Category: PFWA

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.

Episode 41 – Banking on Change | Joanne Lopez, Financial Literacy Champion


Published: Thursday April 4, 2024
episode forty one of pushing forward with alycia joanne lopez banking on change charting financial success

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.

Episode 41 Transcript


Published: Thursday April 4, 2024
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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.

Episode 40 – Embracing Every Aspect of Life with Catarina Rivera


Published: Thursday March 28, 2024
embracing every aspect of life with catarina rivera the blindish latina on pushing forward with alycia episode forty

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.

Episode 40 Transcript


Published: Thursday March 28, 2024
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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.

Episode 39 – Wheels of Change | Welcome Dr. Lindsay Ulrey


Published: Thursday March 21, 2024
doctor lindsay ulrey is on pushing forward this week for the thirty ninth episode

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.

Episode 39 Transcript


Published: Thursday March 21, 2024
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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.

Episode 38 – Jillian (Ilana) Curwin: Dwarfism Champion and Advocate


Published: Thursday March 14, 2024
jillian curwin dwarfism champion and advocate joins us in episode thirty eight of pushing forward with alycia

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.”

Episode 38 Transcript


Published: Thursday March 14, 2024
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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.