Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast Alycia Anderson

Welcome Kimberly Elliott, belikejosh founder
Welcome back to Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast, where we celebrate the voices reshaping our understanding of disability. This episode features Kimberly Elliott, the heart and soul behind the Be Like Josh Foundation, a dedicated advocate for dogs with neurological disabilities.
The Foundation's Mission
Kimberly Elliott, inspired by her dog Josh, has transformed her compassion into a dynamic advocacy platform. Josh, a delightful golden doodle with cerebellar hypoplasia, exemplifies the joy and potential of dogs often overlooked due to their disabilities. Learn more about cerebellar hypoplasia on the National Organization for Rare Disorders.
Impact and Outreach of Be Like Josh:
🐕 Educating on canine neurological conditions
🐾 Rescuing dogs deemed unadoptable
🐶 Promoting inclusivity through community engagement
Quote
"Advocacy is about making noise and making a difference, even when the echoes are faint," says Kimberly. Her work is featured on platforms like Josh the Doodle’s Instagram and the foundation's Facebook page, where the stories of resilience and recovery foster a broader understanding of disability.
Educational Initiatives and Advocacy Efforts
Kimberly's commitment extends into educational initiatives that challenge perceptions about disabilities in both the pet world and broader communities. By introducing children and adults to dogs like Josh, the foundation sets the stage for a more accepting and inclusive society.
Looking to the Future
Kimberly reflects on the path ahead: "Each step we take is about lifting the veil on disability, showing that it's a part of life’s rich tapestry, not a limitation." Her vision is clear—expand the reach of Be Like Josh to enlighten, educate, and empower.
Connect with Kimberly Elliott: Facebook | Instagram | Website

Connect with Alycia:
Feedback | Instagram | LinkedIn | Book Alycia for Speaking | Book Alycia to Train Your Employees in Disabling Ableism | Alycia’s DEI Micro Learning Video Series
Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations on Pushing Forward with Alycia. Open hearts, clear paths. Let's go.

AI's Neurodiverse Edge
What if the key to the next AI breakthrough lies within the neurodiverse mind? In this episode of "Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast," we're joined by Yan Vishnepolsky. Yan, diagnosed with ADHD and on the autism spectrum, shares how these "superpowers" fuel his passion and success in AI and UX design. Yan's synergy between neurodiversity and artificial intelligence is setting the tech world ablaze.
Key Moments:
🧠 Yan's Introduction to Neurodiversity: Diagnosed with ADHD and autism, Yan shares how these aspects of neurodiversity have shaped his approach to life and work, turning perceived challenges into unmatched strengths.
💡 The AI Revolution from a Neurodiverse Perspective: Yan discusses his deep dive into AI, driven by his hyper-focused nature—a hallmark trait of his neurodivergence—and how it led to innovative breakthroughs in user experience.
🤝 Embracing Differences: Yan speaks on the importance of acknowledging and leveraging the unique abilities that come with neurodiversity, not just in personal development but in enriching the tech industry at large.
🌐 "Human-Centered AI" Unveiled: Yan takes us behind the scenes of his podcast, revealing his mission to intertwine AI advancements with a deep understanding of human needs and behaviors.
Yan's Quote to Remember:
"In a world striving for innovation, my neurodivergence is not a hurdle but my secret weapon. It's about turning 'different' into 'exceptional.'" - Yan Vishnepolsky
Connect with Yan Vishnepolsky:

Explore Yan's Professional Journey

Dive into "Human-Centered AI"

See Yan's Innovations

Connect with Alycia:
Feedback | Instagram | LinkedIn | Book Alycia for Speaking | Book Alycia to Train Your Employees in Disabling Ableism | Buy Alycia’s DEI Micro Learning Video Series
Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations on Pushing Forward with Alycia. Open hearts, clear paths. Let's go.

Welcome Joci Scott, actor, singer, dancer, content creator, and disability representation advocate
In this episode of Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast, meet Joci Scott an actress whose life took an unexpected turn following a plane crash which lead to paralysis. From early theater days to her empowering performances with the Rollettes and groundbreaking roles and creations in films (including The Disability Film Challenge), hear how Joci is carving out a new path for authentic representation for disability representation in entertainment.
Highlights:
🌟 Early Inspirations: The roots of Joci's artistic journey.
🎭 A Turn of Fate: Rising from adversity with new dreams.
💃 The Rollettes Effect: Dancing towards empowerment and change.
🎬 "Smash or Pass": A story of inclusion and breaking molds.
Featured Quote:
"Change isn't just happening; I'm driving it, one role at a time." - Joci Scott
Vote for Joci in The 2024 Disability Film Challenge.
Connect with Joci:
Joci on IMDb: Charting New Territories | Official Site: Joci Scott's Vision | Insta Moments with Joci | YouTube: The Joci Scott Channel | TikTok: Joci's Creative Space
Connect with Alycia:
Feedback | Instagram | LinkedIn | Book Alycia for Speaking | Book Alycia to Train Your Employees in Disabling Ableism | Buy Alycia’s DEI Micro Learning Video Series
Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations on Pushing Forward with Alycia. Open hearts, clear paths. Let's go.

Welcome Joanne Lopez, VP Market Manager/Women in Business Ambassador at Valley Bank
Alycia Anderson welcomes Joanne Lopez to Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast. Joanne shares journey from her early beginnings in Trinidad and Tobago to her notable ascent as a VP Market Manager and Women in Business Ambassador. Her story is more than just professional success; it pulls back the layers into overcoming life's obstacles with determination and a deep commitment to financial literacy and education. Joanne shares invaluable insights for anyone looking to make meaningful changes in their own life and in the community around them.
Key Highlights:
🌍 From Trinidad to the US: Adapting to a new culture as a teenager and facing adversity head-on.
📈 From a bank teller to a banking executive: Shattering ceilings and setting new standards in the banking industry.
📚 Advocacy for financial literacy: Joanne’s dedication to educating communities, highlighting her involvement with New Jersey Reentry, New Jersey Latino Law Enforcement Coalition and other impactful organizations.
Joanne's Guiding Principle:
"Each day, do something kind; it's how we make a difference." - Joanne Lopez
Follow Joanne on LinkedIn

Connect with Alycia:
Feedback | Instagram | LinkedIn | Book Alycia for Speaking | Book Alycia to Train Your Employees in Disabling Ableism | Buy Alycia’s DEI Micro Learning Video Series
Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations on Pushing Forward with Alycia. Open hearts, clear paths. Let's go.

Welcome Catarina Rivera
"Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast," welcomes Catarina Rivera, a leader of inspiration in disability awareness, inclusion, and accessibility. As a disabled Latina woman, Catarina has navigated a complex journey from the quiet acceptance of her hearing and vision disabilities to becoming a vocal advocate and change-maker. Through her story, we see the power of community, the pivotal moments that define our paths, and how embracing one's truth can ignite a broader movement towards a more inclusive world. Catarina shares her evolution from a classroom teacher in the Bronx to a globally recognized DEI consultant and public speaker, shedding light on her vision for a world where every disability narrative is heard and valued.
Key Highlights:
🎧 Reflecting on a life with hearing aids and the sudden onset of a vision disability that reshaped Catarina's worldview.
🗽 The influence of New York City's blind community on Catarina's acceptance and advocacy for her disabilities.
🏫 From influencing young minds in the Bronx to inspiring change across organizations, Catarina's educational roots fuel her passion for DEI work.
🌐 Launching Blindish Latina to fill the void of disabled Latina representation and to redefine societal perceptions of blindness.
✈️ Merging her love for travel with her advocacy, Catarina aims to broaden the horizons of accessible tourism, proving that disability is not a boundary to exploring the world.
Inspirational quote from Catarina:
"Wherever you are in your disability journey is OK. You're not behind; you're right on time."
Discover more about Catarina:

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Latinx Travel Club

Connect with Alycia:
Feedback | Instagram | LinkedIn | Book Alycia for Speaking | Book Alycia to Train Your Employees in Disabling Ableism | Buy Alycia’s DEI Micro Learning Video Series
Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations on Pushing Forward with Alycia. Open hearts, clear paths. Let's go.

Welcome Lindsay Ulrey to Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast

Join Alycia Anderson as she welcomes Dr. Lindsay Ulrey, a clinical psychologist with a heartfelt dedication to supporting individuals during the perinatal stages and beyond. Dr. Ulrey's professional focus on this area intersects with her personal experiences and advocacy work. Dr. Ulrey boldly shares her personal narrative of adapting to motherhood as a wheelchair user sharing both challenges and triumphs of parenting with a disability. Episode 39 delves into the birth of "Wheel Good Motherhood," a platform aimed at connecting and uplifting mothers on wheels, while also exploring the broader implications of disability in family life and society.
Episode highlights
🤱🦽Lindsay's transition into motherhood and her path to becoming a wheelchair user
s 👩‍👧‍👦✨The inception of "Wheel Good Motherhood" and its mission to empower Wheelie Mamas
🧠💖 Navigating perinatal mental health with empathy and expertise
👭🤗 Embracing change and finding strength in vulnerability and community
🤗🤗 Dr. Ulrey talks about the best hug she's ever received post-injury and why it was so meaningful.
Inspirational quote from Dr. Ulrey:
"Stay open, stay curious, and never stop learning through life's transitions."
Connect with Dr. Lindsay Uldrey:
"Wheel Good Motherhood"- NorCal SCI website. | Instagram - @wheel.good.motherhood | Personal website.
Connect with Alycia:
Feedback | Instagram | LinkedIn | Book Alycia for Speaking | Book Alycia to Train Your Employees in Disabling Ableism | Buy Alycia’s DEI Micro Learning Video Series
Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations on Pushing Forward with Alycia. Open hearts, clear paths. Let's go.