Published in Power. Influence. Change.·Jun 25, 2021Juneteenth: Reflections and Reckoningsby Emily Blum — As the Executive Director of Disability Lead and a leader with a disability who is deeply committed to disability justice-a social movement that centers our complex intersectional identities, calls for institutional change and is led by those who have been most impacted by systemic oppression-Juneteenth offers a moment for personal…3 min read3 min read
Published in Power. Influence. Change.·Jun 25, 2021We Are Disability Lead: Event HighlightsAs this was our first program under our newly rebranded identity, we knew we had to make a smashing impression! With an inspiring message by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, the comedy stylings of Maysoon Zayid, the legal insights of Andrés Gallegos, the cultural musings of Andraéa LaVant, and the voting…5 min read5 min read
Published in Power. Influence. Change.·Jun 25, 2021We are Disability LeadSix years ago, a few determined people frustrated with the lack of people with disabilities in leadership positions created a groundbreaking program-the first of its kind in the nation-to bring greater disability inclusion to tables of power and influence in the Chicago region. What started as one weekend, grew in…3 min read3 min read
Published in Power. Influence. Change.·Apr 9, 2021Congratulations Ather Sharif!Recipient of our Excellence in Entrepreneurial Leadership Award Established In Honor of Michael W. Ferro Jr. — Earlier this year, ADA 25 Advancing Leadership announced a new award: the Excellence in Entrepreneurial Leadership Award Established In Honor of Michael W. …Entrepreneurial Leader6 min readEntrepreneurial Leader6 min read
Published in Power. Influence. Change.·Mar 30, 2021Women’s History MonthA look back on our incredible guests of 2020 — As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we can’t help but reflect on all of the amazing women with disabilities who brought power, honesty, and wisdom to our 2020 events. …Womens History Month8 min readWomens History Month8 min read
Published in Power. Influence. Change.·Feb 11, 2021We Draw the LinesMembers Briefing Recap — What is redistricting? And why should we care? To help answer these questions, we partnered with CHANGE Illinois for a virtual Members-only briefing led by guest speaker Liliana Scales (Advocacy Director, CHANGE Illinois), who demystified Illinois’s redistricting process for us and laid out a few simple ways we can all…Redistricting4 min readRedistricting4 min read
Published in Power. Influence. Change.·Dec 18, 2020Our Past, Our Present, Our FutureA recap of our End-of-Year event — Despite a long and volatile year fraught with death and uncertainty, we created room for celebration and reflection in Advancing Power and Influence, our virtual end-of-year event (now live on our YouTube channel!). In addition to congratulating, announcing, and welcoming our Advancing Leadership Members and Fellows, we showcased three disability…Honorable Tony Coelho7 min readHonorable Tony Coelho7 min read
Published in Power. Influence. Change.·Dec 9, 2020Building Disability Leadership into 2021: Our New Fellows and Members!On December 8th, ADA 25 Advancing Leadership announced its class of 16 Fellows for 2021! These accomplished leaders represent a cross-section of professionals from across the nonprofit, government, corporate, and education sectors in Illinois. Four new individuals were also welcomed to the Members Network, now comprising almost 170 diverse leaders…2021 Fellows4 min read2021 Fellows4 min read
Published in Power. Influence. Change.·Nov 17, 2020Entrepreneurial Leader? Member of ADA 25 Advancing Leadership?Apply to win our Excellence in Entrepreneurial Leadership Award Established in Honor of Michael W. Ferro Jr. — Calling all Advancing Leadership Members and Fellows: Are you an entrepreneur and own your own business? Founder of a non-profit or social enterprise? Do you have an emerging business idea that just launched? If so, we want to hear from you! ADA 25 Advancing Leadership just announced a new award…Entrepreneur3 min readEntrepreneur3 min read
Published in Power. Influence. Change.·Nov 16, 2020Mapping Our Paths Towards LiberationDisability Justice in the Fight for Racial Equity Day 4 Recap — Meaningful change includes systemic change. In the final session of our Disability Justice in the Fight for Racial Equity forum, national disability and racial justice policy advocates share how current policy can be built and shaped to advance the rights and voices of the multiply marginalized. “This conversation quite literally…Ayanna Pressley7 min readAyanna Pressley7 min read
