Category: Speeches

Using My Story to Drive Inclusion: Speaking for Uber on IDPWD


Published: Thursday December 4, 2025
alycia sitting in her wheelchair resting one arm on her desk and one arm on her hip smiling with computer screens behind her one with the uber logo on the display

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 Leads With Inclusion: Celebrating IDPWD Through Dialogue, Culture, and Collective Learning


Published: Wednesday December 3, 2025
alycia taking a selfie of her and konecranes employees in a virtual webinar on her laptop

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.

Keynote Reflections from the Montana Youth Transition Conference


Published: Thursday November 20, 2025
Alycia speaking on stage in her wheelchair, mic in hand, wearing a green shirt: “We are the ones we’ve been waiting for!”

“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.

Keynote Reflections: Speaking to Union Pacific’s EASE ERG — Finding Momentum on the Tracks Again


Published: Thursday November 13, 2025
alycia sipping coffee sitting behind her makeshift hotel studio getting ready for a virtual speech to union pacific

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.

Celebrating NDEAM with HDR: The Heart of Inclusion in Action


Published: Monday October 27, 2025
alycia anderson sean larkin and a s l interpreter emily flemer are in a split screen teams meeting with the h d r logo and a graphic that says october is disability awareness month with green yellow red and whit hands of different sizes reaching up from the bottom of the graphic

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.

Reimagining Resilience: Reflections from the 2025 Insurance Diversity Summit


Published: Tuesday October 21, 2025
alycia sitting on stage at the diversity summit twenty twenty five

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.

Speaking for Legend Management Group: Full Circle Moments of Partnership and Purpose


Published: Wednesday October 15, 2025
Alycia sitting in front of a white curtain in her wheelchair wearing pink and blue with "the heart of inclusion written next to her

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, Sisterhood, and Pretty in Pink: EmpowHER Austin Recap


Published: Wednesday October 15, 2025
Alycia and Kristina host of event taking a photo flexing

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

Kicking Off NDEAM at the Pacific Northwest Employment Forum: Opening the Heart of Inclusion


Published: Tuesday October 7, 2025
Alycia wearing red and white holding a remote control on stage speaking

Opening PNWEF in Portland was an honor and a charge. In my Heart of Inclusion keynote, we moved inclusion from concept to daily habit—co-creating over helping, accessibility by design, and measurable outcomes. The forum’s magic is community: self-advocates, employers, students, providers, and partners learning together. Thank you to organizers and APSE leaders whose tireless work built space where belonging grows into equitable hiring, accessible onboarding, and real career progression forward.

The Arc Caddo-Bossier’s Leadership Luncheon at LSUS, A Day I’ll Never Forget


Published: Wednesday September 24, 2025
alycia on stage at the arc caddo bossier leadership luncheon in front of a large crowd

Shreveport, you showed up. At The Arc Caddo-Bossier’s Leadership Luncheon at LSUS, I delivered my signature keynote, The Heart of Inclusion. The room brimmed with civic leaders, sponsors, and The Arc’s dedicated staff, united around accessibility, equity, and vision. We heard stories of transformation, honored individuals, and committed together to inclusive change. That standing ovation wasn’t just for me — it was for a future we believe in.