From sharing her story and becoming a disability advocate and TEDX speaker to supporting inclusive education through partnerships with Bay-Arenac Intermediate and Pinconning Area School Districts, Alycia Anderson puts inclusion at the forefront of her mission. Whether its speaking on her podcast, collaborating with schools, organizations, and companies to create a more inclusive workspace, contributing as a member of the California Insurance Diversity Task Force, or creating her own disability inclusion learning series, disability advocacy is Anderson’s biggest passion. To learn more about Alycia Anderson and her advocacy efforts, read on.

Where are you based?
I am based in the Sacramento Valley in Northern California, specifically within the greater Sacramento area. This location has been central to much of my work and identity. The region's unique blend of political engagement, educational institutions, and progressive advocacy circles has greatly influenced my ability to connect with organizations, schools, and companies interested in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) initiatives.

Living in California also offers access to policy discussions and legislative initiatives that impact the lives of people with disabilities. Being so close to the capital of the largest state economy in the U.S. provides a front-row seat to disability rights movements, giving me a platform to advocate not just locally but also statewide. California has often been a trailblazer in disability legislation and inclusive policies, making it a fertile ground for meaningful advocacy work.

What inspired you to become a disability advocate and speaker?
The inspiration to become a disability advocate and speaker came from a deeply personal place. I’ve always felt called to share my story and to use my voice to uplift others in the disability community. Speaking up felt like the most natural path to not only contribute to the greater good but also to understand my own journey more fully. Advocacy allowed me to explore my abilities, my identity, and the rights that I hold within society.

It was never one single moment that sparked this path but rather a culmination of many small, defining experiences. One such moment was when I wrote and delivered a speech for a Ms. Wheelchair California competition. That speech focused on the intersection of women and disability issues and served as a pivotal point where I realized I could create real impact. It marked the beginning of my focused work in public speaking and paved the way for a life dedicated to empowering others and breaking down systemic barriers.

How did your experience of becoming a TEDx speaker influence your career decisions and amplify your passion for being a disability advocate and speaker?
Becoming a TEDx speaker was an inflection point in my life and career. It was one of those rare, transformational experiences where I truly felt elevated into the person I was meant to become. TEDx talks are highly respected platforms, and the very act of being chosen validated the importance of my message. It gave me visibility and credibility that took years to build and allowed my story to reach a much wider audience.

The talk served as a springboard for my business. It led to an increase in speaking engagements and created a demand for additional resources, services, and training programs. I was at a crossroads in my career, and the success of that TEDx talk helped me make the decision to leave my corporate job and dive full-time into entrepreneurship. From that moment on, I committed myself to using my voice and my experiences to help create a more inclusive world.

You have your own podcast called “Pushing Forward with Alycia”. Can you tell us a bit about it? What can listeners expect from it?
Pushing Forward with Alycia was born out of a genuine need expressed by my audience. After many of my speaking engagements, people would approach me wanting more, more content, more insight, more representation. The podcast became a natural extension of my work, designed to provide education, exposure, and ongoing conversations around disability inclusion. It became a space where people could feel seen, heard, and supported.

Listeners can expect storytelling, motivation, and a sense of community. The show features guests from all walks of life who share their own lived experiences with disability, whether visible or invisible. It’s a blend of education and empowerment, often touching on trending topics, products, and events that impact our community. The goal is to provide hope and a roadmap to anyone listening, whether they’re navigating their own disability or striving to become a better ally.

What are some things you hope listeners take away from your keynotes, podcast episodes, and all other advocacy efforts?
I hope listeners leave with a deeper understanding of the complex, beautiful realities of living with a disability. Whether it’s through a keynote, a podcast episode, or one of my advocacy efforts, I want people to walk away with insights they didn’t have before. These "golden nuggets" can be transformative, encouraging people to challenge biases and reimagine what inclusion truly looks like.

More than anything, I want people to feel that disability is not something that separates us, but something that unites us as part of the human experience. I hope they gain the language and confidence to engage in conversations around disability, either for themselves or as allies. Ultimately, I want to normalize disability and position it as a valued, natural part of humanity.

Last year you had the chance to “walk” the runway for the 10th anniversary of Runway of Dreams in New York. Can you tell us a little bit about the experience and what inclusivity in the fashion industry means to you?
Walking, or rather, rolling the runway at New York Fashion Week for Runway of Dreams' 10th anniversary was nothing short of magical. As someone who has always loved fashion, but rarely found adaptive clothing options, being a part of that show was deeply personal. I wore a puffer jacket that I had consulted on, an item that not only looked amazing, but also fit my body perfectly. It was a liberating moment, one that I never thought I’d get to experience.

Fashion is so much more than clothing; it’s about identity, self-expression, and belonging. For so long, the fashion industry has excluded people with disabilities. But inclusive fashion is now emerging as a movement, and I’m honored to be a part of it. Adaptive clothing that fits well and feels good boosts confidence and dignity, it tells the world that we belong, exactly as we are.

You are a member of the California Insurance Diversity Task Force. Can you tell us about what this task force’s mission is and how you are involved?
The California Insurance Diversity Task Force exists to promote greater diversity in the insurance industry, both in corporate boardrooms and in supplier procurement. The mission is to advocate for systemic inclusion and equity, particularly for underserved and underrepresented communities. This includes pushing for supplier diversity programs and supporting minority, women, LGBTQ+, veteran, and disabled-owned businesses.

I am honored to hold the first-ever seat on the task force representing people with disabilities. As a small business owner with lived experience, I advocate for the creation of procurement pipelines and infrastructure that include disabled-owned businesses. We are often categorized solely as veterans with disabilities, and this leaves many of us without access to crucial opportunities. There’s a dire need for legislation and community engagement to fill these gaps, and I’m committed to driving that change.

You are partnered with the Bay-Arenac Intermediate and Pinconning Area School Districts. Why did you choose to partner with them? How have you been involved?
These school districts exemplify what it means to commit to meaningful educational change. We recently traveled to Michigan to deliver inclusive programming to their staff and administrators. Our focus was on educating educators about disability inclusion, creating an environment where students of all abilities can thrive. It was an opportunity to speak directly to those shaping young minds and to sow the seeds of inclusive practices early on.

Education is foundational to changing societal narratives. If we want to move from a culture of ableism to one of inclusion, it must start in our schools. Every time we partner with an educational institution, we invest in the future. These students will grow up to be decision-makers, employers, and community leaders, and it is critical that they understand the value of inclusion from a young age.

With the Trump administration’s threatening actions towards the Department of Education, special education will no doubt also be greatly affected. What are your thoughts on the importance of special education for individuals with disabilities?
Special education is absolutely vital to the growth and development of students with disabilities. It ensures that every child, regardless of ability, has access to the resources they need to succeed. From traditional academic subjects to skills in self-advocacy and social navigation, special education plays a critical role in leveling the playing field. Without it, countless students would fall through the cracks.

Speaking from personal experience, my adaptive PE teacher was one of the first people who taught me how to advocate for myself when there was no space made for me. These educators shape not only our learning but our identities. We must recognize that disability encompasses a broad spectrum, physical, cognitive, sensory, and neurodiverse, and that educational systems must be equipped to support all of these needs. Special education isn't a luxury; it's a right.

Affordable and more easily accessible healthcare options are extremely important, especially for individuals with disabilities, but are also currently under fire because of new policies created by our recently elected administration. What are your thoughts on what is happening? What are some ways our readers can help advocate for the protection of affordable and easy healthcare access?
The current healthcare climate is frightening for people with disabilities. The proposed rollbacks and policy changes feel careless and dangerous. For us, healthcare isn’t optional, it’s about survival. From accessible medical supplies to essential prescriptions and technologies, our lives depend on a healthcare system that sees and supports us. These are not political luxuries; they are basic human rights.

Personally, I’ve never had access to affordable healthcare. I’ve had to maintain private insurance my entire life and live with the constant fear of being dropped due to a preexisting condition. Readers can help by writing to their senators, supporting inclusive legislation, and voting for leaders who prioritize equitable healthcare. Advocacy and education are powerful tools for protecting and expanding access to the care we all deserve.

Are there any upcoming projects you’re working on that we should look out for?
Yes! We are currently developing a digitized e-learning series focused on disability inclusion in the workplace. This suite of modules includes everything from keynote speeches to micro-learning lessons on ableism, microaggressions, and accessibility. One of the most exciting components is the Disability Leadership Training Workshop, which teaches organizations how to recruit, hire, and retain disabled talent.

In addition, I’m setting my sights on writing a book that combines my personal journey with motivational guidance and inclusive leadership strategies. It will be a resource for professionals, educators, and allies looking to make real, impactful change. Both projects are designed to extend the reach of my advocacy and empower even more people to push forward.

It’s been a rough few years, and we expect at least four more. How have you been staying positive?
What keeps me going is the undeniable impact I see when I take the stage. I watch people leave with new perspectives, stronger convictions, and a deeper commitment to inclusion. These shifts are proof that the work matters. I gain energy from these transformations and from the belief that we are, little by little, making the world a better place.

I also stay positive by surrounding myself with community and purpose. Whether it’s podcast guests, colleagues, or audiences, I find inspiration in others who are also pushing boundaries. Advocacy can be exhausting, but it’s also deeply fulfilling. Focusing on the wins, no matter how small, helps me stay grounded and hopeful.

What is your motto in life?
My motto is: "Believe in possible." This phrase has been a guiding light for me in times of both triumph and challenge. It reminds me that the only real limits are the ones we place on ourselves. When we believe in what’s possible, we open ourselves to new opportunities, relationships, and dreams.

Recently, my speech titled Own It: Embrace, Elevate, Empower has shaped my current life philosophy. It’s about accepting and owning every part of yourself, especially the parts the world tells you to hide. When you embrace who you are and share that authenticity with the world, you not only empower yourself but you also inspire everyone who sees you rising.

To learn more about Alycia Anderson, please check out the links below:
Learn More: www.AlyciaAnderson.com
Watch: TEDx Talk | Disabling Ableism: The Modern Pathway to Inclusion
Follow: Instagram @AlyciaSpeaking | LinkedIn alyciaRanderson

Alycia Anderson Leading the Pathway to Disability Inclusion