Heartland Disability Employment & Innovation Symposium

Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month  

October 1, 2024
Kansas State Capitol 
SW 8th and SW Van Buren
Topeka KS 66612

You’re invited to join the Kansas Council on Disabilities (KCDD), The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement, CareSource and many others on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024 for our one-day summit in the Kansas State Capitol. Registration and agenda details included below.  

Registration for the Heartland Disability Employment & Innovation Symposium is CLOSED,
but if you would like to get on the waiting list, please email allyson@kcdd.org. 

AGENDA

Symposium Welcome Remarks (9:00 am - 9:15 am)

 Keynote Address (9:15 am - 9:45 am)

  • Collette Divitto, Entrepreneur, Disability Rights Activist and Founder/CEO of Collettey's Cookies

 Fireside Chat (10:00 am - 10:45 am) - The Value Proposition of Competitive, Integrated Employment
Moderated by Lola Kernell, Advocacy Coordinator, KCDD

  • Secretary Laura Howard, Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS)

  • Sara Hart Weir, Executive Director, KCDD

 Networking Break (10:45 am - 11:15 am)

Driving Competitive, Integrated Employment via the Private Sector (11:15 am - 12:00 pm)
Moderated by Julie Hocker, Director, Guidehouse & Former US Commissioner on Disability 

Lunch (12:00 pm - 1:00 pm) - Capitol Rotunda - 2nd Floor of Kansas State Capitol 

Recruiting, Retaining & Rewarding Talent in the Workplace (1:05 pm - 1:45 pm)
Moderated by Ryan Rotundo, Director of Programs, National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)

  • Anthony Fandale, State ADA Coordinator, Kansas

  • Lindsay Krumbholz, Chief Mission Officer, The Golden Scoop

  • Ali Abdul-Rauf, Super Scooper, The Golden Scoop

  • Hannah Olsen, Co-Founder and CEO, Disclo

Networking Break (1:50 pm - 2:15 pm) - Ice cream provided by The Golden Scoop.

Entrepreneurship as Employment Panel (2:20 pm - 3:00 pm)
Moderated by Diego Mariscal, CEO/Founder, 2Gether-International

  • Max Crawford, CEO/Founder, Max Spices

  • Miles Sandler, Director of Policy and Engagement, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation  

  • Michael Zalle, CEO and Founder, YellowBird

  • Ruby "SunShine" Taylor, MSW, UnConventional CEO & Founder of Financial Joy School

Reforming the Federal & State Policy Landscape to Achieve Workforce Inclusion (3:05 pm - 3:55 pm)
Moderated by Ashlea Lantz, The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement

  • Dan Decker, Director of Rehabilitation Services, Kansas 

  • Tonia Ferguson, Director of Legislative Affairs, Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation 

  • Michele Heydon, Commissioner, Long Term Supports & Services, KDADS

  • State Representative Laura Williams, Olathe/Lenexa 

  • Colin Olenick, Self-Advocacy Coalition of Kansas

Closing Fireside Chat (4:00 pm - 4:30 pm) - Experiences in Private Sector Employment and Lessons to be Applied Going Forward 

  • Ryan Rotundo, Director of Programs, NDSS 

  • Whit Downing, Program Coordinator, Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities 

  • Ashlea Lantz,  The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement 

Reception (5:00 pm - 7:00 pm)

Reception to follow — Topeka, Kansas with Special Guest: Cara Khan

The featured presentation is “Facing the Falls” , a short film about Cara Khan’s amazing journey into the Grand Canyon. 

Ali Abdul-Rauf, Super Scooper, The Golden Scoop

When Ali is not behind the counter at The Golden Scoop, he enjoys playing basketball and chess. 

Ali says, "I would like to see the world change by seeing places like Target, Walmart, and more stores hire employees with disabilities.  Following your dreams is what makes you successful!"

Max Crawford, Max Mix Gourmet Spice Blends, Founder

What started out as making spice rubs as gifts for family and friends formally launched as Max Mix Gourmet Spice Blends in November 2024. Founder, Max Crawford, is 20 years old and has big passions and dreams, including living independently and going to college. In addition to wanting a fun, meaningful job, Max loves sports, music, video games and earned a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. One of Max’s attributes is Down syndrome. The dream is to promote and elevate entrepreneurship for individuals with all abilities.

Max Mix Is a family project. Max’s sister, Maggy, is a marketing professional and manages the Max Mix website, social media channels and provides expertise in copywriting and design. Rod, Max’s Dad, provides expertise in sales and distribution and wrote the business plan. Pam, Max’s Mom, provides expertise in marketing, public relations and brand building. The family is originally from Kansas City. Rod, Max and Pam currently live in the St. Louis area and Maggy resides in Kansas City.  

Colette Divitto, Founder and CEO, Collettey’s Cookies

Collette Divitto , Founder and CEO of Collettey’s Cookies was born in 1990 with Down syndrome. You may have seen her on Forbes and People Magazine, GMA, CNN, Chronicle, Huffington Post, ABC and CBS World News, Pop Sugar and more!  After years of rejection with trying to find employment, she would not let that defeat her and started her own companies, all missioned to create employment opportunities and empowerment programs for people with disabilities. Since baking was her go-to fun hobby, she decided to bring samples to a local market in 2016. Since then she has sold over 750,000 cookies, and ships across the United States and Canada. She has scaled her company up to mass production and is focused on building her empire with the determination to become a nationally recognized company, in hopes to de-stigmatize the world.  

Collette’s cookie company donates 5% to her non profit called Collettey’s Leadership Org. where Collette offers workshops and mentorships for people with disabilities and challenges.

Collette has also started a series of books that share her own stories in growing up and the  challenges she faced, all with and ending with a positive outcome and message.

Collette in Kindergarten and Collette in Third Grade are published now and found on www.colletteys.com or amazon.    

Colletteys is a Certified DisabilityIN company and was recently appointed by Governor Maura Healey, State of Massachusetts to the Diverse Small Business Advisory Board.

Whit Downing, Program Coordinator, Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities

Whit Downing serves as the Program Coordinator for the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities (KCDD). Before joining the council as a behavioral health consultant in February, Whit most recently was a Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Trainee and served as a board member for HeadQuarters Kansas.

As a LEND Trainee, Whit was able to participate in an 18-week class where she learned from professionals in the developmental disability field and discussed current I/DD legislative priorities. As a board member for HeadQuarters Kansas, Whit learned more about suicide prevention, the 988 crisis response system in Kansas, and participated in community events surrounding mental health. As a person who is Autistic while also having survived a suicide attempt, one of Whit’s greatest passions is ensuring that neurodiverse people are always included in discussions surrounding mental health and suicide prevention.

Additionally, Whit has attended three annual Mental Health Advocacy Days at the state capitol where she has been able to advocate for increased mental health resources for individuals with I/DD. Whit also went to the 2024 Disability Policy Summit in Washington DC with the KCDD staff, which she describes as the best experience she's ever had in relation to advocacy. During the summit, she was able to learn more about I/DD policy priorities and meet with Kansas members of the US congress to share her story.

Whit’s education background includes two years of college classes at Washburn University and being a Team Member in the Kansas Youth Empowerment Academies (KYEA) advanced leadership training program called Faces of Change. At Washburn, Whit attended classes on a part-time basis. Her major was Psychology, and she minored in Mass Media.

In 2017, upon graduating from KYEA’s Faces of Change program, Whit was offered a job as the part-time Administrative Assistant at KYEA. A majority of the growth that Whit has experienced stems from the mentorship, programs, and services offered to Whit by KYEA. Whit describes Faces of Change as the beginning of her leadership journey. During Faces of Change, Whit started and helped facilitate an Autism Support Group for young adults. The group met monthly for 12 months at the Capper Foundation in Topeka Kansas.

Whit has not always been open about her struggles, her concerns, or her desires. Growing up, most people would have described Whit as a quiet kid. She communicated a lot through gestures and through writing. Having that firsthand experience of feeling misunderstood and unheard is part of what fuels Whit today in the work that she does. Whit wants to not only share her story, but she hopes to empower her peers to share theirs as well. Whit is a firm believer in the nothing about us without us philosophy and says that being able to work for the Council is a dream come true!

Tonia D. Ferguson, Esq. - Director of Legislative Affairs,Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation 

Ms. Tonia D. Ferguson, Esq. joined CSAVR as the Director of Legislative Affairs on June 1, 2022.  She is a past Joseph P. Kennedy Fellow, Ms. Ferguson bringing over a decade of experience advocating for individuals with disabilities and their families.  Before joining CSAVR, she served as Chief of Staff at the Maryland Department of Health and has served as the Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy for the Autism Society of America. Her expertise encompasses system change, building partnerships, and advocating and influencing policy at the local, state, and federal levels. As part of her duties, she is the staff support for the CSAVR Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Professional Network.         

Anthony Fadale, State ADA Coordinator

Anthony Fadale became State ADA Coordinator in 1997. In this capacity he ensures that the State of Kansas is compliant with the ADA and State accessibility requirements. Prior to his current job Anthony worked for Senate Republican Leader Bob Dole of Kansas on issues involving disability, Mental Health and Aging.. He graduated from Washburn University with a B.A. in 1992 and J.D. From Washburn School of Law in 1995..

Mr. Fadale is an expert in both State and Federal Court on ADA issues. He has also made ADA presentations at many State Conferences.  Mr. Fadale has participated and worked with our Federal Partners among them the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.  He was considered for nomination by the President in 2008 to the U.S. Access Board in 2008. In 2010, he attended the 20th Anniversary celebration at the White House. 

His proudest accomplishment is being an Uncle to his niece and nephew.

 

Sara Hart Weir, Executive Director, Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities

Sara is a national nonprofit executive, disability policy expert and a proud Kansan. She is the former President & C.E.O. of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), where during her tenure at NDSS, she led the passage of the landmark, bipartisan Stephen Beck Jr., Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act in 2014 (P.L.113-295). The legislation garnered the support of 85% of the entire US Congress in 2014 (381 of 435 US Representatives and 78 of 100 US Senators). Weir also supported a majority of the enactment of ABLE state laws, assisted with over 40 state ABLE plan launches as well as led advocacy campaigns on two important provisions in the 2017 Tax Reform Package including the ABLE to Work Act and the ABLE Financial Planning Act.

Weir's life has been about leading differently, serving others and delivering results with the leadership philosophy of "if you're not at the table, you are on the menu". Sara deploys an “in the trenches” leadership style by engaging directly with constituents - in local communities, in the classroom, on the job site or around kitchen tables. Weir’s passion for “giving a voice to the voiceless” was inspired by Kasey, her late best friend of twenty years from Kansas who had Down Syndrome. Sara quickly realized that the disability community did not have high-powered lobbyists, wealthy corporations or influential political action committees working for them - they relied on the strength of passionate voices outside the political spectrum who were willing to speak up for them. Weir went on to change that, and dedicated her career and service to allow everyone to have a fair shot at the “American Dream” by promoting solutions that give all Americans with disabilities access to a better life.

Weir established the first-ever national employment program for the Down Syndrome community, the #DSWORKS® Program, which partnered with companies, from Main Street to Wall Street, to create career opportunities for people with disabilities. Weir also co-founded The U.S. Future of Work For People with Disabilities Commission" - Tapping People with Disabilities who are Ready, Willing and ABLE to Work with fellow CEOs from Voya Financial and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and continues to be called upon by employers to help build successful employment and workforce development programs across the country.

Most recently, Weir served as a senior advisor to Missouri’s Department of Health & Senior Services on disability inclusion throughout its COVID-19 plan and response and co-chaired the state’s health equity committee. Weir was also the primary runner up for U.S. Congress in Kansas' Third Congressional district in 2020. Weir has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Political Leadership from Westminster College, a Master of Science in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College and a certificate of completion from the Emerging Leaders Program of Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. Weir has been featured in USA Today, NY Times, Wall Street Journal, NPR, Washington Post, CNN, Fox News, The Hill, Money Magazine, Al Jazeera and many others.

Michele Heydon, Commissioner, KDADS

Michele Heydon serves as the Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Commissioner for KDADS. The commission oversees all HCBS programs and other related programs for community-based supports. The commission manages a system of community-based supports and services for persons with disabilities, which are delivered through the KanCare system in partnership with organized networks. These services include programs for those with physical disabilities, intellectual/developmental disabilities, frail elderly, the Severe Emotional Disturbance waiver for children and children with autism. It is responsible for coordinating intra-agency activity around KanCare. The commission works with each KDADS Commission to ensure that client services are monitored appropriately. The Commission coordinates with all three KanCare Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) regarding KDADS-specific program areas (home and community-based service waivers and behavioral health).

In addition, it is responsible for the Aging and Disability Resource Center, or ADRC, the entry point for older adults and persons with disabilities to connect with local experts who can help them choose a long-term care option. The Commission also oversees all assessing entities who provide the level of care assessments required for the waivers.

Commissioner Heydon has worked in community-based programs for 30 plus years and is dedicated to serving people who are in these programs.

Julie Hocker, Former U.S. Commissioner on Disabilities

Julie Hocker is a national labor and health policy expert and consultant.  She works to protect the human dignity and unleash the potential of all people, most especially individuals with disabilities.  Ms. Hocker served as the United States Commissioner on Disabilities from 2018 – 2021.  She was nominated by President Trump as U.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy on January 28, 2020.

As Commissioner, Ms. Hocker directed the nation’s leading agency, the Administration on Disabilities at the Department of Health and Human Services, charged with executing a $375 million budget and ensuring the nation’s 60 million Americans with disabilities have access to the services and supports they need to live in their communities and fully pursue the freedoms and rights we all enjoy.  Ms. Hocker established the Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities, affirming the innate value of every life.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Hocker oversaw the deployment of $85 million in CARES Act funds to more than 280 nonprofits nationwide to provide employment support, food, personal protective equipment, transportation, and community referrals.  She led the national effort to save lives through eliminating outdated and discriminatory public health protocols that jeopardized access to life-saving testing and treatment.

In 2019, Ms. Hocker launched the nation’s first prize competition aimed at private sector innovation in career advancement for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Nearly 60 firms nationwide competed to disrupt low expectations and instead create meaningful, well-paying career pathways.  In 2020, she launched a national training and technical assistance center to replicate these models through public-private partnerships in every state and territory.

Prior to serving as Commissioner, Ms. Hocker held several leadership positions at the Vanguard Group in her home state of Pennsylvania.  She began her career at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services after earning her undergraduate degree from St. Mary’s College of Maryland.  She served as a Senior Policy Fellow for the Center for Human Dignity at the American Conservative Union Foundation and has appeared at multiple national conferences and in several publications; she testified before the New York State Senate on the discrimination of people with disabilities.

Ms. Hocker earned her Master of Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and resides in Arlington, Virginia.

Secretary Laura Howard, KDADS

KDADS Secretary Laura Howard joined the agency on January 14, 2019. Secretary Howard has spent more than 15 years of her career working in human services at the state and federal levels. Howard said the secretary position drew her in due to the opportunity to make a real impact on the most vulnerable Kansans. She also said she was particularly drawn to the opportunity to be a part of informing and implementing policies to strengthen all Kansas families.

During the span of her career, Howard served in various roles at the then-Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) from 1997 to 2011, including as Assistant Secretary, Deputy Secretary for Health Care Policy, and Deputy Secretary for Operations. After leaving state service in 2011, she served for three years as the Region VII Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Regional Administrator within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For the last four years, she has led the KU Public Management Center. In that role, Howard had the opportunity to interact with KDADS staff through the Center’s Emerging Leaders and Certified Public Management® programs.

Cassidi Jobe, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Summit Future Foundation

Cassidi is a community organizer and parent of two children who experience developmental and learning disabilities. 

Her passion that all individuals, regardless of their ability level, have the right to lead a meaningful and inclusive life has led her to a wide range of leadership experiences. 

From co-founding and leading our grassroots non-profit to state-wide initiatives, Cassidi has developed innovative practices that promote optimal outcomes for youth and young adults who experience developmental disabilities

Lola Kernell, Advocacy Coordinator, Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities

Lola Kernell is an Advocacy Coordinator for KCDD. Kernell is a senior at Bishop Miege High School, where she is involved in Theatre, French Club, National Honor Society, and Campus Ministry. She has been on the Honor Roll each semester, received awards for French, Theology, and the Eric Druten Memorial Junior Scholarship. She is an active lector and server at Curé of Ars Catholic Church, and is currently working on her highest level award for American Heritage Girls.

Lola has worked for the Royals, the Chiefs and for Nautical Manufacturing and Fulfillment as part of her participation in Down Syndrome Innovations ACE program. Lola is a peacemaker, is friendly and outgoing, loves public speaking and being an advocate for others, and has great technical computer skills. She is living her dream by working at the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities.

Lindsay Krumbholz, Chief Mission Officer, The Golden Scoop 

Lindsay Krumbholz graduated from Saint Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park, Kansas and has a degree in early childhood/special education from Pittsburg State University. She started her career as a behavior assistant at Olathe School District, working with students on the autism spectrum. She moved to another role to learn Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and launched in-home therapy for a small company. For 12 years, she provided in-home services for special needs clients ranging from 18 months to 39 years old. Lindsay’s focus turned to working with families on development of independent living skills and preparation for special needs adolescents to gain employment and potentially transition to living on their own as adults. Lindsay listened and understood the concerns of the families she worked with throughout Kansas City, which led her to develop The Golden Scoop.

Ashlea Lantz, The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement

Ashlea Lantz is the President of Hillman-Lantz Inc., a consulting practice focusing on the value proposition of disability employment. Ashlea contracts as a consultant with The Harkin Institute for Public Policy and Citizen Engagement at Drake University as a Senior Policy Advisor. In this role, Ashlea spearheads disability employment initiatives, focusing on business consulting, rehabilitation services, and benefits planning. Her extensive experience in rehabilitation counseling, supported employment, and accessibility enables her to assist businesses in accessing an often-overlooked talent pool and establishing sustainable inclusive hiring practices. Ashlea provides tailored consultation services to corporations, empowering them to enhance their disability-hiring initiatives with precision and impact.  In addition, Ashlea serves as Subject Matter Expert for the United States Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy on a number of disability employment initiatives. 

In 2021, Ashlea played a pivotal role in organizing the Iowa Harkin Summit on Disability Employment, using her expertise as committee chair to facilitate business mentoring and promote diverse hiring practices. Before contracting with The Harkin Institute, she worked as a Senior Associate with Griffin-Hammis Associates , focusing on Customized Employment, Supported Employment, Certified Benefits Planning, and agency capacity building. In this role Ashlea delivered hundreds of trainings across the country for disability organizations that are working to support people with disabilities to gain integrated employment. Ashlea’s disability employment experience extends beyond professional settings as she supported her sister Emilea in leaving segregated employment to start her own coffee shop, Em’s Coffee Co. in Independence, Iowa. Em will celebrate 15 years in business in December.  

Ashlea’s influence extends nationally, working on employment initiatives in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Utah, New Mexico, and Maryland. Internationally, she has presented at the International Harkin Summit on Disability Employment in Belfast, the Zero Project at the United Nations in Vienna, and the European Supported Employment Conference in Tarragona. As the former Director of Employment at Candeo in Johnston, Iowa, Ashlea expanded supported employment programs significantly, tripling the number of employees and supported job seekers.  

She has held key leadership roles in organizations such as Iowa APSE, where she served as president, and the Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators as Secretary and Vice President. Ashlea recently joined the board of Iowa Radio and Information Services , enhancing access for hearing-disabled Iowans through audio descriptions.

Ashlea has received the Rebecca McDonald Award from National APSE and the SueAnn Morrow Award for her contributions in the field of disability employment. Her commitment to professional development is evident through her certifications as a certified benefits planner from Virginia Commonwealth University, the Certified Employment Support Professional certification, and the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor certification.  Ashlea earned her masters degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Drake University. Ashlea has lived experience personally and as a family member in regard to disability and advocacy. She resides in Des Moines with her husband, Todd, and their two children, Nile and Cole.

Robert (Bob) Ludke, The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement

Over his career Bob Ludke has advised policymakers in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, taught at the United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, and provided counsel on sustainability, corporate governance, supply chain management, and environment, social, and governance (ESG) strategies for companies in the retail, oil and gas, transportation, and finance sectors.

He is the author of Transformative Markets, a book about the role of markets in fostering a more sustainable society (published in April 2020 through the Creator Institute of Georgetown University), and the creator of the Voices of Nature podcast in partnership with Global Conservation Corps.

Bob is a consultant with The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement. His work at The Harkin Institute focuses on research and engagement with the disability community, investors, and the private sector to facilitate ESG investment practices being used as a catalyst for achieving competitive, integrated employment of persons with disabilities.

Ludke began his career in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives where he advised on tax, budget, and economic policy issues, developed legislation, and created message and communications strategies as part of the Senate Democratic leadership team.

Diego Mariscal: 2Gether-International CEO and Founder

Diego Mariscal is Disabled and Proud! A trailblazer at the intersection of disability advocacy and entrepreneurship, Diego is the Founder, CEO, and Chief Disabled Officer of 2Gether-International, the leading startup accelerator run by and for disabled entrepreneurs. He has dedicated his career to creating a sustainable impact through business ventures led by and for disabled founders, and currently serves on the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission's Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee.

Since his teenage years, Diego has been a catalyst for change. At just 18, he founded "Limitless Prepa Tec," an educational program that tackles disability awareness in his hometown of Monterrey, Mexico. Over four years, Limitless expanded to more than seven high schools and educated over 3,000 students, solidifying its reputation as one of Monterrey's largest youth-led initiatives.

In 2012, Diego took his advocacy to the next level with the establishment of 2Gether-International (2GI), a nonprofit accelerator empowering entrepreneurs with disabilities. Under his leadership, 2GI has supported more than 80 startups, helping them secure around $65 million in outside investments, acquisitions, and revenue. His role has positioned 2GI as a leading resource for disabled entrepreneurs and has also enabled strategic collaborations with international organizations such as the U.S. Department of State, Organization of American States, and Inter-American Development Bank, as well as corporate partnerships with Comcast NBCUniversal, Google, Blackboard, McKinsey, and others.

Diego’s work has garnered international acclaim, earning him accolades like the Architect of the Future Award from the Waldzell Institute in Vienna and the Global Changemaker title from the British Council. His influence has been recognized by multiple international bodies; he was a Youth in International Development and Affairs Fellow for the U.S. International Council on Disabilities in 2014, and in 2016, he attended the inaugural United Nations World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul.

In 2017, Diego marked another milestone by becoming the first entrepreneur with a disability to represent the U.S. delegation at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Hyderabad, India. That same year, he received the Global Leadership in Equitable Development Award at the World Trade Credit & Risk Summit in Washington, DC.

Recently, in 2022 and 2023, Diego engaged in high-level dialogues on disability and entrepreneurship with President Clinton and President Biden. He was featured as a panelist in a discussion moderated by Hillary Clinton at the Clinton Global Initiative University annual meeting. Additionally, Diego was appointed to the Advisory Board of the 2024 SXSW Pitch.

Born with Cerebral Palsy in New Orleans but raised in Monterrey, Diego is not just an advocate but also an athlete, representing the state of Nuevo León in the Mexican National Paralympics from 2004-2009.

Amanda Myers, CESP, Employment Coordinator, Down Syndrome Innovations

Amanda joined Down Syndrome Innovations in 2021. She has more than a decade of experience supporting individuals with diverse abilities. Amanda is a Certified Employment Support Professional.

Amanda’s experience offers teens and adults learning opportunities to develop their vocational skills, coaches them on the job, and supports employers throughout the process.

She began her career working at a community mental health center where she was awarded Employee of the Year. Following this, she relocated to Vancouver, British Columbia where she worked as an Employment Specialist for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Amanda came to Down Syndrome Innovations to build an Employment program to address the staffing needs in the community, train employers on how to work with individuals with diverse abilities and update their hiring and onboarding systems.

Colin Olenick, Legislative Liaison, Self-Advocacy Coalition of Kansas 

Colin Olenick is SACK’s Legislative Liaison. He tracks the movement of legislation affecting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Kansas. He also provides testimony to the Kansas Legislature regarding the impact of proposed bills on Kansans with disabilities. Colin has been employed with SACK since 2018. Colin was Vice President for the Self Advocate Coalition of Kansas (SACK) from 2007-2008. He was an Employment First presenter and founder of the Kansas Employment First Committee. He also participated in Kansas' Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities (LEND) training program, which is a University of Kansas post-graduate program in which he shared his experience of having cerebral palsy, autism, and ADHD.  Colin is also an alumnus of the Kansas Leadership Center (KLC); a graduate of the “My Leadership Edge” program. Additionally, he was a member of Kansas ADAPT from 2003-2007. Colin is also involved in the transition work group, funded through the Administration on Community Living by way of a grant to the University of Kansas. Previously, Colin was employed with Cinemark in Merriam, Kansas for 16 years. Colin currently lives in Olathe, KS with his cat, Elizabeth. Colin collects fire station patches from across the country and hopes to display them all someday.

Hannah Olson, Co-Founder and CEO, Disclo

Hannah Olson is the Co-Founder and CEO of Disclo, an innovative HR software tackling the complex world of ADA accommodations. For Hannah, this work is personal. After navigating her early career while battling a chronic illness, she realized if the workplace wasn’t designed for people like her, then it was time to redesign the workplace. Today, she is known globally for her disability advocacy, and was recently named 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30.

Solomon Parker, CareSource, Director of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Program Strategy

Solomon Parker is a visionary leader in the field of healthcare, serving as the Director of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) Program Strategy at CareSource, a nationally recognized nonprofit health plan with a mission to improve the health and well-being its members and communities. With a career spanning nearly two decades in Kentucky Medicaid 1915(c) waiver programs, Solomon possesses a wealth of experience and expertise in the realm of healthcare. In his current role at CareSource, he champions transformative strategies and fosters innovative solutions tailored to the unique needs of individuals with I/DD. His unwavering commitment in promoting empowerment, advancement, inclusion, and independence of people with disabilities extends into critical areas such as community integrated employment and propelling a culture of diversity within the workplace. Solomon's dedication and strategic vision have been instrumental in aligning CareSource with its mission of improving the health and well-being of enhancing the lives of members with I/DD.

Stephanie Rasmussen, Vice President of LTSS, Sunflower Health Plan/Centene

Stephanie Rasmussen (she/her) serves as the Vice President of LTSS for Sunflower health plan. She oversees Sunflower’s care management model for LTSS, provider initiatives and network, LTSS member engagement, and LTSS policy and process. She also leads Sunflower’s initiatives and strategies to achieve quality, quality of life, workforce adequacy and health outcomes for members in LTSS. These include value-based contracting arrangements, and partnerships with local member and provider advocacy groups. Stephanie has been with Sunflower for 12 years, since the inception of LTSS/IDD managed care in Kansas. Under Stephanie’s leadership, over 50% of persons receiving IDD waiver services in Kansas have chosen Sunflower as their health plan. Prior to Sunflower, Stephanie worked for 23 years with an IDD direct service provider, provided project management and consulting for IDD institutional closure in Kansas and other states, led an IDD provider association and worked for the State of Kansas leading the transition of persons with IDD during the closure of a large state institution and four large, private ICF/ID facilities. Stephanie is a graduate of the University of Kansas.

Ryan Rotundo, Director of Programs, National Down Syndrome Society

Ryan leads the planning, development, and oversight of programs critical to the Down syndrome community, such as education and employment. Ryan has been a leader in the disability community for more than fifteen years. He has served at the state level on the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities since 2018 and is currently Vice Chair. He has worked with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction to develop a statewide curriculum for students with disabilities. For over a decade Ryan served as a high school special education teacher, with a focus on preparing young adults for positive post-secondary transitions. He also has experience developing curriculum to support siblings of individuals with Down syndrome, has worked as a direct support professional (DSP), and continues to share his knowledge and expertise as a guest lecturer and speaker. In 2019 he was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by Buncombe County Schools, in partnership with Arc of Buncombe County. Ryan holds an undergraduate degree in special education from UNC – Greensboro and a master’s degree in public administration from UNC.

Miles Sandler, Director of Policy and Engagement, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

Miles Sandler is a director of policy and engagement for the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, where she serves as a developer and executer of the Foundation’s policy framework. She leads a cross-foundation policy working group and engages with local and national networks to support the Foundation’s priorities and impact goals. Sandler joined the Kauffman Foundation as a director of engagement – education in 2017, serving as an advocate and constituency builder for the Foundation’s key educational programs.

Prior to joining the Kauffman Foundation, Sandler was a senior associate of education at the National League of Cities (NLC). There, she supported more than 80 mayoral offices and city agencies across the nation to increase city capacity through comprehensive technical assistance, aiding mayors’ offices in developing sustainable education initiatives. Earlier, Sandler was a national urban fellow at the D.C. Promise Neighborhood Initiative and led the development of a community health strategy to support the improvement of academic achievement among neighborhood students and families. Sandler began her career as a director at the Boys and Girls Club of Newburgh, leading a comprehensive after-school program for youth in the inner-city of Newburgh, New York. She is a proud alum of the National Urban Fellows, Surge Institute, and Executive Ascent. She actively participates in the arts and local efforts to increase equitable outcomes in Kansas City.

Sandler earned a Master of Public Administration from the City University of New York – Baruch College and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the State University of New York – New Paltz.

Ruby "SunShine" Taylor, MSW 
Ruby "SunShine" Taylor, MSW, is the UnConventional CEO and Founder of Financial Joy School. Financial Joy School is a virtual educational platform and gaming company that provides diverse financial education and investment tools to Black and Brown youth and their families. Ruby is a double HBCU alumna (Howard University and Virginia Union University) and advocates for closing the racial wealth gap to make our world more financially equitable. She harnesses the power of financial knowledge to bring connections, application, and education to establish generational wealth for ALL families. A traumatic brain injury survivor, Ruby is a disabled Black, lesbian, mother, daughter, aunt, sister, and friend who is driven to make our world more financially equitable, joyful, and just. She is a motivational speaker and has partnered with financial brands, including Wells Fargo, Trust & Will, Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center and has been featured in several leading publications, including The Motley Fool, Inc.com, Fast Company, Forbes, Black Enterprise, Mashable.com and more. Ruby is released a best seller “the UnConventional CEO: How to Build Wealth & Joy In The Face of Adversity. Originally from the Bronx, NY, Ruby resides in Baltimore, MD.

State Representative Laura Williams, Olathe/Lenexa 

Laura Williams is a wife, mother of two, small business owner, and community advocate who currently serves as the State Representative for District 30 in Lenexa and Olathe, Kansas. She is running for re-election with a focus on lowering the cost of living, supporting small businesses, and improving education. Passionate about disability rights, Laura's advocacy is inspired by her cousin with Down syndrome. She is committed to promoting economic growth and representing her community’s interests in the Kansas legislature.

Michael Zalle, CEO and Founder, YellowBird

Michael Zalle is the Founder and CEO of YellowBird. He is responsible for creating, building, and launching new concepts and companies, resulting in multiple successful exits over a 25-year tech career. He has built a career through a unique balance of commercializing novel business models, operationalizing innovative technologies and platforms, rapidly scaling operations, and building market-shaping ecosystems. Michael’s companies and purpose are ever focused on serving others. Whether it be satellite systems for First Responders, environmental products for flood and spill response, or time and economic support for difference-making organizations, Michael believes in “doing well while doing good.”

Michael’s college journey began at San Francisco State University and completed at Pepperdine University Graziadio Business School while working full-time and traveling at age 19. As a lifelong member and mentor for the Amputee Coalition of America, he enjoys the time he’s able to invest in mentoring kids with physical challenges.

Married 20+ years with two children, Michael spends most of his free time at lacrosse or soccer games chasing balls, applying band-aids, and handing out snacks. He enjoys traveling and engages in a variety of sports including golf and tennis; he ranks himself an incredibly average golfer and perhaps even worse tennis player.

Heartland Summit FAQs: 

Accommodations: The Summit will be held in the Kansas State Capitol. ASL and CART will be provided throughout the Summit. If you need any additional accommodations, please contact 

Parking: Public entrance is located on SW 8th Avenue. All visitors must enter through the Capitol Police Security checkpoint. Automobile parking instructions: 

  • Capitol parking garage on SW 8th Avenue: free for two hours. Clearance into garage is 8 feet 2 inches.
    Elevators take visitors into the building.

  • Street, metered parking on SW Jackson Street between SW 8th and SW 9th avenues for up to
    10 hours. Meter fees vary. Free Saturday and Sunday. Visitors enter the building on ground level
    at the semi-circular drive on SW 8th Avenue.

  • Crosby Place Parking Garage, 108 SW 8th Avenue, between S Kansas Avenue and SW Jackson Street.
    Hourly fee.

  • Centre City Parking Garage, 109 SW 9th Avenue, between
    S Kansas Avenue and SW Jackson Street. Hourly fee.

Driving Directions

  • Traveling east on I-70: exit at SE 8th Avenue (Exit 362B.) Merge onto Monroe Street. Right onto SE 8th Avenue to the Capitol

  • Traveling west on I-70: exit at SE 8th Avenue (Exit 362B.) Left onto SW 8th Avenue to the Capitol

  • From the south: exit Kansas Turnpike at Topeka Boulevard. Left onto SW Topeka Boulevard. Right onto SE 8th Avenue to the Capitol

Dress Code: Business casual