A heartfelt thank you to Virginia Tech for hosting me as the keynote speaker for your National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) celebration! Recognizing NDEAM in universities and workplaces alike is critical in driving forward the conversation on disability inclusion and employment equity.

Education plays a pivotal role as a catalyst for change. It shapes the leaders of tomorrow and creates spaces where diversity, equity, and accessibility flourish. By fostering a culture of belonging, we can ensure that all voices are heard and valued. As a disability advocate and speaker, I am honored to contribute to this ongoing conversation and to share insights on how inclusion positively impacts not only individuals with disabilities but society as a whole.

A special shoutout to Raksha Sharma, Ph.D. Student, MBA, SHRM-CP, for her incredible support in organizing this event. It was an absolute pleasure to work with you, Raksha! The level of engagement we received from the attendees today was truly inspiring, and I couldn’t be more excited about the energy in the room. Thank you for all your hard work in making this event a success!

Together, we can continue to elevate the importance of disability inclusion and keep advancing these conversations in both educational institutions and workplaces. Let’s keep moving forward toward a more accessible and inclusive future for all!