Kicking off 2026 with Special Olympics Virginia felt like the perfect intersection of advocacy, adaptive fitness, and community. From coast-to-coast travel to powerful moments on stage, this experience reminded me why inclusion matters most when lived out loud. This is a behind-the-scenes look at what it truly takes to show up, build belonging, and empower disabled voices through movement, sport, and story.

Marty and I closed out the year traveling to Kansas City for my keynote at SETWorks, a SaaS company building AI-powered tools with disability inclusion at the core. What unfolded was more than a speaking engagement. It was a full-circle moment sparked by relationships, challenged by travel realities, grounded in partnership, and fueled by the belief that inclusion works best when it is built in, not added later.

On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, I had the honor of delivering my Heart of Inclusion keynote for Uber—a deeply personal milestone in my advocacy journey. From a lifelong wheelchair user to international speaker, corporate leader, and disability business owner, I’ve devoted my life to breaking down barriers of ableism. Today reflects the ongoing pursuit of progress and the power of sharing our stories to move inclusion forward.

Konecranes’ Disability Inclusion Day Coffee and Culture webinar was a powerful celebration of IDPWD and the company’s commitment to building an inclusive, human-centered culture. Through open conversation about disability, allyship, accessibility, and innovation, the team demonstrated a genuine dedication to learning and growth. This event, shaped through thoughtful collaboration with Konecranes’ leadership, reflects the organization’s ongoing efforts to strengthen diversity, belonging, and inclusive workplace practices worldwide.

“We Are the Ones We’ve Been Waiting For.” That was the theme at the recent Montana Youth Transition Conference and it became our rallying cry. I was honored to keynote this remarkable gathering of disabled youth, families, educators and service providers. One standout moment: a courageous Deaf student joined me on stage to sign and share her story—powerful proof that representation matters. Transitions mean far more than logistics—they’re about identity, belonging, and the chance to thrive.

On November 13, 2025, I had the honor of speaking virtually to Union Pacific’s EASE ERG — their employee-resource group for people with disabilities, illness or disease — about disability inclusion and accessibility. That invitation felt deeply symbolic: here was a historic railroad company inviting new momentum around inclusion. Their energy, engagement, and commitment to build a culture where everyone is valued reminded me that the wheels of progress are turning again.

Alycia Anderson celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) with HDR, highlighting “The Heart of Inclusion.” Through collaboration, accessibility, and courageous conversations, Alycia and HDR demonstrate how organizations can go beyond representation to create workplaces where everyone belongs. This partnership exemplifies authentic disability inclusion—showing that when empathy meets action, meaningful change happens across communities and corporate culture alike.

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.

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