Speaking Engagements and Media
As a dedicated disability advocate, I've devoted my life to being a catalyst for change in the realms of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. Born with cerebral palsy, I’ve spent over a decade using my lived experience to drive impact, foster empathy, and push systems toward transformation.
For 10 remarkable years, I was partnered with Pico, my beloved service dog from Canine Companions. Pico was more than a partner—he was a force multiplier for my independence, confidence, and advocacy. He walked beside me as I challenged institutions, held space in boardrooms, and navigated life with purpose. He passed away in October 2024, and I carry his legacy with me every day.
Today, I’m proud to be partnered with Lovey—Pico’s successor and a brilliant, spirited service dog trained by Canine Companions. Lovey brings her own spark, intelligence, and intuition to this work, and our journey is just beginning. Together, we are continuing the mission: advancing access, reimagining inclusion, and challenging perceptions of disability—one conversation at a time.
I've successfully influenced major companies like Uber, Lyft, Starbucks, and PETCO to adopt more inclusive practices. My candid experiences in the workplace, academia, and living with chronic pain have provided a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of living with a disability.
In my speaking engagements, I bring a unique blend of passion for advocacy and deep knowledge of disability issues. My goal is to help organizations create more inclusive workspaces, raise awareness about disability issues, influence public policy, and spur social change.
I believe in progress over perfection and understand that change is often incremental and slow. But I know that it all starts with a conversation.
Past presentations have included:
Be A JEDI Master: Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Workplace and Beyond
Navigating Disability in K-12 and Higher Education.
Disability is Not A Dirty Word: Key Questions and Perspectives on Disability Identity.
Representation of Disability in Media.
What Everyone Should Know About The Life-Changing World of Service Dogs.
The ADA: What it is, and What it isn’t.
What’s Wrong With This Picture? A Deep Dive into Accessible Spaces.
Social Media: Creating Connections, Making Noise, and Shaping Public Policy
Public and Media Relations: Strategies For Crisis Management in the Private and Government Sector.
Are you ready to start the conversation? Book me today to inspire your audience, spark meaningful dialogue, and take the first step toward a more inclusive future.