Joanne Lopez, a financial literacy advocate, shares her journey from Trinidad Tobago to the US, highlighting challenges as a teen immigrant. She found solace in banking, starting as a teller at 19, navigating personal and professional hurdles. Now, as VP of Marketing, she champions financial education, especially for marginalized groups, through partnerships and community initiatives. Her mantra: Live with purpose, impacting lives one kindness at a time. This is Pushing Forward with Alycia.
In Episode 41 of “Pushing Forward with Alycia,” Alycia Anderson hosts Joanne Lopez, VP Market Manager and Women in Business Ambassador at Valley Bank. Lopez shares her journey from Trinidad to the US, overcoming adversity and rising in the banking industry. She emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and community education. Lopez’s guiding principle is to perform daily acts of kindness to make a difference. Follow Joanne Lopez for more insights on financial literacy.
Catarina Rivera, a disabled Latina advocate, shares her journey from acceptance to advocacy in “Pushing Forward with Alycia.” From her personal evolution to her impactful initiatives like Blindish Latina and accessible tourism advocacy, Rivera emphasizes the importance of disability inclusion. She encourages embracing one’s disability journey and emphasizes the significance of accessibility in all aspects of life and travel.
In “Pushing Forward with Alycia,” Episode 40 features Catarina Rivera, a disabled Latina advocate. Rivera’s journey from quiet acceptance to vocal advocacy illuminates the power of community and embracing one’s truth. From teaching in the Bronx to global DEI consultancy, she champions inclusivity. Key highlights include her reflections on disability, NYC’s blind community influence, educational roots, Blindish Latina initiative, and accessible tourism advocacy. Rivera’s message emphasizes acceptance and empowerment in disability narratives.
Dr. Lindsay Ulrey, a licensed psychologist and advocate for motherhood among wheelchair users, shares her journey on “Pushing Forward with Alycia” podcast. Dr. Ulrey, a mother of two, discusses her disability identity after acquiring a spinal cord injury. She emphasizes the importance of community support and her initiative, Wheel Good Motherhood, providing resources and a safe space. The podcast highlights empathy and the need for understanding in navigating life’s transitions.
Dr. Lindsay Ulrey, a clinical psychologist, joins Pushing Forward with Alycia, sharing her journey of adapting to motherhood as a wheelchair user. She discusses the inception of Wheel Good Motherhood, aiming to empower mothers on wheels and navigating perinatal mental health. The episode highlights her transition into motherhood, the importance of community support, and embracing change. Dr. Ulrey emphasizes staying open, curious, and continuously learning through life’s transitions. Connect with her via Wheel Good Motherhood and her personal website.
Jillian Curwin, a champion for dwarfism and disability advocacy, discusses her journey on the “Pushing Forward with Alycia” podcast. She shares her motivations for starting her podcast, “Always Looking Up,” focusing on living in a world not designed for people with disabilities. Curwin emphasizes the importance of representation in fashion and media, urging brands to push through fear and continue championing diversity. Her mantra: “Height is just a number, not a limit.”
Jillian Curwin, also known as Jillian Ilana, joins Alycia Anderson on “Pushing Forward with Alycia” to discuss her advocacy work for the dwarfism community. From her podcast “Always Looking Up” to challenging perceptions in fashion, Curwin emphasizes inclusivity and representation. Inspired by Sinead Burke’s British Vogue cover, she highlights the importance of media representation. The episode delves into dwarfism insights, fashion advocacy, respectful engagement, and the impact of her podcast.
Dr. Donna Walton, founder of Divas with Disabilities Project, discusses her journey and mission with Alycia Anderson. Walton’s personal struggle with disability led to empowering others through representation and resilience. Divas aims to reshape perceptions of disability, especially for black and brown women, advocating for inclusive spaces and amplifying voices globally. Walton’s story of perseverance, from facing cancer to acting roles, exemplifies the importance of never abandoning dreams.
In this heartfelt episode of “Pushing Forward with Alycia,” Dr. Donna Walton shares her transformative journey from aspiring dancer and actress to advocate for women with disabilities. Through the Divas With Disabilities Project, she champions representation and resilience. Walton’s story, marked by overcoming bone cancer at 18, inspires listeners to pursue dreams relentlessly. Her impactful work extends globally, advocating for inclusivity and meaningful representation. The episode encapsulates resilience, triumph, and unwavering determination.
