In this full transcript of Episode 112, Alycia and Marty look back on five years building The Alycia Anderson Company and the signature keynote, The Heart of Inclusion. From a 2020 “letter to future me” to the leap from corporate roles, layoff pivots, and mentoring a growing team, they unpack entrepreneurship’s risks, resilience, and milestones—including nearly a million dollars in speaking—while inviting listeners to dream audaciously and build with purpose.
From one keynote to a global movement, thats what we have done! Five years ago, we took a leap of faith. A dream, a message, and a mission plus an massive belief that disability inclusion can change the workplace. Today we celebrate five incredible years of The Alycia Anderson Company, LLC a journey that’s part … read more… Celebrating 5 years of The Alycia Anderson Company, LLC
At the 2025 Insurance Diversity Summit in Los Angeles, I was honored to represent the California Insurance Diversity Task Force and deliver my keynote, The Heart of Inclusion. Reflecting on supplier diversity, leadership representation, and accessibility, I felt inspired by Commissioner Ricardo Lara and our shared mission. This summit reminded me that disability inclusion isn’t a side note—it’s central to reimagining resilience and shaping a more equitable future for all.
In Episode 111 of Pushing Forward with Alycia, global Best Buddies ambassador Shane Walsh shares how growing up alongside his brother Lucas, who is autistic, sparked his advocacy for the IDD community. He unpacks empathy versus sympathy, campus leadership at James Madison University, and why inclusive employment matters. Hear actionable ways to get involved, challenge comfort zones, and build belonging—on campus and beyond. This moving conversation spotlights resilience and possibility.
Alycia sits down with Shane Walsh, a JMU student and Best Buddies ambassador, to explore how his brother’s IDD shaped his purpose. From early memories to campus advocacy, Shane shares a powerful lesson on empathy over sympathy, inclusion on college campuses, and building community. Hear candid reflections on family, resilience, and creating opportunities for people with IDD—plus the movement he’s leading to make Best Buddies a flagship presence at JMU.
A Trusted Partner and a Familiar Face This month, I had the absolute honor of speaking for Legend Management Group during their All Hands event in celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). The event was led by my longtime friend and colleague, Karen Trueman, Director of Talent Development & Brand Reputation. Intentional NDEAM … read more… Speaking for Legend Management Group: Full Circle Moments of Partnership and Purpose
Standing ovations. My TWIN. Pretty in pink. New friends. Sisterhood reunited. Energy forward.Yep, that sums up last week at the EmpowHER Multifamily Conference in Austin… and honestly, I’m still buzzing. We came for an event and left as an energized women’s empowerment movement. Rooms don’t just “get” electric women make them electric. From hallway conversations … read more… Standing Ovations, Sisterhood, and Pretty in Pink: EmpowHER Austin Recap
From teenage motherhood and surviving domestic violence to leading talent at Netflix, Melissa Salazar rewrites what ADHD can mean. In this episode, she shares how self-ID opened doors, how homelessness became resilience, and why “live your box” is her mantra. We explore neurodiversity as a superpower, creating safe spaces at work, and building opportunity for marginalized communities—proof that embracing difference fuels careers, culture, and the courage to belong for all.
ADHD, domestic violence, teenage motherhood, even a season living in her car—Melissa Salazar turned every setback into purpose. On Pushing Forward with Alycia, she shares how self-identification, community, and relentless grit opened doors from Jubilee Village to Netflix, where she builds pathways for overlooked talent. This conversation reframes being “too much” as a superpower—and shows how opportunity plus support can change everything. Honest, hopeful, and actionable, it champions radical inclusion.
Opening PNWEF in Portland was an honor and a charge. In my Heart of Inclusion keynote, we moved inclusion from concept to daily habit—co-creating over helping, accessibility by design, and measurable outcomes. The forum’s magic is community: self-advocates, employers, students, providers, and partners learning together. Thank you to organizers and APSE leaders whose tireless work built space where belonging grows into equitable hiring, accessible onboarding, and real career progression forward.
