In Episode 51 of “Pushing Forward with Alycia,” titled “Twinning is Winning,” Alycia celebrates her birthday with twin sister Regina and host sister Corinna. They reflect on favorite birthday moments, funny twin mix-ups, and the deep bond that has been a source of strength, especially for Alycia in her journey with a disability. Highlights include twin communication and the vital role of sibling advocacy and support.
I’m excited to announce my appointment to the California Department of Insurance as the first member of the Insurance Diversity Task Force representing Persons with Disabilities Enterprise Business (PDBE). This role, conferred by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, aims to ensure the voices of people with disabilities are represented in the insurance industry, promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility to create a more inclusive industry for all.
In Episode 50 of “Pushing Forward with Alycia,” Alycia Anderson interviews Steph Aiello, a quadriplegic makeup artist and disability advocate. Despite a life-changing car accident, Steph rose to prominence working with brands like Ulta, Maybelline, and Fenty. She discusses how an occupational therapist reignited her passion for makeup and her mission to normalize disability representation in the beauty industry. Steph’s story is a powerful testament to resilience and inclusivity.
Title:Inclusivity in Beauty | Steph Aiello’s Impact Subtitle:A Quadriplegic Makeup Artist’s Influence on Inclusivity Transcript: Alycia Anderson: Welcome to Pushing Forward with Alycia, a podcast that gives disability a voice. Each week we will explore topics like confidence, ambition, resilience and finding success against all odds. We are creating a collective community that believes that … read more… Episode 50 Transcript
Welcome Samuel Benifield-Chivore In this episode of “Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast,” Alycia Anderson speaks with Samuel Benifield-Chivore, a remarkable teenager living with Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM). Diagnosed at age three, Samuel has undergone numerous surgeries and therapies but continues to thrive academically and personally. Samuel, an honor roll student and the creative … read more… Episode 49 – Building Success | How a Teenager is Turning an AVM Diagnosis into a Successful Lego Business
In Episode 49 of “Pushing Forward with Alycia,” Alycia Anderson interviews Samuel Benifield-Chivore, a teenager thriving despite his AVM diagnosis. Samuel, an honor roll student and founder of Samuel’s Bricks, discusses overcoming challenges, turning hobbies into a business, and the importance of family support. His mother, Benita, joins to share her advocacy efforts. Samuel emphasizes self-advocacy and finding new interests, like acting in school plays, while pursuing future goals.
Appearing on Kimberly Daya’s podcast was a deeply personal and empowering experience. I shared my journey overcoming sacral agenesis and highlighted the importance of representation, accessibility, and allyship. Our conversation emphasized the need for inclusive environments and the power of collective action in fostering empathy and understanding. Kimberly’s platform exemplifies allyship, amplifying diverse voices and promoting a vision of a more inclusive future.
In Episode 48 of “Pushing Forward with Alycia,” Ryan Hudson-Peralta, founder of “Look Mom, No Hands,” shares his journey overcoming congenital limb deficiency. As a designer, speaker, and advocate, Ryan turns challenges into creative solutions, emphasizing that the only limits in life are self-imposed. He discusses founding Equal Accessibility, enhancing inclusivity in physical and digital spaces, and introduces his new product, “Door Nub,” for improved accessibility.
In Episode 48 of “Pushing Forward with Alycia,” Ryan Hudson-Peralta, founder of “Look Mom, No Hands,” shares his journey of overcoming congenital limb deficiency. Ryan, a designer, speaker, and advocate, discusses how he transforms challenges into creative solutions, advocates for equal accessibility, and inspires future generations. His story emphasizes living without limits and reshaping the world for greater inclusion. Ryan also introduces his new product, “Door Nub,” enhancing daily accessibility.
I was honored to deliver the closing keynote at the 3rd Annual SIP Virtual Inclusion Conference, themed “Driving Inclusion Forward: Shifting Beliefs into Action,” hosted by Supporting Inclusive Practices on May 9-10, 2024. This free, impactful event, funded by the California Department of Education, provided educators, staff, families, and students with strategies to transform inclusive visions into practical actions. I shared my experiences and insights on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
