Category: Speeches

Southwest Airlines Women Empowered Celebration: A Journey of Inclusion and Inspiration


Published: Friday March 7, 2025
alycia on stage under the women empowerment event logo with sponsors to her left is a ramp on to the stage and a number of women are in the crowd in front of her

Southwest Airlines’ Women Empowered Celebration took flight with an unforgettable event championing inclusion, diversity, and empowerment. Alycia Anderson shared her powerful story, inspiring a future where accessibility and equity soar. This transformative journey showcased the strength of women in leadership, breaking barriers and redefining possibilities. Discover how this celebration is shaping a more inclusive world—one flight at a time.

Empowering Voices: My Q&A Session at Presentation High School


Published: Wednesday February 12, 2025
alycia with the attendees of her q and a session at presentation high school

What started as a small Q&A at Presentation High School turned into a powerful conversation with over 75 students and staff discussing disability inclusion, advocacy, and accessibility. These students asked insightful questions about daily life, misconceptions, media representation, and the future of inclusion. Their curiosity and passion for change were inspiring—proving that the next generation is ready to push for a more inclusive world.

A Day of Connection: Igniting the Curiosity of the Next Generation at Sequoia Middle School


Published: Wednesday December 11, 2024
Alycia speaking in front of large group of students at sequoia middle school

At Sequoia Middle School, I had the honor of guiding students to recognize their differences as superpowers, fueling their dreams and inspiring them to change the world. Through an engaging speech and interactive Q&A sessions, I helped ignite their curiosity, encouraging them to embrace their unique strengths. This memorable experience highlighted the importance of inclusion and empowerment, as these students began to see their potential to shape a brighter future.

Advancing Disability Inclusion: My Keynote at Pluralsight


Published: Thursday November 14, 2024
Alycia sitting in wheelchair wearing black pointing at the Pluralsign screen

This week, I had the pleasure of speaking virtually at Pluralsight, engaging with their global team and collaborating with their Employee Resource Group, Enable! During my keynote, “The Heart of Inclusion,” we explored practical strategies for advancing inclusion and accessibility, empowering employees to thrive. Thank you to Pluralsight for hosting this impactful event and for your dedication to fostering a truly inclusive workplace. The Q&A engagement was fantastic!

A Dream at Netflix: The Pressure and Possibility of Storytelling


Published: Thursday October 10, 2024
alycia on stage at the bronson theater netflix stage with her hands spread out and open under a screen with her on it that reads intersetionality through the lens of disability hashtag n d e a m

Speaking at Netflix during National Disability Employment Awareness Month was a dream come true for me. As a disability advocate, TEDx speaker, and CEO, I reflected on my journey from a little girl dreaming of the spotlight to addressing major companies worldwide. The experience reminded me of the power of storytelling in advocating for disabled voices and reignited my hope that my story—and others like it—might one day reach the screen.

Virginia Tech NDEAM Celebration with Keynote Speaker Alycia Anderson


Published: Wednesday October 9, 2024
Alycia sitting in studio near microphone for keynote speech at VT

Alycia Anderson delivered a powerful keynote at Virginia Tech’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) celebration, emphasizing the importance of inclusive workplace practices. Her speech highlighted the need for diversity in hiring and the value of accessible environments. The event fostered an open conversation about disability representation in the workplace and how these efforts contribute to a more inclusive society.

Empowering Inclusion: A Heartfelt Journey to Michigan’s Educators


Published: Wednesday August 21, 2024
alycia sitting in her wheelchair in front of the bay arenac isd logo wall holding her hands up and open smiling

I recently traveled to Michigan, where I had the privilege of delivering my “Heart of Inclusion” keynote to Bay-Arenac ISD educators and teachers in Pinconning. The energy, dedication, and passion I witnessed were inspiring, reinforcing our shared commitment to creating inclusive educational spaces for every student. I am grateful for this opportunity and excited to see the impact of the conversations we started together!

From Keynotes to Connections | Closing Disability Pride Month with Etsy: Celebrating Intersectionality and Inclusion


Published: Wednesday July 31, 2024
alycia sitting in front of her virtual studio with etsy logo on one monitor and her interstionality through the lens of disability presentation on another smiling doing a selfie with her hand on her hip

As Disability Pride Month closes, I delivered my ninth and final keynote of July, “Intersectionality Through the Lens of Disability,” at a virtual event hosted by Etsy. Returning for the second consecutive year, I shared insights on inclusion and intersectionality with Etsy’s supportive platform. This wraps up an impactful month where I spoke at various esteemed organizations, reinforcing the importance of disability inclusion and empowerment. Let’s keep the momentum going!

Onward Together: Celebrating Disability Pride Month with SUSD’s 2024-25 Kick-Off Event


Published: Wednesday July 31, 2024
alycia on stage at s u s d kick off with her arms spread out wide smiling in her wheelchair

I was honored to keynote Stockton Unified School District’s “ONWARD – Imagine the Possibilities” event, celebrating Disability Pride Month. With over 4,000 staff members at the University of the Pacific’s Alex G Spanos Center, I delivered my Heart of Inclusion keynote, despite a shortened 20-minute slot. Superintendent Dr. Michelle Rodriguez shared uplifting updates, and student performances highlighted the district’s vibrant community. My message on disability inclusion resonated deeply, concluding my sixth Disability Pride Month event.

Making the Invisible Visible: A Day of Inclusion with Blue Shield’s DIA ERG


Published: Friday July 26, 2024
picture of attendees of blue shield of california disability inclusion alliance employee resource groups americans with disabilities act anniversary celebration

For the second year, I celebrated the ADA anniversary with Blue Shield of California’s Disability Inclusion Alliance ERG at the “Making the Invisible Visible” event. The celebration, held at Futures Explored Inc., featured a keynote by Dustin Giannelli and highlighted Blue Shield’s commitment to disability inclusion. It was heartwarming to witness their intentional work and be honored for my appointment to the California Department of Insurance’s Insurance Diversity Task Force.