Heard & Empowered

Explore Nina Bektic-Marrero's remarkable journey from facing the adversity of war and vision loss to becoming a shining example of success in the business world. Nina's story is not just about overcoming obstacles, it's about transforming them into stepping stones towards greatness. Find out how she navigated from a humble beginning as a switchboard operator at the Veterans Administration under th...

A story of perseverance and overcoming obstacles, Scott Collins shares why it's never too late to give yourself the opportunity to succeed. From losing his vision to retinitis pigmentosa to becoming the head of NIB's Contract Management Support (CMS) program, discover his unconventional journey and how he got to be in a position today where he helps others with visual impairments find fulfilling a...

Discover the innovative ways in which nonprofits can generate income to fund their mission of empowering the blind and visually impaired community. Special guest, Teri Shirk, President & CEO of CABVI joins us again on this episode to share her insights on incorporating for-profit arms to serve nonprofit organizations in this fascinating show.   For full transcript and show notes, please visit: htt...

Join our host Dr. Hoby Wedler for Part 1 of an enlightening conversation with Teri Shirk, President and CEO of Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI). Teri shares insights on how NIB's associated nonprofit agencies provide fulfilling jobs, financial independence, and a transitional process from social security benefits to a well-paid job with even better benefits for th...

Meet Sharon Giovinazzo as she talks about how National Industries for the Blind (NIB) agencies can help people with vision loss reach their career goals. Find out how you can gain employment, achieve financial freedom, and secure benefits while making a real difference in the blind and visually impaired community.   For full transcript and show notes, please visit:  https://heardandempowered.org/1...

Join our host, Dr. Hoby Wedler, as he sits with Sophia McCall to discover how she learned to live with blindness as an adult due to diabetic retinopathy. Sophia was able to find a path of self-confidence and independence through the support of Lighthouse Central Florida and others in the BVI community.   Discover more about her journey, struggles, and accomplishments on this episode of Heard & Emp...

In this episode of the Heard & Empowered podcast by NIB, listen to Kyle Johnson as he discusses the importance of seeking help for blind or visually impaired individuals as a first step toward finding meaningful jobs. Discover career opportunities and available jobs through National Industries for the Blind.   Join Kyle and our host Dr. Hoby Wedler as they share with us how NIB-associated agencies...

This episode is a live recording of Dr. Hoby Wedler introducing the Heard & Empowered Podcast at the National Industries for the Blind 2023 Conference as he led a panel of guests to showcase success stories, provide resources, and champion people who are blind in the workforce. He shared his personal experience of facing discrimination in the job market and how it inspired him to start his entrepr...

Meet dynamic Brian Petraits, an industrial engineer and Director of Manufacturing at Bosma Enterprises who lost his sight due to retinitis pigmentosa. Listen to his experience on how he proved that being visually impaired and asking for help doesn't have to be a barrier to achieving success or job fulfillment.   Learn about adaptive technology at Bosma Enterprises and how it allows persons who are...

Lise Pace lost her vision due to Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) and she discovered life isn't over when you lose your sight. You just have to find ways to do things differently. Listen to her journey from sight loss to success as Executive VP at Bosma Enterprises.   NIB's Heard & Empowered podcast offers invaluable insights into overcoming challenges, finding job inspiration, and seizing career opportu...

In this episode of the Heard & Empowered podcast, Richard Oliver of Industries of the Blind in North Carolina shares how he has been in every role at his agency—except payroll and president—and has flourished in a supportive environment with mentors and training to enhance and develop skills.   You, too, can find meaningful careers with upward mobility at NIB agencies. Take the first step or leap...

Join us as we hear from Doug Goist, Program Manager for Workforce Development at NSITE, as he shares his story of going through the stages of grief after losing his vision due to RP and how he was able to turn it around. Nowadays he helps others succeed in their chosen careers as he trains them on how to navigate blindness successfully.   Get inspired and learn career tips on this episode of the H...

Be inspired by Rebekah Grieb's determination and not allowing her worsening vision stop her from finding career opportunities and personal success.  Discover why it's OK to follow your passion and do things differently when you're visually impaired, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people that support you.  Subscribe and tune in weekly to the Heard & Empowered Podcast for more succe...

In this week's episode of Heard & Empowered, you'll hear an inspirational story of overcoming adversity, and a demonstration of what's possible. Dr. Hoby Wedler is joined by President and CEO of Bosma Enterprises, the largest employer of people who are visually impaired in the state of Indiana. Jeff is not only CEO and president of Bosma but also a military veteran with an incredible story. After...

National Industries for the Blind (NIB) is a nonprofit agency whose mission is to enhance the personal and economic independence of blind and visually impaired folks by creating, sustaining, and improving employment opportunities. NIB's talent management enterprise is NSITE. Dr. Hoby Wedler is joined by the Executive Director of NSITE, Dr. Jonathan Lucus, who talks about how the program connects e...

We're on a mission here on Heard & Empowered to shift perceptions, open hearts and minds, and unlock unparalleled job opportunities for the blind and visually impaired community. Whether you're blind, visually impaired, or an ally, this podcast is your ultimate resource for building a fulfilling career and enriching life. There's so much to learn in this space, and together, we can make the world...

Welcome to the Heard & Empowered Podcast , brought to you by National Industries for the Blind , where you're not just a listener, but a catalyst for change.   Are you blind or visually impaired (BVI) or know someone who is? Are you considering the professional world but don't know where to start? Or are you just curious about the daily work life of someone with a visual impairment?   Well, you're...