Heard & Empowered

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Heard & Empowered

Welcome to the Heard & Empowered podcast by National Industries for the Blind.

We champion the brilliance and resilience of people who are blind or low vision in every episode highlighting real-world success stories and work opportunities.

06/18/2026

“More agencies and organizations should take a chance on their people, because we’re out here, and we can do it.”

We’re so excited to share this new episode of Heard & Empowered! https://hubs.la/Q04l-2SR0

What does it mean to turn uncertainty into leadership? In this episode, Dean Thompson sits down with Jennifer Parrish, Manager of Business Services at The Lighthouse of Houston, advocate, and host of Sightless Voices: Unleashing Potential.

Jennifer shares how she stepped into leadership, advocacy, and podcasting while navigating blindness, cancer, and life’s unexpected turns.

Listen now to Heard & Empowered!

06/12/2026

“More agencies and organizations should take a chance on their people, because we’re out here, and we can do it.”

We’re so excited to share this new episode of Heard & Empowered! https://hubs.la/Q04ldC5w0

What does it mean to turn uncertainty into leadership? In this episode, Dean Thompson sits down with Jennifer Parrish, Manager of Business Services at The Lighthouse of Houston, advocate, and host of Sightless Voices: Unleashing Potential.

Jennifer shares how she stepped into leadership, advocacy, and podcasting while navigating blindness, cancer, and life’s unexpected turns.

Listen now to Heard & Empowered!

05/29/2026

Change starts with a voice, and grows through advocacy.

From the archives: a powerful Heard & Empowered episode featuring IFB Solutions President and CEO, Dan Kelly.

Dan shares how his experience with retinitis pigmentosa fuels his work advancing the AbilityOne Program, including a push for the Department of Defense to dedicate 1% of procurement to it, potentially doubling jobs for people who are blind.

Listen: https://hubs.la/Q04gZWf80

05/15/2026

Growth doesn’t always come from certainty. It often begins in moments of challenge.

From the archives: we’re revisiting a powerful Heard & Empowered conversation you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, Rob Buettner shares his journey from navigating vision loss to becoming a leader at Beyond Vision, where entrepreneurship, advocacy, and purpose come together.
He reflects on the power of community, persistence, and building relationships to drive change on Capitol Hill and beyond.

“You’re not alone… engage with others and keep moving forward.” – Rob Buettner

https://hubs.la/Q04f21Lw0

05/01/2026

Change often begins with one voice and grows into a movement that opens doors for others.

From the archives: we’re revisiting a standout Heard & Empowered conversation worth another listen.

In this episode, Lee Nasehi, President and CEO of VisionServe Alliance, shares how her journey into advocacy began as a mother navigating limited resources for her blind son, and evolved into a career dedicated to building systems of support for the community.

Lee reflects on how personal experience fueled her mission to expand early intervention, influence legislation, and help create Lighthouse Works, a nonprofit social enterprise that provides employment opportunities while advancing vision rehabilitation.

“I believe it can always be better. I don’t care how hard it is, I believe that things can change if we work together on them.” - Lee Nasehi

https://hubs.la/Q04cpSMp0

04/24/2026

Success isn’t always a straight line; sometimes it starts where you least expect.

From the archives: we’re revisiting a powerful Heard & Empowered conversation you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, Brandi Hunter of Blind Industries & Services of Maryland (BISM) shares her journey from sewing machine operator to HR Staffing Coordinator, and how self-advocacy, persistence, and growth shaped her career.

“You might have found a billion and one ways to fail. Keep tweaking it because you’re going to find one that works for you.” - Brandi Hunter

https://hubs.la/Q04cmGtP0

03/18/2026

Have you checked out our latest Mission Driven episode of the Heard & Empowered podcast? https://hubs.la/Q0476_js0

NIB President and CEO Soraya Correa is joined by Larry Allen, associate administrator for the Office of Government-wide Policy at the General Services Administration, to discuss how modernizing regulations, fostering innovation, and informed risk-taking in procurement can drive mission outcomes and expand employment opportunities.

Listen now!

03/04/2026

Missed it last week? Our latest Heard & Empowered episode of the Mission Driven series is now streaming!

NIB President and CEO Soraya Correa is joined by Larry Allen, Associate Administrator for the Office of Government-wide Policy at the General Services Administration (GSA). From modernizing regulations to fostering innovation and informed risk-taking, this conversation explores how procurement can drive mission outcomes and employment opportunities.

Listen now! https://hubs.la/Q045C68L0

02/25/2026

New episode alert!

On the latest edition of our Mission Driven series of the Heard & Empowered podcast, NIB President and CEO Soraya Correa is joined by Larry Allen, Associate Administrator for the Office of Government-wide Policy at the General Services Administration (GSA).

With more than 30 years in federal procurement, Larry shares how acquisition policy can expand access, reduce barriers, and create greater impact, especially for nonprofits and programs like AbilityOne. From modernizing regulations to fostering innovation and informed risk-taking, this conversation explores how procurement can drive mission outcomes and employment opportunities.

Listen now! https://hubs.la/Q044JNtM0

02/03/2026

Don’t miss out!

The NIB hotel block for Realizing America’s Promise closes tomorrow, February 3. Stay at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C. for convenient access to conference programming and networking throughout the event.

Book now: https://hubs.la/Q041sLqy0

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3000 Potomac Avenue
Alexandria, VA
22305

Website

https://heardandempowered.org/

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