In Episode 105 of Pushing Forward with Alycia, Alycia Anderson sits down with Sarah Crawford—CEO of TLC and a North Carolina state representative—to explore her impactful advocacy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. From family roots in service to leading both nonprofit and legislative efforts, Sarah discusses the mission of TLC, funding challenges, caregiver recognition, and the pressing need for systemic change to empower vulnerable families and direct‑care workers.

Sarah Crawford, CEO of TLC and North Carolina legislator, shares how service—and a belief that ‘when government works well, it works for those who need it most’—guided her journey from Congressional intern to nonprofit leader. During her tenure at TLC, she’s grown services from just a few families to over 2,000, providing residential support, therapies, and navigation. Her vision? Inclusive choice, valued care workers, and service-driven advocacy at every level of leadership.

In this inspiring episode of Pushing Forward with Alycia Anderson, Paralympian Roderick Sewell shares how resilience, determination, and a champion’s mindset shaped his journey to success. From overcoming obstacles to breaking barriers, Roderick’s story offers powerful lessons on perseverance and personal growth. Join Alycia as she explores what it takes to rise above challenges and embrace the mindset of a true champion.

Read the full transcript of Pushing Forward with Alycia Anderson Episode 104 featuring Paralympian Roderick Sewell. In this candid conversation, Roderick shares how resilience, determination, and a champion’s mindset shaped his journey from overcoming obstacles to achieving success. Explore his powerful insights on perseverance, leadership, and growth, and discover why his story continues to inspire audiences around the world.

In this episode of Pushing Forward with Alycia, host Alycia Anderson interviews Treasa Praino, a legally blind disability advocate, university instructor, and human‑rights specialist completing her PhD at Syracuse University. They explore her journey from facing early discrimination to shaping inclusion through her work in federal probation, education inequities, and transformative projects in South Africa. Treasa emphasizes presuming competence, valuing interdependence over independence, and recognizing how cultural contexts redefine disability. ‘Don’t be afraid, be curious…’ she urges.

In this episode of Pushing Forward with Alycia, Treasa Praino—legally blind, a disability advocate, instructor, and human-rights specialist—reflects on how disability is shaped by context. She contrasts her experience navigating New York City, where accessibility is taken for granted, with life in New Jersey, where lack of infrastructure amplifies disablement. Treasa underscores that interdependence and presuming competence are essential, and that disability doesn’t define a person—it’s shaped by time, place, and society.

In Episode 102 of Pushing Forward with Alycia, host Alycia Anderson welcomes Cecilia Elizalde, a former TV producer turned disability‑inclusion advocate after her daughter Valentina’s Down syndrome diagnosis. Cecilia discusses her work with Best Buddies International and the launch of Eunie’s Buddies—a program offering support and mentorship to families receiving an intellectual or developmental disability diagnosis. They explore compassionate diagnoses, the ripple effect of inclusion, caregiver self‑care, and navigating this journey with community and grace.

In Episode 102, Alycia Anderson hosts Cecilia Elizalde—TV producer turned disability‑inclusion advocate after her daughter’s Down syndrome diagnosis. As Senior Director of Eunie’s Buddies at Best Buddies International, Cecilia shares her journey from representation campaigns to launching this family‑support program. She unpacks the importance of compassionate diagnoses, one‑on‑one mentorship, caregiver self‑care, and tailored resources—creating community and empowerment for newly diagnosed families at every life stage.

Actor, model, and disability-fashion advocate Miracle Pelayo joins Alycia Anderson to recount her extraordinary journey from 23-week preemie to entertainment trailblazer. Pelayo shares how surviving cerebral palsy fueled her breakthrough roles, including voicing the first American Girl doll with CP, and how she uses style to empower “wheelchair baddies.” Tune in for candid insights on resilience, representation, and rewriting Hollywood’s narrative while offering hope to families worldwide and allies.

Born at 23 weeks with a 5 % survival chance, Miracle Pelayo defied the odds to blaze a new path in Hollywood.
Alycia Anderson
In this candid conversation with Alycia Anderson, she reveals how modeling adaptive fashion and voicing the first American Girl doll with cerebral palsy fuel her mission to “make CP beautiful.” Pelayo calls out casting barriers—only 4 % of on-screen talent has disabilities—and urges relentless visibility to spark change for future storytellers.