Alycia Anderson Blog

A Recap of My Journey through Disability Pride Month | July 2024


Published: Friday August 2, 2024
alycia making a heart with her hands next to a disability pride flag and words that say july is disability pride months

Disability Pride Month 2024 was a powerful journey of advocacy and celebration. Highlights included keynotes at NCPEID’s Annual Conference, Covington & Burling, The Port Authority of NY & NJ, NAIC’s Member Diversity Leadership Forum, and Etsy. Engaging events such as the Rollettes Experience and Blue Shield of California’s ADA anniversary underscored inclusivity. Each engagement, from Sodexo to Stockton Unified School District, reinforced my commitment to year-long disability pride and empowerment.

Episode 58 – Welcome National Disability Influencer, Andraéa LaVant


Published: Thursday August 1, 2024
andraéa lavant joins pushing forward with alycia disability podcast for episode fifty eight

In Episode 58 of “Pushing Forward with Alycia,” Alycia Anderson interviews Andraéa LaVant, a leading disability inclusion expert and president of LaVant Consulting. LaVant shares her journey from a young girl with spinal muscular atrophy, trying to hide her disability, to becoming an influential advocate and business leader. She discusses her struggles with systemic barriers, her career evolution, and her commitment to empowering others through disability inclusion and advocacy.

Episode 58 Transcript


Published: Thursday August 1, 2024
pushing forward with alycia podcast tile logo

In Episode 58 of “Pushing Forward with Alycia,” Alycia Anderson interviews Andraéa LaVant, a disability inclusion expert and CEO of LaVant Consulting. Andraéa discusses her journey with spinal muscular atrophy, her advocacy work, and her role in the documentary “Crip Camp.” The episode explores the importance of representation and intersectionality in disability advocacy, Andraéa’s experience at the Oscars, and her efforts to advance disability inclusion through her consulting work.

From Keynotes to Connections | Closing Disability Pride Month with Etsy: Celebrating Intersectionality and Inclusion


Published: Wednesday July 31, 2024
alycia sitting in front of her virtual studio with etsy logo on one monitor and her interstionality through the lens of disability presentation on another smiling doing a selfie with her hand on her hip

As Disability Pride Month closes, I delivered my ninth and final keynote of July, “Intersectionality Through the Lens of Disability,” at a virtual event hosted by Etsy. Returning for the second consecutive year, I shared insights on inclusion and intersectionality with Etsy’s supportive platform. This wraps up an impactful month where I spoke at various esteemed organizations, reinforcing the importance of disability inclusion and empowerment. Let’s keep the momentum going!

Disability Pride Month


Published: Wednesday July 31, 2024
very young alycia hitting a ball with her tennis racquet over a net

Disability Pride Month is a time of reflection and celebration, where Alycia Anderson shares her pride in the journey of inclusion. This year, she delivered several keynotes, including at NCPEID, Rollettes Experience, and Covington & Burling, to advocate for disability pride and inclusion in diverse settings. She continues to champion visibility and inclusivity, closing the month with a powerful message of intersectionality and progress.

Onward Together: Celebrating Disability Pride Month with SUSD’s 2024-25 Kick-Off Event


Published: Wednesday July 31, 2024
alycia on stage at s u s d kick off with her arms spread out wide smiling in her wheelchair

I was honored to keynote Stockton Unified School District’s “ONWARD – Imagine the Possibilities” event, celebrating Disability Pride Month. With over 4,000 staff members at the University of the Pacific’s Alex G Spanos Center, I delivered my Heart of Inclusion keynote, despite a shortened 20-minute slot. Superintendent Dr. Michelle Rodriguez shared uplifting updates, and student performances highlighted the district’s vibrant community. My message on disability inclusion resonated deeply, concluding my sixth Disability Pride Month event.

Making the Invisible Visible: A Day of Inclusion with Blue Shield’s DIA ERG


Published: Friday July 26, 2024
picture of attendees of blue shield of california disability inclusion alliance employee resource groups americans with disabilities act anniversary celebration

For the second year, I celebrated the ADA anniversary with Blue Shield of California’s Disability Inclusion Alliance ERG at the “Making the Invisible Visible” event. The celebration, held at Futures Explored Inc., featured a keynote by Dustin Giannelli and highlighted Blue Shield’s commitment to disability inclusion. It was heartwarming to witness their intentional work and be honored for my appointment to the California Department of Insurance’s Insurance Diversity Task Force.

Sodexo’s Commitment to Inclusion: My Heart of Inclusion Panel for Disability Pride Month


Published: Thursday July 25, 2024
alycia with various members of the sodexo organization disabilities resources e b r g on the virtual panel discussion

I’m thrilled to return to Sodexo for their Disability Pride Month Panel, marking my sixth event this month. Reflecting on our past collaboration, after being honored with the ERBG Group Award Program of the Year in 2022 was a highlight. Sodexo’s commitment to a diverse, inclusive workplace aligns perfectly with my mission. As we advance, let’s continue championing disability inclusion and making a positive impact. Happy Disability Pride Month! 🎤

Episode 57 – Angelea Yoder | Let Them Stare


Published: Thursday July 25, 2024
angelea yoder episode fifty seven pushing forward with alycia disability podcast

Angelea Yoder shares her journey and the inspiration behind her project “Let Them Stare.” Specializing in fashion and portraiture, Yoder, who lives with VACTERL and congenital scoliosis, aims to redefine beauty standards by highlighting diverse bodies. Her project includes a children’s book, “Look at Me, Look What I Can Do,” and an adult book, showcasing unique abilities and personal styles, promoting inclusivity in fashion.

Episode 57 Transcript


Published: Thursday July 25, 2024
pushing forward with alycia podcast tile logo

In the latest episode of “Pushing Forward with Alycia,” Alycia Anderson talks with Angelea Yoder, a Nashville-based photographer who lives with VACTERL. Angelea shares her journey and the inspiration behind her project “Let Them Stare,” which aims to highlight diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry. Through her work, she seeks to empower individuals with disabilities and challenge perceptions. Angelea and Alycia discuss the importance of representation and the impact of art in fostering inclusion.