Alycia Anderson Blog

Disability Inclusive Leadership


Published: Thursday April 4, 2024
disabled workers and able bodied workers standing side by side cartoon with heading why is disability inclusive leadership important to your organization

Disability Inclusive Leadership integrates individuals with disabilities into organizations, recognizing their unique abilities and perspectives as valuable assets. Alycia, a wheelchair user, advocates for disability inclusion based on her 25-year corporate career. She recently delivered a workshop on the topic at Blue Shield of California, highlighting the company’s commitment to fostering disability inclusion. Such initiatives promote innovation, brand equity, and better serve the needs of the disabled community while enriching the companies they work for.

Episode 41 – Banking on Change | Joanne Lopez, Financial Literacy Champion


Published: Thursday April 4, 2024
episode forty one of pushing forward with alycia joanne lopez banking on change charting financial success

Joanne Lopez, a financial literacy advocate, shares her journey from Trinidad Tobago to the US, highlighting challenges as a teen immigrant. She found solace in banking, starting as a teller at 19, navigating personal and professional hurdles. Now, as VP of Marketing, she champions financial education, especially for marginalized groups, through partnerships and community initiatives. Her mantra: Live with purpose, impacting lives one kindness at a time. This is Pushing Forward with Alycia.

Episode 41 Transcript


Published: Thursday April 4, 2024
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In Episode 41 of “Pushing Forward with Alycia,” Alycia Anderson hosts Joanne Lopez, VP Market Manager and Women in Business Ambassador at Valley Bank. Lopez shares her journey from Trinidad to the US, overcoming adversity and rising in the banking industry. She emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and community education. Lopez’s guiding principle is to perform daily acts of kindness to make a difference. Follow Joanne Lopez for more insights on financial literacy.

Episode 40 – Embracing Every Aspect of Life with Catarina Rivera


Published: Thursday March 28, 2024
embracing every aspect of life with catarina rivera the blindish latina on pushing forward with alycia episode forty

Catarina Rivera, a disabled Latina advocate, shares her journey from acceptance to advocacy in “Pushing Forward with Alycia.” From her personal evolution to her impactful initiatives like Blindish Latina and accessible tourism advocacy, Rivera emphasizes the importance of disability inclusion. She encourages embracing one’s disability journey and emphasizes the significance of accessibility in all aspects of life and travel.

Episode 40 Transcript


Published: Thursday March 28, 2024
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In “Pushing Forward with Alycia,” Episode 40 features Catarina Rivera, a disabled Latina advocate. Rivera’s journey from quiet acceptance to vocal advocacy illuminates the power of community and embracing one’s truth. From teaching in the Bronx to global DEI consultancy, she champions inclusivity. Key highlights include her reflections on disability, NYC’s blind community influence, educational roots, Blindish Latina initiative, and accessible tourism advocacy. Rivera’s message emphasizes acceptance and empowerment in disability narratives.

University of Lynchburg Schewel Lecture Series


Published: Tuesday March 26, 2024
alycia on stage at university of lynchburg

Alycia Anderson delivered her keynote speech, “Getting to the Heart of Disabling Ableism,” at the University of Lynchburg’s Schewel Lecture Series on March 20, 2024. The event aims to educate and discuss vital topics. This year focused on disability inclusion and combatting ableism. Anderson expressed gratitude for the opportunity and thanked university officials and mentors for their support.

Empowering Minds: Alycia’s Experience at the 2024 NAMI Youth Symposium


Published: Saturday March 23, 2024
alycia sitting in her wheelchair below a large screen projecting the nami california logo

Alycia’s participation in the 2024 NAMI Youth Symposium showcased her dedication to mental health advocacy. Collaborating with NAMI California underscored the importance of eradicating stigma and ensuring access to mental health services. The event provided a platform for meaningful dialogue and action-oriented discussions, inspiring attendees to make a positive impact. Alycia emphasized the importance of collective action and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to building a more inclusive society.

Episode 39 – Wheels of Change | Welcome Dr. Lindsay Ulrey


Published: Thursday March 21, 2024
doctor lindsay ulrey is on pushing forward this week for the thirty ninth episode

Dr. Lindsay Ulrey, a licensed psychologist and advocate for motherhood among wheelchair users, shares her journey on “Pushing Forward with Alycia” podcast. Dr. Ulrey, a mother of two, discusses her disability identity after acquiring a spinal cord injury. She emphasizes the importance of community support and her initiative, Wheel Good Motherhood, providing resources and a safe space. The podcast highlights empathy and the need for understanding in navigating life’s transitions.

Episode 39 Transcript


Published: Thursday March 21, 2024
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Dr. Lindsay Ulrey, a clinical psychologist, joins Pushing Forward with Alycia, sharing her journey of adapting to motherhood as a wheelchair user. She discusses the inception of Wheel Good Motherhood, aiming to empower mothers on wheels and navigating perinatal mental health. The episode highlights her transition into motherhood, the importance of community support, and embracing change. Dr. Ulrey emphasizes staying open, curious, and continuously learning through life’s transitions. Connect with her via Wheel Good Motherhood and her personal website.

My Episode with Jillian Curwin on Always Looking Up


Published: Monday March 18, 2024
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In a recent episode of Jillian Curwin’s “Always Looking Up” podcast, Alycia reflects on her experience before hosting Curwin on her own show. They delve into disability advocacy, Alycia’s leadership choices, DEI efforts, and the importance of brands listening to disabled voices. Alycia emphasizes the power of boldness.