Alycia has a can do attitude every day. You never hear her complain. Although she has had to overcome many obstacles and in societies eyes she is considered to have a physical challenge; to know her you would not know she has any challenges in accomplishing anything she sets her mind to. My first encounter with Alycia was at a business social event. There was a large hill we all had to walk up. Alycia would accept help from no one as she was determined to maintain her independence. I have been with her at many social events over the past 8 years and not once was there a barrier that she did not find a way to overcome. I have had the honor to hear her present her speech on inclusion and how people look through her instead of at her. All she has ever wanted was a chance to be included. She will figure out the challenges and barriers. She told me a storybook that she had written about a dragon with a broken wing. Her dream was to turn it into a series of books to help children overcome their challenges. I look forward to the day when I can read her books. She has the ability to inspire all people to take a chance and try one more thing in life. She makes you believe you can overcome any challenge. She makes you believe that you control your destiny if you put your mind to and think about how to move forward through the challenges. Alycia is more independent and self reliant then individuals with no challenges to overcome. She makes you take notice of the little things that can make a difference in each others lives. Kindness and care are always in her message as it should be for all of us. I am honored to have her as a friend and business associate; but most of all I am honored to have had the opportunity to learn from her message.