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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

Celebrating ADA and Disability Inclusion with Blue Shield of California

alycia speaking at the making the invisible visible event

For the second consecutive year, I had the pleasure of celebrating the crown jewel of Disability Pride Month, the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, with Blue Shield of California’s Disability Inclusion Alliance Employee Resource Group (DIA ERG). This year’s event, titled “Making the Invisible Visible,” featured a keynote by Dustin Giannelli, who I had introduced to the team. The event was led by outgoing chair Saffiyah “Saffy” Johnson, MBA, LCSW, and incoming chair Karen Clark.

Attending this year’s celebration allowed me to witness the ongoing commitment of the DIA ERG and see a good friend share his message. After speaking at their inaugural event at Blue Shield’s headquarters in Oakland, CA, last year, it warmed my heart to see the intentionality in Blue Shield’s work.

Fostering Inclusion: Reflections on Blue Shield’s ADA Celebration

This year’s event was hosted at Futures Explored Inc., a nonprofit organization serving individuals with developmental disabilities through educational opportunities in film and multimedia. The event was held in their Sacramento studio, with technical audio and video aspects managed by their students. Having my profoundly deaf friend speak and knowing Blue Shield trusted “the girl in the wheelchair’s” opinion in recommending Dustin to headline their celebration on disability, attended by multiple VPs and executive leadership, reaffirmed the company’s renewed commitment. It also truly made “the invisible visible” at this event.

Honoring Commitment: A Memorable ADA Celebration with Blue Shield

Being part of this type of commitment is what my work is all about!

alycia being honored for her appointment to the insurance diversity task force of the california department of insurance by karen clark of blue shield of california gifting a bouquet of flowers to alycia

Thank you, Blue Shield, for elevating the work of disability inclusion in the workforce. I am especially grateful for the ongoing partnership opportunities and the instrumental role you played in connecting me with the California Department of Insurance, encouraging me to apply for my newly appointed position on the Insurance Diversity Task Force. I look forward to continuing the conversation on disability equity in the insurance industry for years to come!