Alycia Anderson

You’ve become a leading voice in the disability inclusion movement. What first sparked your passion for this mission?

My passion was sparked by personal experiences growing up with sacral agenesis and using a wheelchair since birth. Inclusion opened doors for me, enabling access to mainstream education, meaningful employment, independence, and self-confidence through groups like the Girl Scouts, Jazzercise, and Tennis. However, the daily reality of navigating societal barriers, being underestimated, and often left on the sidelines fueled a deep desire to advocate for change. Preparing for the Ms. Wheelchair California competition marked a pivotal moment, as it gave me the opportunity to reflect on and celebrate my journey, transforming my lived experience into a purposeful mission to champion disability inclusion.

That mission grew as I advanced into leadership, first in the corporate world as Vice President of a SaaS technology company, where I built and led high-performing teams, and now as the founder and CEO of The Alycia Anderson Company. Through keynote speaking, training, and consulting, I work with organizations to embed inclusion and accessibility into their culture and operations. My lived experience, paired with professional expertise, allows me to bridge the gap between intent and impact, helping businesses and communities create spaces where people of all abilities are seen, valued, and empowered to thrive.

Your TEDx talk and corporate work are incredibly impactful. What’s one story or experience that deeply moved you and reaffirmed your path?

One of the most powerful affirmations of my work comes after delivering a keynote, when individuals approach me, sometimes with tears, to share how my message reshaped their understanding of disability. These interactions are deeply personal: a disabled person finding renewed strength and self-acceptance, a family member gaining hope for a loved one’s future, or a friend feeling empowered to become a more active ally. Each story is a reminder of the human impact behind every talk I give.

Equally rewarding are the moments I share with companies. From executives to employees, many engage with curiosity and sincerity, asking about inclusive language, how to talk about disability at work, or how to take actionable steps toward equity. I’m especially inspired when I hear how my insights help launch employee resource groups (ERGs), influence hiring practices, or improve workplace culture. Knowing my advocacy drives better retention, innovation, and belonging is proof that these conversations don’t just inspire, they create real, lasting change.

You often say that disability is not a limitation, but a strength. Can you share a moment where your disability became your superpower?

My disability enhances my empathy, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Professionally, it has allowed me to approach challenges innovatively, excel in roles like regional manager and account executive, and guide teams effectively. Personally, embracing my disability has enabled authentic connections and sparked significant organizational changes towards inclusion, making it a genuine superpower.

When I was hired as VP of Sales, my boss who eventually hired me had no idea I was showing up in a wheelchair. He later shared with me that he recognized my disability as an advantage over others because he knew that I had extraordinary planning skills because of it. I love sharing this story now with audiences as an example of how our differences can be leveraged as superpowers.

In your podcast Pushing Forward, you’ve spoken with inspiring leaders. What’s one conversation that surprised you or changed your perspective?

Every conversation has profoundly impacted me, highlighting the vast diversity and complexity of disability experiences. Each episode deepens my empathy and reinforces the necessity of advocacy. Recognizing that disability intersects with all facets of life continually reshapes my perspective, emphasizing the value of ongoing learning and understanding.

Guests such as Anthony Kennedy Shriver that carry names that have global impact joining my show proves to me that what I’m doing is making a difference. Lifting up voices like Danny Gomez, John Lawson and Tobias Forrest who are gracing the silver screens and movie theaters or wheelchair dancers like Chelsie Hill and Kaylee Bays who have performed internationally at the Paralympic Opening Ceremonies has special place in my heart, knowing that I am supporting true disability representation in our world.

What are the biggest misconceptions people still have about disability and inclusion, especially in the workplace?

The biggest societal barrier to people living with disabilities in my opinion is the false truth that disabled people can’t or don’t want to work. Or that the skills they have to offer are not merited enough for consideration. 

Many assume disability inclusion is only about accommodation or compliance. True inclusion actively leverages the unique strengths and perspectives of disabled individuals.

Misconceptions about inclusion being costly or difficult also persist. In reality, disabled employees significantly enhance productivity, innovation, and workplace satisfaction. Addressing these myths reveals the genuine benefits of embracing disability inclusion as essential to organizational success.

You’ve been featured by companies like AT&T and Victoria’s Secret. What does real corporate inclusion look like to you, beyond just representation?

Real corporate inclusion integrates accessibility and equity deeply into a company’s core culture and operational framework. This approach requires authentic leadership, continuous, department-specific education, and systemic change that extends beyond mere representation.

It represents a mindset committed to incorporating disability philosophies, adaptations, and practical tools to enhance workplace efficiency and effectiveness. Effective inclusion actively values the unique insights of disabled employees, enabling their perspectives to shape decision-making processes and drive meaningful innovation, ultimately leading to genuine organizational growth and sustained success.

True corporate inclusion goes beyond merely employing disabled workers or providing basic accommodations. Instead, it emphasizes recognizing disabled employees for their capabilities and contributions, rather than defining them by their disabilities.

You serve on the California Insurance Diversity Task Force how do policy and advocacy intersect in your work?

Policy provides the foundational framework for advocacy-driven systemic change. While laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) have significantly advanced accessibility, achieving consistent compliance remains challenging. Effective advocacy ensures policies proactively evolve, addressing real-world needs and preparing for demographic shifts, such as the aging population. Together, policy and advocacy foster inclusive environments that comprehensively benefit everyone.

Holding the inaugural seat on the Diversity Task Force representing Persons with Disabilities Business Enterprise (PDBE) as a non-military disabled individual creates a crucial opportunity to advocate for nearly four million disabled residents statewide, a group significantly larger than the approximately 400,000 disabled veterans in California. This position offers an unprecedented voice within the insurance industry, supporting disabled entrepreneurs seeking access to procurement opportunities in the sector.

And as a disabled/woman-owned small business myself it has opened my eyes to the gaps that exist in this space that cross-over all industries.

In a world that’s still learning how to be more inclusive, what advice would you give to someone who wants to be a better ally?

Be curious, empathetic, and proactive. Actively listen to disabled individuals, challenge your assumptions, and advocate consistently for tangible change. Engage with disability-focused resources, support authentic representation, and be mindful about accessibility. Prioritize empathy, thoughtful communication, and intentional actions to create lasting inclusivity.

Most lead from your heart and know that there will be mistakes made along the way.  Instead of running from them, invite them in and you will find that it only becomes easier to do and you will find treasure you never thought of.

You lead such a dynamic life from keynote stages to podcasts, to cycling with your husband. How do you find balance and joy in it all?

Balance and joy come from intentionally making time for meaningful experiences, laughter, and play. Enjoying tennis, cycling, gardening, traveling, and connecting with loved ones ground me. Integrating passion and purpose into my professional life enhances overall fulfillment, making everything brighter and more joyful.

The talk about theories of advocacy burnout, work-life balance and horror stories of working entrepreneurs are all real, and it truly takes a strong resolve some days to keep pushing forward, but setting goals, organizing calendars and finding support for tasks that are too consuming helps to lighten the load. At the end of the day you truly have to find the happiness in your work to make it all worthwhile.

Looking ahead, what is your biggest dream or next chapter in this journey of breaking barriers and pushing forward?

Approaching my 50th birthday, I envision speaking to stadium-sized audiences, authoring a book to inspire global change, and scaling my impactful e-learning courses for businesses and disabled individuals. Sharing my message on national platforms and helping build a world where disability inclusion is instinctive rather than optional is my ultimate goal. I’m committed to pushing forward and creating positive change for decades to come.

To join me on this journey and be part of the movement, I invite you to connect through my platforms. Visit alyciaanderson.com to explore my speaking engagements, inclusion training programs, and more. Tune in to my podcast, Pushing Forward with Alycia, where I share heartfelt conversations and thought leadership around disability, inclusion, and accessibility.