When Steve Wunch invited me to his Multifamily Mind Podcast, it wasn’t just an interview—it was a conversation between two good friends who go way back. Steve and I worked together for years in the multifamily industry, and he’s always supported me, even before I became a speaker. We covered a lot in our chat, from my childhood growing up with sacral agenesis to the nitty-gritty of disability inclusion in the multifamily housing sector.

Breaking Barriers: Navigating the Multifamily Industry with a Disability

I talked about my over 15-year career in multifamily, where I rose from a regional account executive to the vice president of sales. That experience shaped much of my understanding of what needs to change in terms of accessibility. Too often, the multifamily industry, like many others, isn’t designed with people like me in mind. But I firmly believe that when you build spaces that work for everyone, you’re not just being inclusive—you’re opening up huge business opportunities.

Steve and I went deep into how my lived experience has shaped my career and my work in DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility). It wasn’t easy navigating a world that wasn’t built for disabled people, but I learned to adapt. Now, I’m passionate about helping others understand the value of inclusion, not just as a checkbox but as something that enhances life for everyone. My career taught me that companies willing to invest in accessibility are those that will thrive in the long term.

Pushing Through Fear: How Overcoming Challenges Shaped My Advocacy for Inclusion

We also touched on the fears I’ve had to push through—whether they were physical challenges like surgeries or career fears like stepping into the unknown as a speaker. Steve reminded me how far I’ve come, especially since my TEDx talk in Tahoe, which he attended. His encouragement helped me find my voice, and today, I use that voice to advocate for meaningful change in workplaces and communities around the world.

Our conversation wasn’t just about where I’ve been but also where we’re going as an industry and as a society. Disability inclusion isn’t a niche issue—it’s something that affects us all. And through my years in multifamily, I’ve seen firsthand how much potential there is when we create spaces that welcome everyone.

Steve and I had an honest, heartfelt conversation, and I’m grateful to have shared it with someone who’s been such a great friend and supporter of my journey. Together, we hope to inspire others in multifamily and beyond to make the world more accessible and inclusive for everyone.