Alycia Anderson Blog

Episode 45 – Mental Health Awareness Month | Breaking the Stigma


Published: Thursday May 2, 2024
peggy sellery episode forty five pushing forward with alycia mental health awareness month breaking the stigma

In Episode 45 of “Pushing Forward with Alycia,” Marty’s sister, Peggy Sellery shares her bipolar journey during Mental Health Awareness Month. She discusses overcoming societal stigmas, managing the pendulum swings of bipolar disorder, and her initiative, “Let’s See Love Today,” promoting authentic social connection. Alycia emphasizes empowering self-talk and celebrates Peggy’s vulnerability and resilience. This heartfelt conversation aims to foster understanding and support for mental wellness.

Episode 45 Transcript


Published: Thursday May 2, 2024
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In Episode 45 of “Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast,” Marty’s sister, Peggy Sellery, an MIT and Columbia graduate, shares her journey with bipolar disorder during Mental Health Awareness Month. Growing up with disability in her family shaped her perspective. Peggy discusses embracing her condition, advocating for mental health, and overcoming societal stigmas. She emphasizes community support and offers advice on breaking the mental health stigma. Resources for help are provided. Connect with Peggy for SAT and ACT test preparation services or to explore her personal journey and tutoring philosophy.

Journey of Impact: Alycia Anderson’s Return to Chico State for the Distinguished Alumni Award Celebration


Published: Sunday April 28, 2024
alycia sitting in her wheelchair next to a banner of herself before her awards ceremony

Alycia Anderson, a distinguished alumna of California State University, Chico, returned to receive the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award from the College of Communication and Education. Despite her prior commitments, a separate event was arranged to honor her achievements in diversity, equity, and accessibility. Engaging with students and faculty, Alycia emphasized the importance of inclusive environments, fostering collaborations and initiatives within the university. Her journey from student to advocate exemplifies the transformative power of education and community support, leaving an enduring legacy for future generations.

Episode 44 – Kimberly Elliott, Be Like Josh Foundation | Advocate for Dogs with Neurological Disabilities


Published: Thursday April 25, 2024
episode forty four pushing forward with alycia kimberly elliott be like josh foundation founder and advocate for dogs with neurological disabilities

Kimberly Elliott, founder of belikejosh.org, advocates for dogs with neurological disabilities like her own dog, Josh. Through Be Like Josh, she rescues and educates on disabilities, aiming to create an inclusive society. Kimberly’s work challenges stigmas in veterinary medicine and promotes understanding through school visits. She seeks support to expand her impact. Kimberly’s message: ‘March to the beat of your own drum, embracing freedom and grace.

Episode 44 Transcript


Published: Thursday April 25, 2024
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Episode 44 of ‘Pushing Forward with Alycia’ features Kimberly Elliott, founder of the Be Like Josh Foundation. The foundation advocates for dogs with neurological disabilities, inspired by Kimberly’s own dog, Josh. They educate on conditions, rescue unadoptable dogs, and promote inclusivity. Kimberly’s work, highlighted on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, aims to challenge perceptions and create a more accepting society. Her vision for Be Like Josh is to enlighten, educate, and empower.

Episode 43 – The AI Revolution Through a Neurodiverse Lens | Yan Vishnepolsky


Published: Thursday April 18, 2024
yan vishnepolsky on pushing forward with alycia episode forty three artificial intelligence and neurodiversity

In this enlightening podcast episode, host Alycia Anderson welcomes Yan Vishnepolsky, an entrepreneur and AI enthusiast diagnosed as neurodiverse. They delve into neurodiversity, its intersection with AI, and Vishnepolsky’s personal journey. Emphasizing the importance of embracing individual strengths, they discuss workplace inclusivity, the benefits of remote work, and the human-centered approach to integrating AI. Vishnepolsky shares insights from his podcast “Human-Centered AI” and advocates for leveraging uniqueness for success.

Episode 43 Transcript


Published: Thursday April 18, 2024
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In Episode 43 of “Pushing Forward with Alycia,” Yan Vishnepolsky discusses the intersection of neurodiversity and AI. Diagnosed with ADHD and autism, Yan highlights how his unique perspective enhances his work in AI and UX design. He emphasizes the importance of embracing differences and shares insights from his podcast, “Human-Centered AI,” aiming to integrate AI advancements with a deep understanding of human needs. Yan’s journey underscores the power of turning “different” into “exceptional.”

Reflecting on Siemens Belonging Day


Published: Wednesday April 17, 2024
belonging day april sixteenth alycia anderson spoke for siemens delivering her getting to the heart of disabling ableism in the workplace keynote

Siemens Belonging Day was a celebration of inclusivity led by Alycia Anderson’s keynote, “Getting to the Heart of Disabling Ableism in the Workplace.” Nichelle Grant’s role in fostering disability inclusion paved the way for this event. Alycia’s return marked a milestone in their partnership, emphasizing the importance of belonging. The collaboration exemplifies commitment to DEI, driving positive change. Belonging Day fostered learning and reflection, reinforcing the transformative impact of inclusivity initiatives.

Episode 42 – Rewriting the Script on Disability | Joci Scott, ‘The Rollettes’ and ‘Disability Film Challenge’ Star


Published: Thursday April 11, 2024
joci scott rewriting the script on disability rollettes and disability film challenge star episode forty two pushing forward with alycia

In Episode 42 of “Pushing Forward with Alycia,” Joci Scott, an actress and disability advocate, shares her journey from a plane crash to pursuing entertainment, including empowering performances with the Rollettes and roles in groundbreaking films. She discusses the impact of the Rollettes, her advocacy for authentic representation, and her experiences with the Disability Film Challenge. Joci emphasizes the importance of resilience and authenticity in facing challenges.

Episode 42 Transcript


Published: Thursday April 11, 2024
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In Episode 42 of Pushing Forward with Alycia, meet Joci Scott, an actress and disability advocate. Despite a plane crash causing paralysis, Joci pursued a career in entertainment. From early theater to empowering performances with the Rollettes and roles in groundbreaking films like The Disability Film Challenge, Joci champions authentic disability representation. Highlights include her artistic journey, resilience, the impact of the Rollettes, and her commitment to driving change in entertainment.