, Inc. Meaghan is a certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) who holds a Master of Science in Bioengineering with an emphasis on Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology from the University of Illinois-Chicago under a 2 year Rehab Technology Fellowship. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a minor in Chemistry from Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana. Meaghan is also the Director of Business Relations Nebraska with the Center for Disability Inclusion.
Chris Miller, Director of Employment Services with Madonna School & Community-Based Services in Omaha, Nebraska. He graduated from the University of Kansas in 2011 with a bachelor's in communications and minor in business. He accepted a position as a para in one of Madonna's middle school classrooms in the summer of 2011 and has been with Madonna ever since. He has worked his way up from Classroom Para to Lead Instructor of Madonna's Project SEARCH program at UNMC, and now Director of Employment Services. Chris received a Master's in Special Education from the College of Saint Mary in the Spring of 2016 which allowed him to take the Lead Instructor position. Throughout Chris' tenure at Project SEARCH and now Director, he and his team have helped over 70 individuals obtain successful competitive employment in the Omaha community.
April 14, 2022
"Neurodiversity in the Workplace: Practical Tips for Success"
Dr. Erin Young is Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy with Creighton University in Omaha Nebraska. Following undergraduate degrees in Exercise Science and Psychology from St. Olaf College, Dr. Young received her doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Creighton University in 2014. She has worked in both inpatient and outpatient neurorehabilitation settings for the last 7 years. Her passion for helping individuals who have suffered catastrophic injuries led her to develop an on-site driving program as well as an assistive technology lab. She is also passionate about education, and has served as an adjunct faculty member, lab instructor, and guest lecturer for local universities.
Her past presentation and research interests include adapting mainstream technology to meet the needs to individuals with disabilities, use of smart home technology, adaptive driving assessment and provision of services, as well spinal cord injury rehabilitation. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and son. She also enjoys reading, exercising, and traveling to her Northern Minnesota cabin as often as time permits.
Her past presentation and research interests include adapting mainstream technology to meet the needs to individuals with disabilities, use of smart home technology, adaptive driving assessment and provision of services, as well spinal cord injury rehabilitation. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and son. She also enjoys reading, exercising, and traveling to her Northern Minnesota cabin as often as time permits.
April 5, 2022
Autism Acceptance Month: "Perspectives on Neurodiversity and DEIA" - Disability Equality Inclusion & Accessibility - hosted by Disability:IN DC Metro. Presenters: Craig Leen - K&L Gates; Tom Downs - Booz Allen Hamilton; Lori Golden - EY; Scott Robertson, PhD - U.S Dept of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP)
March 15, 2022
"Disability E/BRG Leadership Workshop" - hosted by Disability:IN Chicagoland. Presenters: Gloria Cotton and Nakia Green
with inQUEST Consulting.
March 9, 2022
"Stand Up and Be Counted: Self-Identification Strategies"
Michael Murray, Chief Relationship Officer with GT Independence manages business development, government relations, marketing, innovation and corporate social responsibility for the self-directed services company. Michael’s lifelong drive for inclusion is fueled by his experience as a person with a learning disability and ADHD. Previously, Michael was the director of the employer policy team at the Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy. Michael was responsible for ensuring that ODEP’s policies and practices addressed the needs of employers. Michael was also pivotal in the creation and implementation of increased regulations under section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, requiring federal contractors to engage in affirmative action. Michael’s tenure in the federal Government also included serving as the deputy director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. In this role, he drove highly successful government-wide workforce initiatives with various diverse communities. Michael was responsible for steering and designing the government-wide policies and programs of 56 federal agencies throughout the country to increase federal employment of individuals with disabilities. By fostering teamwork and collaboration, Michael led the federal government to successfully hire 100,000 people with disabilities over five years. Michael was also pivotal in the creation and implementation of increased regulations under section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, requiring the Federal government to be a model employer of people with disabilities. Before joining OPM, Michael was the chief operating officer for the American Association of People with Disabilities, supporting private sector employers in creating innovative and high-performing teams. On the state level, Michael advocated for the rights of people with disabilities as the executive director of the North Carolina Disability Action Network. His vision for the organization and strength as a grassroots organizer amplified the voice of people with disabilities at the North Carolina General Assembly, producing positive systemic change. Michael also led efforts at Disability Rights N.C., a local center for independent living and as vice-chair of the North Carolina Statewide Independent Living Council. At the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, he and his colleagues established Beyond Academics, now our nation’s largest post-secondary education program for people with intellectual disabilities. Michael is fluent in American Sign Language and holds a Bachelor of Science in special education.
February 17, 2022
"DEI Trends in the Workplace - Holistic Perspectives"
Claudia Schabel, Founder, President and CEO of Schabel Solutions Inc., has been on a 20-plus year mission to raise awareness and consciousness about social justice, race relations and equity. After growing up in Brazil and working in Japan, Claudia has made Des Moines, Iowa her home with her spouse, Brad, and their always playful English Golden Retriever, Stormy.. A former commissioner on the City of Des Moines Civil and Human Rights Commission, Claudia serves on the Iowa Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) State Council as the Director of Diversity. She also serves on the boards of the National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity, Iowa Association of Business and Industry, Science Center of Iowa and Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. The Schabel Solutions team has over 25 years of DEI and human resources practitioner experience, largely with Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies. As a diversity and inclusion strategic partner, we combine our expertise with significant international experience and multicultural backgrounds to help organizations address the dangers of unmitigated unconscious bias, untapped talent, missed market opportunities and stagnant innovation.
Darla Wilkerson, CEO of Center for Disability Inclusion has over 35 years of experience connecting businesses to people with disabilities for employment. She has owned her own consulting business, the CSI Network, since 2010 and continues to provide consultation and training specific to the employment of people with disabilities. In 2014 Darla contracted with the Center for Disability Inclusion, becoming CEO in 2019. She drives the direction of the organization and works with business and community partners to help them advance their disability inclusion efforts in the workplace, and marketplace. Darla self identifies as a person with a disability since acquiring a brain injury in 2006. She holds a master’s degree in public administration with a non-profit emphasis from University of Missouri-Kansas City and has served on many national and statewide boards focusing on increased employment for people with disabilities. Darla was recognized as one of the 2021 Ace Award winners and Champions of Diversity. The Ace Awards honor up-and-coming senior level managers who are advocating for expansion of their company's DEI efforts. Partnering with businesses to assist in elevating inclusion in the workplace is Darla's passion.
December 1, 2021
"Disability Employee Engagement"
Meg O'Connell, CEO, Global Disability Inclusion
Meg is the Founder & CEO of Global Disability Inclusion. She is an internationally recognized disability employment and inclusion expert with over 25 years of experience in human capital management, talent acquisition, performance management, disability inclusion, employee engagement, marketing and customer service programs. Meg provides strategic program design and implementation of disability employment and inclusion programs for Global 500 companies, US Federal Contractors, colleges and universities, non-profits,
and foundations.
Meg is the Founder & CEO of Global Disability Inclusion. She is an internationally recognized disability employment and inclusion expert with over 25 years of experience in human capital management, talent acquisition, performance management, disability inclusion, employee engagement, marketing and customer service programs. Meg provides strategic program design and implementation of disability employment and inclusion programs for Global 500 companies, US Federal Contractors, colleges and universities, non-profits,
and foundations.
November 17, 2021
"Aligning Your Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to Business"
Llisa Prater is an innovative leader with experience in Diversity & Inclusion, Human Resources, college career services and all things people and culture. She’s worked in a variety of industries from entertainment, academia, retail, utility/energy and as an independent consultant. Llisa has created unique and exciting programming for university students and enhanced employee engagement through new communication tactics. She spent the last 8 years living in Chattanooga, TN where she built and led a D&I program for a 10k+ employee base organization and led a D&I consortium for the City of Chattanooga as an independent consultant. She recently relocated to her hometown of Pasadena, CA where she provides HR and D&I consulting services to non-profits, start-ups and private industry.er for Disability Inclusion.
November 4, 2021
"Unconscious Bias"
Derrick Nelson (he, him, his) is Senior Director, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) for St. Luke's Boise Medical Center located in Boise, Idaho. He leads the design, development and implementation of systemwide DEI strategies, programs, policies and metrics that enable, promote and advance a diverse workforce and equitable and inclusive culture. Derrick has more than 20 years of comprehensive human resources and DEI leadership experience, earned his MBA and Master of Arts degree in human resources from Webster University. He holds multiple certifications in human resources and has taught college courses in human resources and diversity. Nelson is an alumnus of the St. Louis Business Diversity Initiatives Fellows program and a graduate of the FaciliTrainer Certification Program with the National Conference for Community and Justice of Metropolitan St Louis. Nelson currently serves on the board of Center for Developmentally Disabled, a not-for-profit corporation that provides housing, residential care, day habilitation and personal care assistance programs. He also serves on the Board of Center for Disability Inclusion.
August 5, 2021
"Building Disability into a Corporate Supplier Diversity Program" - in partnership with Disability:IN Chicagoland and Wisconsin
Philip DeVielgher - Vice President of Supplier Diversity, Disability:IN develops and leads Disability:IN’s global supply chain and supplier diversity program strategy and execution. As a passionate advocate committed to providing relevant and innovative supplier diversity & inclusion expertise, he has been actively involved with Disability:IN’s supplier diversity program since its inception in 2010. With more than 20 years of corporate experience in supplier diversity, human resources and talent acquisition, as well as nearly 10 years of entrepreneurship and non-profit leadership in supplier diversity, he brings a unique perspective to his role.
Cami Turcotte, Manager of Certification and Supplier Engagement, Disability:IN has been with Disability:IN since 2012 as an administrative coordinator focused on organizing and implementing on-going business operations, Cami works to certify disability-owned businesses, as well as ensure stakeholder engagement throughout the Supplier Diversity Program. Born in Florida she spent the first 29 years of her life in the “Sunshine State.” Cami attended Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminology. She has worked primarily with law firms the majority of her career and also brings her extensive
accounting and organizational experience to the team.
Cami Turcotte, Manager of Certification and Supplier Engagement, Disability:IN has been with Disability:IN since 2012 as an administrative coordinator focused on organizing and implementing on-going business operations, Cami works to certify disability-owned businesses, as well as ensure stakeholder engagement throughout the Supplier Diversity Program. Born in Florida she spent the first 29 years of her life in the “Sunshine State.” Cami attended Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminology. She has worked primarily with law firms the majority of her career and also brings her extensive
accounting and organizational experience to the team.
August 3, 2021
"Amplify Disability Climate & Culture Survey"
Meg O'Connell, CEO, Global Disability Inclusion
Meg is the Founder & CEO of Global Disability Inclusion. She is an internationally recognized disability employment and inclusion expert with over 25 years of experience in human capital management, talent acquisition, performance management, disability inclusion, employee engagement, marketing and customer service programs. Meg provides strategic program design and implementation of disability employment and inclusion programs for Global 500 companies, US Federal Contractors, colleges and universities, non-profits,
and foundations.
Meg is the Founder & CEO of Global Disability Inclusion. She is an internationally recognized disability employment and inclusion expert with over 25 years of experience in human capital management, talent acquisition, performance management, disability inclusion, employee engagement, marketing and customer service programs. Meg provides strategic program design and implementation of disability employment and inclusion programs for Global 500 companies, US Federal Contractors, colleges and universities, non-profits,
and foundations.
June 22, 2021
"Finding Treasure in an Untapped Talent Pool"
Andy Traub, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Vice President of Human Resources and Allied InclusionWorks at Allied Global Services.
He is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, and is an internationally recognized leader in both disability and diversity employment. Over the past two decades, Andy has developed and implanted talent acquisition/ management for entities ranging from government to national employers, including Google, Best Buy, Walgreens, Office Depot, Amazon, Starbucks, Sodexo, Kroger and several European based companies
as well as consulting with government entities in Russia, Scotland and Germany.
He is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, and is an internationally recognized leader in both disability and diversity employment. Over the past two decades, Andy has developed and implanted talent acquisition/ management for entities ranging from government to national employers, including Google, Best Buy, Walgreens, Office Depot, Amazon, Starbucks, Sodexo, Kroger and several European based companies
as well as consulting with government entities in Russia, Scotland and Germany.
June 15, 2021
"Digital Accessibility" - hosted by Disability:IN Wisconsin
Margaret DeGraw - After majoring in psychology at California State University, Northridge, Margaret moved to Seattle to pursue her Master’s degree in Human-Centered Design and Engineering from the University of Washington. Co-leader of the URI Accessibility Taskforce, Margaret is passionate about accessibility and community-building, and she believes that UX has the capacity to improve every aspect of our lives – from the computer software we use at work, to the website that we browse for entertainment, to the mobile apps that we use on a daily basis
Becca Carne - Becca is a User Experience Researcher at User Research International in Redmond, WA, and a current master’s student at the University of Washington studying Human-Centered Design and Engineering. At URI, Becca co-leads the company’s Accessibility Taskforce which facilitates internal discussions around accessibility and inclusive design. Becca believes impactful research is driven by empathy and a commitment to always be an apprentice to the user.
May 11, 2021
"Lessons Learned from Successful Self-Identification Campaigns"
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Co-Presenters:
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April 22, 2021
"Neurodiversity and Employment: Strategies to Enhance Workforce Practices"
Dr. Scott Robertson, Senior Policy Advisor, U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP).
Dr. Scott Michael Robertson, an adult on the autism spectrum, serves as a senior policy advisor in the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability
Employment Policy (ODEP). Dr. Robertson orchestrates ODEP’s $3.5 million Partnership on Inclusive Apprenticeship (PIA) in his role as the federal
project manager; the PIA initiative drives career pathways for high-growth, high-demand fields, such as information technology and healthcare.
Dr. Robertson spearheads ODEP’s work to support neurodiversity at work, enhance national autism policy, and increase access to gainful employment
for youth and adults on the autism spectrum. He also advises on national policy and practices for accessible and emerging technology, such as
artificial intelligence and automated vehicles. During his career, he has presented 243 presentations, including 32 keynote addresses, and earned
many honors and awards. In 2020, Dorris Consulting International awarded him a Service to the Citizen Award. He received the American Public Health Association’s (APHA) Jay S. Drotman Award in 2011 for emerging leadership to promote health policy and practices. APHA’s Disability Section awarded him a Career Enhancement Scholarship in 2013.
March 25, 2021
"The Intersectionality of Employee/Business Resource Groups"
Offered in partnership by Disbility:IN of Greater Kansas City, Chicagoland and Wisconsin with panelists: Jennifer Hertha, UMB Bank;
Ari Copeland, Black & Veatch; Laura Isaacs, Grant Thornton LLP and Karina Sanchez, Grant Thornton LLP.
January 21, 2021
"Building a Resilient Workforce"
Haley Prophet, Senior Wellbeing Specialist, Garmin International. Haley has 20+ years in the corporate wellness industry. In her current role, she focuses on implementation of well-rounded multi-dimensional wellbeing offerings to Garmin's nationwide workforce. Haley is an Emporia State University graduate and holds multiple professional recognitions and certifications including Top 100 Health Promotion Professionals 2014, Top 50 Health Promotion Professionals 2016 from the Wellness Council of America (WELCOA). She currently serves as the Healthy KC Workplace Wellness Action Team chair as part of the Healthy KC initiative iwth the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City. Haley is a board member with Big Shifts Foundation as well as GateWay of Hope and serves as a member of the Health Enhancement Research Organization (H.E.R.O.) on behalf of Garmin.
January 13, 2021
"Understanding Trauma; Promoting Resilience"
Marsha Morgan, Founder, Resilience Builders. Marsha retired from Truman Medical Center (TMC) February 2016. There, she served as the Chief Operating Officer for Behavioral Health for 23 years. During her career of 45 years, she was always an advocate for people with mental illnesses and disabilities. Marsha has been involved with creating trauma informed and resilient organizations since 2009. Since 2016, Marsha created her company, Resilience Builders. She has co-facilitated learning collaboratives in Missouri, facilitated trauma responsive trainings for the Missouri Department of Mental Health, supported Trauma Matters KC grant implementation, and is working with the Campaign for Trauma Informed Policy and Practice, a National organization promoting trauma informed policy and practice across the nation. She has also provided training and organizational consultation to schools, early childhood providers, first responders, community mental health centers, healthcare systems, and communities. Her community involvement includes being a co-founder of Trauma Matters KC and serving on the following community boards and committees - Missouri Coalition of Community Behavioral Healthcare, Chamber of Commerce Healthy KC Behavioral Health Committee, Community Network for Behavioral Health Care, and Metro Council of Community Mental Health Centers.
Candis Boily, MSCP, LPC is a Therapist and Crisis Manager at Tri-County Mental Health (TCMHS) and Team Lead for the Crisis Counseling Program powered by FEMA. Having worked in the field of secondary trauma and self-care for the past 9 years, Candis is a leader in self-care, trauma, and disaster relief at Tri-County Mental Health. She continues to be a passionate advocate for others to prioritize self-care to ensure the health and longevity of their careers.
November 19, 2020
"Removing the Barriers: Making Your Web Sites Accessible to People with Disabilities"
George Calvert - Information Technology, Jack Henry & Associates
Since losing his vision in 2012, George has grown passionate about disability inclusion and making the Internet accessible to everyone. He manages several software development groups at Jack Henry and Associates, a national financial software company. In addition, he has served on the Disability:IN GKC board since 2017 and currently serves as Board President. His professional experience over the past 34 years includes writing software, managing a software consulting firm, serving as corporate counsel for the FDIC, practicing law with a small local firm and teaching college business law classes.
Since losing his vision in 2012, George has grown passionate about disability inclusion and making the Internet accessible to everyone. He manages several software development groups at Jack Henry and Associates, a national financial software company. In addition, he has served on the Disability:IN GKC board since 2017 and currently serves as Board President. His professional experience over the past 34 years includes writing software, managing a software consulting firm, serving as corporate counsel for the FDIC, practicing law with a small local firm and teaching college business law classes.
October 28, 2020
"Where to Begin! Getting Started with Disability Inclusion at Your Organization"
Cara Pelletier - Sr. Director of Diversity, Equity and Belonging, Kronos Incorporated and Ultimate Software
Cara holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University and a Certificate in Public Leadership from Harvard Kennedy School. As Sr. Director of Diversity, Equity and Belonging with Kronos Incorporated and Ultimate Software, Cara is responsible for the organization's diversity and inclusion strategy and programs across the globe. She’s passionate about helping leaders connect their heads with their hearts, create welcoming and inclusive teams, and lead their teams to greater levels of success. Cara came out as a queer woman at the age of 32 and was diagnosed with autism at the age of 41. She's figuring it all out as she goes.
Cara Pelletier - Sr. Director of Diversity, Equity and Belonging, Kronos Incorporated and Ultimate Software
Cara holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University and a Certificate in Public Leadership from Harvard Kennedy School. As Sr. Director of Diversity, Equity and Belonging with Kronos Incorporated and Ultimate Software, Cara is responsible for the organization's diversity and inclusion strategy and programs across the globe. She’s passionate about helping leaders connect their heads with their hearts, create welcoming and inclusive teams, and lead their teams to greater levels of success. Cara came out as a queer woman at the age of 32 and was diagnosed with autism at the age of 41. She's figuring it all out as she goes.
August 26, 2020
"How to Become a Leading Edge Hiring Manager - Unconscious Bias and Dispelling Myths & Misconceptions"
Access webinar recording HERE
Derrick Nelson - Corporate Inclusion & Diversity Manager, Commerce Bank - Unconscious Bias in the Hiring Process"
Bias is personal, cultural and institutional. Most often it is invisible to those who have it. The reality is that we all have bias, and our unconscious is more powerful than you think. The good news is that you can train your unconscious and there are simple ways of mitigating implicit bias. This session will focus on the implicit attitudes or stereotypes that shape how we engage others and make decisions in the workplace.
Bias is personal, cultural and institutional. Most often it is invisible to those who have it. The reality is that we all have bias, and our unconscious is more powerful than you think. The good news is that you can train your unconscious and there are simple ways of mitigating implicit bias. This session will focus on the implicit attitudes or stereotypes that shape how we engage others and make decisions in the workplace.
Darla Wilkerson - Executive Director, Disability:IN Greater Kansas City - "Dispelling Myths & Misconceptions"
As hiring managers and recruiters, our jobs are to pay close attention to the bottom line, and to do that effectively we need the right talent for the job. We recruit candidates from many sources and yet, are still facing a labor shortage. Our nation is at a 50-year low in unemployment and candidates with disabilities have the highest unemployment rate than any other candidate pool. So how can we begin to bridge this gap of unfilled jobs and unemployed candidates? This session will provide tools to shape your perception and dispel some myths and misconceptions that lead to barriers to employment when interviewing and hiring people with disabilities.
As hiring managers and recruiters, our jobs are to pay close attention to the bottom line, and to do that effectively we need the right talent for the job. We recruit candidates from many sources and yet, are still facing a labor shortage. Our nation is at a 50-year low in unemployment and candidates with disabilities have the highest unemployment rate than any other candidate pool. So how can we begin to bridge this gap of unfilled jobs and unemployed candidates? This session will provide tools to shape your perception and dispel some myths and misconceptions that lead to barriers to employment when interviewing and hiring people with disabilities.
July 21, 2020
"Inclusive Interviewing to Increase Your Diversity" - KC Disability Inclusion Network program - Access webinar recording HERE
Jill Webb has been in the workforce inclusion field for 10 years and completed her Master’s degree in Public Administration in Nonprofit Management from Park University in 2019. During that time, she started her own business and individual consulting to increase training and employment opportunities. She recently revitalized an employment program at Sherwood Autism Center. Previously, she worked at Easterseals Midwest, where she was the Employment, Pre-Employment, and Community Integration Manager. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Pre-Law from University of Missouri Kansas City, in addition to being a Certified Employment Support Professional, CESP Facilitator, and an active member of the Missouri Association of People Supporting Employment First. Jill’s passion for helping adults find meaningful work stems from her belief that employment is an important part of living a fulfilling life and should be an option regardless of the disability.
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November 24, 2020
"Demystifying the Hiring of People with Disabilities: Hiring and Retaining Qualified Talent" June 23, 2020
Taking Action During COVID-19 Crisis to Hire and Retain People with Disabilities - Access webinar recording HERE |
Diversity & Inclusion Workshop Series
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Andy Traub, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Vice President, Human Resources and Allied Inclusionworks and Allied Global Services
Andy is the first end-to-end solution, helping connect employers to talented job seekers who face challenges to employment including veterans, individuals with disabilities and fair chance candidates. He is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources, SPHR, SHRM-CSP, and is a nationally and internationally recognized leader in both disability and diversity employment.
Andy is the first end-to-end solution, helping connect employers to talented job seekers who face challenges to employment including veterans, individuals with disabilities and fair chance candidates. He is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources, SPHR, SHRM-CSP, and is a nationally and internationally recognized leader in both disability and diversity employment.
Darla Wilkerson - Executive Director, Disability:IN Greater Kansas City - "Dispelling Myths & Misconceptions"
Darla has over 33 years of experience connecting businesses to people with disabilities for employment.
Since joining Disability:IN GKC in 2014, Darla has been a key player in directing the programs and services.
n January 2019, she became Executive Director and manages all aspects of Disability:IN GKC's operations,
achieving success in collaboration with business partners and the Board of Directors.
Darla has over 33 years of experience connecting businesses to people with disabilities for employment.
Since joining Disability:IN GKC in 2014, Darla has been a key player in directing the programs and services.
n January 2019, she became Executive Director and manages all aspects of Disability:IN GKC's operations,
achieving success in collaboration with business partners and the Board of Directors.
June 16, 2020
"Celebrating the ADA 30th Anniversary - An Overview of its History and Looking Forward"
"Celebrating the ADA 30th Anniversary - An Overview of its History and Looking Forward"
Julie Brinkhoff, Co-Director/PI, Great Plains ADA Center
Julie directs the Great Plains ADA Center's core service activities including training, technical assistance, product development, and dissemination. Julie has extensive experience in designing and disseminating training programs and materials on a variety of topics related to the ADA. She has assisted numerous communities in meeting ADA compliance obligations, developing ADA implementation policies/strategies, and meeting Project Civic Access requirements. Her primary areas of expertise are ADA employment provisions, service animals, accessible web design, customer service, and Title II and III ADA implementation. She is especially interested in designing and disseminating information in effective, user-friendly formats through multi-media. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Missouri and has been involved with the Center since 1995. |
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May 19, 2020
"A Closer Look at the Employee Lifecycle"
"A Closer Look at the Employee Lifecycle"
Andy Traub, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Vice President, Human Resources and Allied Inclusionworks and Allied Global Services
Over the past two decades, Andy has developed and implemented talent acquisition/ management for entities ranging from government to national employers, including AMC Entertainment, Google, Best Buy, Walgreens, Office Depot, Toys"R"Us, Amazon, Starbucks, Sodexo and Kroger to name a few of the major brands. He was also lead consultant on the Workplace Initiative Team of the Poses Family Foundation to develop inclusion strategies for national employers receiving funding from the foundation. He has also served as the Managing Director for the National Organization on Disability where he created several innovative programs and products (including the
Disability Employment Tracker) to help national employers develop strategic programs designed to effectively attract, on-board, manage
and retain individuals with disabilities.
Over the past two decades, Andy has developed and implemented talent acquisition/ management for entities ranging from government to national employers, including AMC Entertainment, Google, Best Buy, Walgreens, Office Depot, Toys"R"Us, Amazon, Starbucks, Sodexo and Kroger to name a few of the major brands. He was also lead consultant on the Workplace Initiative Team of the Poses Family Foundation to develop inclusion strategies for national employers receiving funding from the foundation. He has also served as the Managing Director for the National Organization on Disability where he created several innovative programs and products (including the
Disability Employment Tracker) to help national employers develop strategic programs designed to effectively attract, on-board, manage
and retain individuals with disabilities.
May 14, 2020
"The Value of Disability Inclusion in Supplier Diversity"
"The Value of Disability Inclusion in Supplier Diversity"
Philip DeVielgher - Vice President of Supplier Diversity, Disability:IN
Develops and leads Disability:IN’s global supply chain and supplier diversity program strategy and execution. As a passionate advocate committed to providing relevant and innovative supplier diversity & inclusion expertise, he has been actively involved with Disability:IN’s
supplier diversity program since its inception in 2010. With more than 20 years of corporate experience in supplier diversity, human resources and talent acquisition, as well as nearly 10 years of entrepreneurship and non-profit leadership in supplier diversity, he brings a unique perspective to his role.
Develops and leads Disability:IN’s global supply chain and supplier diversity program strategy and execution. As a passionate advocate committed to providing relevant and innovative supplier diversity & inclusion expertise, he has been actively involved with Disability:IN’s
supplier diversity program since its inception in 2010. With more than 20 years of corporate experience in supplier diversity, human resources and talent acquisition, as well as nearly 10 years of entrepreneurship and non-profit leadership in supplier diversity, he brings a unique perspective to his role.
Cami Turcotte, Manager of Certification and Supplier Engagement, Disability:IN
With Disability:IN since 2012 as an administrative coordinator focused on organizing and implementing on-going business operations,
Cami works to certify disability-owned businesses, as well as ensure stakeholder engagement throughout the Supplier Diversity Program.
Born in Florida she spent the first 29 years of her life in the “Sunshine State.” Cami attended Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida,
and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminology. She has worked primarily with law firms the majority of her career and also brings her extensive accounting and organizational experience to the team. Her husband is a retired Naval Flight Officer, who spent 25 years in the Navy. They have finally put down roots in the Jacksonville, FL area.
With Disability:IN since 2012 as an administrative coordinator focused on organizing and implementing on-going business operations,
Cami works to certify disability-owned businesses, as well as ensure stakeholder engagement throughout the Supplier Diversity Program.
Born in Florida she spent the first 29 years of her life in the “Sunshine State.” Cami attended Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida,
and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminology. She has worked primarily with law firms the majority of her career and also brings her extensive accounting and organizational experience to the team. Her husband is a retired Naval Flight Officer, who spent 25 years in the Navy. They have finally put down roots in the Jacksonville, FL area.
April 30, 2020
"Disability-Focused ERG/BRGs"
"Disability-Focused ERG/BRGs"
John Robinson - CEO of Our Ability
John Robinson and his colleagues at Our Ability have worked with dozens of businesses the past 10 years on creating, enhancing and broadcasting business resource groups. Their work is essential for the internal growth of a strong resource group of individuals with disabilities, individuals with family members, as well as allies in the community. They engage the voices of strong leaders to elevate growth of a strong community that supports inclusion throughout all levels of a corporation.
In March 2018, John was awarded the Capital Region Chamber Champion of the Year, in front of 1100 New York business leaders. John proudly accepted one of 10 national White House Champions of Change for Disability Employment in 2014 in Washington D.C. Since 2011, he’s served as managing partner, CEO and Founder of Our Ability, which provides inclusive workforce and employment consulting, mentoring, workshops, keynotes and seminars on disability and diversity. Our Ability has a coalition of forty (40)
New York State businesses interested in hiring individuals with disabilities. John was the subject of “Get Off Your Knees: The John Robinson Story,” a public television documentary and “Get Off Your Knees: A Story of Faith, Courage, and Determination,” a 2009 published autobiography.
John Robinson and his colleagues at Our Ability have worked with dozens of businesses the past 10 years on creating, enhancing and broadcasting business resource groups. Their work is essential for the internal growth of a strong resource group of individuals with disabilities, individuals with family members, as well as allies in the community. They engage the voices of strong leaders to elevate growth of a strong community that supports inclusion throughout all levels of a corporation.
In March 2018, John was awarded the Capital Region Chamber Champion of the Year, in front of 1100 New York business leaders. John proudly accepted one of 10 national White House Champions of Change for Disability Employment in 2014 in Washington D.C. Since 2011, he’s served as managing partner, CEO and Founder of Our Ability, which provides inclusive workforce and employment consulting, mentoring, workshops, keynotes and seminars on disability and diversity. Our Ability has a coalition of forty (40)
New York State businesses interested in hiring individuals with disabilities. John was the subject of “Get Off Your Knees: The John Robinson Story,” a public television documentary and “Get Off Your Knees: A Story of Faith, Courage, and Determination,” a 2009 published autobiography.
March 12, 2020
"Culture Transformation: What HR and D&I Leaders Need to Know"
"Culture Transformation: What HR and D&I Leaders Need to Know"
Beth Butler J.D. - Executive Director, Disability:IN North Carolina
Beth Butler, J.D. has over 20 years’ experience providing subject matter expertise to Fortune 50 companies in ADA Accommodations process and disability inclusion strategies. As Executive Director of Disability:IN North Carolina with extensive experience in the private sector, Beth has specialized skills in balancing risk mitigation while promoting full accessibility to support the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce, marketplace and supply chain. Ms. Butler is leading North Carolina toward the goal of disability inclusion and equality for all. Ms. Butler achieved her law degree from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, Alabama in 1993, joining the AL State Bar in 1994. Ms. Butler has focused her entire career on advancing disability employment. In her early career Ms. Butler worked in the financial services industry supporting Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Compliance programs with SouthTrust Bank in Birmingham, AL before her corporate relocation to Charlotte, NC in 2007 with Wachovia Bank. Ms. Butler continued her career as a leader in Disability and Accommodations compliance while also serving as Board Chair of the Board of Directors for Disability:IN (formerly USBLN).
After leading the development and implementation of a centralized accommodation process at Lowe’s Companies, in 2016, Ms. Butler joined the Disability:IN Inclusion Works team, (formerly USBLN’s Going For Gold (GFG) team, as a Disability Inclusion Consultant. Working with companies like 3M, Qualcomm and Facebook Ms. Butler focused specifically on guiding companies and building comprehensive disability inclusion strategies that began a transformation of their corporate culture. Ms. Butler currently leads the NC Employment Collaborative, (a three-year project funded by the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities) that brings together agencies and businesses charged with statewide workforce development. Legally blind since birth, Beth leverages her experiences both personally and professionally to challenge companies to think, act and lead differently.
Beth Butler, J.D. has over 20 years’ experience providing subject matter expertise to Fortune 50 companies in ADA Accommodations process and disability inclusion strategies. As Executive Director of Disability:IN North Carolina with extensive experience in the private sector, Beth has specialized skills in balancing risk mitigation while promoting full accessibility to support the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce, marketplace and supply chain. Ms. Butler is leading North Carolina toward the goal of disability inclusion and equality for all. Ms. Butler achieved her law degree from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, Alabama in 1993, joining the AL State Bar in 1994. Ms. Butler has focused her entire career on advancing disability employment. In her early career Ms. Butler worked in the financial services industry supporting Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Compliance programs with SouthTrust Bank in Birmingham, AL before her corporate relocation to Charlotte, NC in 2007 with Wachovia Bank. Ms. Butler continued her career as a leader in Disability and Accommodations compliance while also serving as Board Chair of the Board of Directors for Disability:IN (formerly USBLN).
After leading the development and implementation of a centralized accommodation process at Lowe’s Companies, in 2016, Ms. Butler joined the Disability:IN Inclusion Works team, (formerly USBLN’s Going For Gold (GFG) team, as a Disability Inclusion Consultant. Working with companies like 3M, Qualcomm and Facebook Ms. Butler focused specifically on guiding companies and building comprehensive disability inclusion strategies that began a transformation of their corporate culture. Ms. Butler currently leads the NC Employment Collaborative, (a three-year project funded by the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities) that brings together agencies and businesses charged with statewide workforce development. Legally blind since birth, Beth leverages her experiences both personally and professionally to challenge companies to think, act and lead differently.
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