In this episode of Changing Minds, Changing Lives, host Julie Sowash [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliesowash/]sits down with Travis Davis, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/travismdavis/] a speaker, entrepreneur, and disability advocate living with cerebral palsy. Travis shares his journey of advocating for disabilities, from his college days to becoming a TEDx speaker and host of the podcast *Off the Crutch*.

Travis discusses the motivation behind his brand, which aims to help others overcome their mental “crutches,” and his involvement with the Rush Bowls franchise, designed to create job opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Join us for this inspiring conversation that highlights the importance of inclusivity and self-advocacy. Tune in to be empowered and informed!

Changing Minds & Changing Lives is produced by Disability Solutions [https://www.disabilitytalent.org/], a nonprofit consulting firm and job board that partners with global brands to drive inclusive hiring and disability-inclusive talent strategies.

Notes:
Travis Davis is a two-time TEDx speaker and communications consultant who helps mission-driven teams create inclusive and accessible communication strategies. With a background in education, marketing, and ADA coordination, his perspective is influenced by his experience with cerebral palsy. Travis focuses on fostering human-centered environments where everyone can thrive and has helped launch businesses that employ individuals with disabilities, served on workforce development panels, and led disability awareness training.

TEDx Talks:
- Incluse Me: Social Inclusion in Education | Travis Davis | TEDxABQED [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVRchyurs1g]
- How My Crutch Became My Strength | Travis Davis | TEDxSouth Congress [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3ENS9arTJo]

CMCL Interview: Travis Davis

What does it mean to be seen, but not truly heard? When the color of your skin speaks louder than your voice, and your neurodivergence is misread as defiance, disinterest, or something to be corrected?

In this powerful episode, guest host Grant Harris [https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantharris555/] sits down with two thought-provoking guests whose lives and work sit at the intersection of race, disability, and identity.

Ian Gibbs-Hall [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-gibbs-hall/] is the creator of Curiosity Architecture and the founder of Sonder [https://www.whatifblueprint.com/], a social enterprise that rehumanizes how we see ourselves and the systems we live in. His work blends systems thinking, empathy, and spiritual insight to challenge how institutions define value and behavior. Ian explores how metrics, language, and culture often obscure neurodivergent brilliance—and how reimagining these structures starts with the questions we ask.

Natasha Grant Holmberg [https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-grant018/] offers both a personal and generational lens, grounded in her lived experience as a neurodivergent professional with ADHD. As the Director of Employment & Workforce Development at First Place AZ [https://firstplaceaz.org/] and creator of Be Open + Be Ready℠, she leads inclusive employment initiatives that focus on readiness training and educating employers on neuro-inclusive hiring practices. Natasha’s work fosters environments where difference is embraced, not erased. Her story isn’t just one of survival—it’s about reclaiming her voice and creating space for others to be heard sooner, more clearly, and more fully.

Together, these voices shed light on what it means to be perpetually interpreted, often misunderstood, and rarely embraced in full. But more importantly, they reveal what’s possible when systems make room for difference, not just to exist, but to lead.

Changing Minds & Changing Lives is produced by Disability Solutions [https://www.disabilitytalent.org/], a nonprofit consulting firm and job board that partners with global brands to drive inclusive hiring and disability-inclusive talent strategies.

CMCL Takeover By Grant Harris - Seen, But Not Heard: Neurodivergence in Communities of Color

In this compelling episode of Changing Minds & Changing Lives, host Julie Sowash [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliesowash/] sits down with disability advocate, policy leader, and employment innovator David Rice [https://www.linkedin.com/in/disabilitybydavid/] for a conversation that spans personal resilience, systemic change, and the future of disability inclusion.

David shares his powerful journey from being the only Deaf student in his community to leading transformational work at the National Institutes of Health and advising organizations through the CEO Commission on Disability Employment [https://ceocommission.org/]. Together, Julie and David explore the intersection of disability and healthcare, workplace accessibility, and what it truly takes to build inclusive environments where everyone can thrive.

David also offers practical advice for employers, including how to support employees with disabilities, the business case for accessibility, and why believing in people with disabilities can make a significant difference. As they discuss, designing inclusive workplaces for people with disabilities doesn’t just benefit those individuals—it improves experiences, access, and innovation for everyone.

Notes:

David Rice is a dedicated leader and advocate in the field of disability rights, with over 15 years of experience advancing accessibility, inclusion, and employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Deaf since the age of four, David’s advocacy is both personal and professional, grounded in a lifelong commitment to creating equitable environments.

David served as President of Deaf in Government (2014–2018), where he worked to remove communication barriers, support career development, and champion the rights of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing federal employees. Throughout his career, he has led initiatives to create accessible training programs, launch employee resource groups, and embed disability inclusion into organizational culture.

Known for his strategic leadership and collaborative approach, David continues to shape more inclusive workplaces, benefiting not only individuals with disabilities but also entire organizations. 

A big thanks to Brianna McCormack, the episode's ASL interpreter.

Changing Minds and Changing Lives is produced by Disability Solutions [https://www.disabilitytalent.org/], a nonprofit consulting firm and job board that partners with global brands to drive inclusive hiring and disability-inclusive talent strategies.

CMCL Interview: David Rice

Holly O’Hern returns to Changing Minds & Changing Lives for a candid and compassionate conversation with host Julie Sowash about grief in the workplace. Together, they explore the many forms grief can take—from losing a loved one to the quiet mourning of fading DEI commitments. Holly offers thoughtful guidance on how to show up for colleagues who are grieving and why creating space for grief at work is essential for truly inclusive cultures. This episode is a must-listen for leaders, coworkers, and anyone seeking to incorporate empathy into their daily work.

Notes:
Holly O’Hern [https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-ohern/] brings 20+ years of experience in leadership development, DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion, & belonging), learning and development, team building, and inclusive events and workshops. Specializing in both virtual and in-person training formats, her career has spanned the restaurant industry, the aviation industry, non-profit volunteer leadership, tech, and startups — and her work is informed by her completion of immersive programs on racial equity, trauma-informed workplaces, intentional gathering, collegiate-level DEI certification, and Dr. Brené Brown’s Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator program.

Holly believes in supporting and amplifying the voices of people from historically excluded communities and in the importance of all types of people taking responsibility for societal healing. She has been deeply involved in ERG/BRGs, including a talent role that was focused on intersectionality, sponsorship, and corporate oversight and management. She serves in an exec-level role on the Board of Directors for the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, an organization from which she's learned about racial equity and the systemic impact of advocacy - and was formerly the President of its Associate Board.

Changing Minds and Changing Lives is produced by Disability Solutions [https://www.disabilitytalent.org/], a non-profit consulting firm and leader for global brands in talent acquisition and inclusion for people with disabilities.

CMCL Interview: Holly O'Hern

RFK Jr.'s recent comments about autism have drawn stark criticism from the autism community. He inaccurately claimed autistic individuals "will never pay taxes, hold a job, or write a poem..."

This week's guest, autism advocate and college junior, Kadin McElwain [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kadin-ronald-mcelwain-015031297/], is proving RFK Jr. wrong on every front. Julie and Kadin discuss politics and government policy, including cuts to the Department of Education and Health and Human Services. They also dive into the influence of conspiracy theories on public perception of autism. 

Notes:
Kadin is an autistic college student, writer, and activist on a mission to raise as much awareness about autism as possible. Throughout his life, his capabilities were questioned due to the social stigmas surrounding autism. But thanks to a supportive set of parents, he proved the naysayers wrong.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA6sLh3PIrDL9O47vYnAxxXqcxK7LIidX

CMCL Interview - Kadin McElwain

Julie sits down with Senior Director of Global Talent Acquisitions, Ron Fish, to explore his approach to fostering inclusive hiring practices within his organization. Ron shares his vision for building a diverse workforce and highlights the strategies and initiatives being implemented to create an equitable hiring process. Discover how this talent acquisition leader is promoting and supporting inclusive hiring in a global organization.

Notes: Ron Fish [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronfish/] is a Global Talent Acquisition Leader and advocate for people with disabilities. He promotes inclusion and accessibility initiatives within a global software company and the business community. Inspired by family members who have overcome challenges, he is dedicated to creating a welcoming culture. Ron speaks at conferences to raise awareness for the disability community and has received the Golden Key Award from the Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities. He is also a finalist for the HR Standout Award at the Carolina HR Summit.

CMCL Interview: Ron Fish

In this episode of Changing Minds & Changing Lives, Grant Harris opens up to Julie about his late-life autism diagnosis, sharing his journey of understanding and accepting his neurodistinct behaviors. He discusses the impact of his diagnosis on both his personal life and professional endeavors, particularly through his consulting firm, GTH Consulting. The conversation also explores the importance of neurodiversity in the workplace and how fostering an inclusive environment can benefit organizations. Grant’s candid insights offer valuable perspectives on embracing differences and the challenges and rewards that come with neurodiversity.

CMCL Interview: Grant Harris

Julie meets with Dr. Lucy Reynolds, the Managing Director of We Are All Disabled, to discuss the Affirmative Model of Disability. Dr. Lucy shares her efforts to change societal perceptions of disability through her PhD research and personal experiences. She also shares some exciting personal news contributing to her community and mission.

CMCL Interview: Dr. Lucy Reynolds

Julie talks with Holly O’Hern of Regime Change [https://www.regimechange.co/home] (a corporate learning and development company) about courageous leadership, creating safe spaces, trauma-informed workplaces, recent DEI backlash, and more.

Notes:

Holly O’Hern [https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-ohern/] brings 20+ years of experience in leadership development, DEI (diversity equity inclusion), learning and development, team building, and inclusive events and workshops. Specializing in both virtual and in-person training formats, her career has spanned the restaurant industry, the aviation industry, non-profit volunteer leadership, tech, and startups — and her work is informed by her completion of immersive programs on racial equity, trauma-informed workplaces, intentional gathering, collegiate-level DEI certification, and Dr. Brené Brown’s Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator program.

Holly believes in supporting and amplifying the voices of people from historically excluded communities and in the importance of all types of people taking responsibility for societal healing. She has been deeply involved in ERG/BRGs, including a talent role that was focused on intersectionality, sponsorship, and corporate oversight and management. She serves in an exec-level role on the Board of Directors for the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, an organization from which she's learned about racial equity and the systemic impact of advocacy - and was formerly the President of its Associate Board.

Changing Minds and Changing Lives is produced by Disability Solutions [https://www.disabilitytalent.org/], a non-profit consulting firm and leader for global brands in talent acquisition and inclusion for people with disabilities.

Julie sits down with Hollywood talent manager, Elle Potruch to break down what goes into managing and advocating for talent with disabilities in the current entertainment industry landscape.

Notes:

Elle Potruch [https://www.linkedin.com/in/elle-potruch/] is a talent manager representing deaf and disabled talent in the digital and traditional entertainment industries. She independently manages a roster of creators, actors, public speakers, and consultants. Elle is also a member of the Disabled community and a passionate advocate for increasing disability inclusion and changing the way people think about and define disability in the entertainment industry.

Changing Minds and Changing Lives is produced by Disability Solutions [https://www.disabilitytalent.org/], a non-profit consulting firm and leader for global brands in talent acquisition and inclusion for people with disabilities.

CMCL Interview: Elle Potruch

Julie Sowash of Disability Solutions talks with clients, friends, influencers, and advocates from the disability community to discuss the complexities, difficulties, and successes of disability employment. 

In this honest and very human podcast, we analyze and dissect workplace trends, government policies, biases, and more, shedding light on disability inclusion and the people who are changing minds and changing lives. 

Julie Sowash

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