The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) celebrated on Tuesday, May 2nd, the completion of the third cohort of fellows in the Blind Leaders Development Program. The special evening event brought together participants, along with family and friends, who gathered together virtually from across the country.
The third cohort of AFB Blind Leaders Fellows spent the past ten months immersed in The Leadership Challenge, an engaging professional development curriculum designed to bolster confidence in addition to other leadership qualities. The Blind Leaders Fellows consisted of early to mid-career employees who are blind or have low vision. Each fellow was paired with a mentor who was also blind or has low vision. Together, the participants would experience the various leadership modules and work closely with fellow members of the cohort in a safe space for professional and personal growth.
The evening provided powerful testimonials as to the significant “growth each AFB Blind Leaders Fellow and Mentor experienced over the 10 months. Remarks were also provided by Debbie Denis, Chair of the AFB board of Trustees, and Lee Nasehi, President & CEO of Vision serve Alliance, who facilitated the Leadership challenge for the 42 participants.
AFB President & CEO Eric Bridges, who spoke through pre-recorded remarks due to scheduling conflicts, reflected on the power of mentoring. Bridges recalled his own personal experiences with mentors who played a major role in his own success as a leader. He then called on each fellow to do the same as they move forward in their own careers.
Rachel Longan, who is a past graduate of the AFB Blind Leaders, spoke during the event on the establishment of an alumni group, which will continue to meet regularly to expand the ever-growing network of Blind Leaders. To date, 101 participants have completed the program. AFB board Trustee Ted Francavilla, who has worked closely with the Blind Leaders Fellows, provided recorded remarks as well, unable to attend due to a prior commitment.
Speaking after the event, AFB’s Chief Programs Officer Sylvia Stenson Perez said, “Over the past year AFB team members have had the Opportunity and privilege to observed the blossoming of confidence and skills in our Blind Leaders. We have challenged them to push themselves, To get out of their comfort zones, To learn new skills, And to create a more impactful life For themselves and for those they touch.
Dr. Carlie Rhoads, from the AFB Public Policy Research Institute (PPRI), spoke during the event on AFB’s work to track the progress of each participant. PPRI will continue to measure the impact the program has Mae toward closing the upward mobility gap experienced by working individuals who are blind or have low vision. The data will provide valuable insight into the qualities and skills shared by those who are able to climb the professional ladder to success.
Perez added, “This group of exceptional leaders are on the journey to create a world of no limits for themselves and those they encounter. They are rising stars. They are our leaders of today and tomorrow.”
Click here to watch the AFB Blind Leaders celebration in its entirety
