Disability Matters with Joyce Bender focuses on the employment and empowerment of people with disabilities. Episodes feature prominent disability leaders such as Congressman Tony Coelho, Governor Dick Thornburgh, Andy Imparato, and senior executives from the private sector.
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Emily Burkhart/Scott Hammerstrom/Laina Fusarelli: Strong Alliance Among Dollar Bank, Nova Chemical and Bender Leadership Academy
October 14, 2025 · 53 min
Joyce welcomes back to the show, Scott Hammerstrom, Manager of Programs and Partnerships with Bender Leadership Academy. Joining Mr. Hammerstrom will be Emily Burkhart, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Officer at
Joy Matoney: Discusses Stellar Career with Highmark, Inc. and the Commitment to Hire People with Disabilities in the Workforce
October 7, 2025 · 51 min
Joyce welcomes Joy Matoney, Vice President, Diversified Businesses & Growth Planning and Enablement at Highmark, Inc. She will discuss her stellar career at Highmark, Inc. and her commitment to the
Congressman, Steny Hoyer/Former Congressman, Tony Coelho: The 35th Anniversary of the Signing of the ADA; The Progress That Has Been Made and What Has Not Been Fulfilled
September 30, 2025 · 44 min
Joyce welcomes Congressman Steny Hoyer and former Congressman Tony Coelho to the show. They will be discussing the 35th Anniversary of the ADA and what progress has been made over
Mark Fleischer/Brady Patsy: History of Pittsburgh CLO, Partnership with Bender Leadership Academy, and Upcoming 2025 Production of A Christmas Carol
September 23, 2025 · 56 min
Joyce welcomes Mark Fleischer, Executive Producer, and Brady Patsy, Community Engagement Manager, with the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera (CLO) to the show. Among the topics discussed will be current Pittsburgh
Scott Hammerstrom/Gerald Homme: Overview of Success of 2025’s Mary Brougher Memorial Golf Outing and Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities
September 16, 2025 · 56 min
Joyce welcomes back to the show, Scott Hammerstrom, Manager of Programs and Partnerships with the Bender Leadership Academy and Gerald Homme, Manager of Talent Acquisition for Bender Consulting Services, Inc.
Tim Hindes: Business Professional and Advocate for People with Disabilities
September 9, 2025 · 56 min
Joyce welcomes Tim Hindes, CEO of Trailblaze Creative, to the show. Mr. Hindes leads a dedicated team in delivering marketing and creative capacity solutions to mission-driven organizations who share a
Jeanette Towles: Seasoned and Dedicated Medical Writer, AI Expert and Speaker Shares Mission of Disability Owned Business Enterprise
September 2, 2025 · 52 min
Joyce welcomes Jeanette Towles, Founder and CEO of Synterex, a Disability Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE). Synterex is the home of AgileWriter.ai™, an AI-enabled authoring platform that prioritizes accessibility and gets
Tom Doran: Helping Health Customers and Members Obtain Health Services
August 26, 2025 · 48 min
Joyce welcomes Tom Doran, President Highmark Health Plan at Highmark, Inc. Mr. Doran champion’s the voice of the customer and members within the organization. Among the topics discussed will be
Craig Leen: Shares Commitment to Advocacy for Those with Disabilities in Both Public and Private Sectors
August 12, 2025 · 59 min
Joyce welcomes Craig Leen, K&L Gates Partner, President-Elect of the Bar Association of the District of Columbia, GW Law Professorial Lecturer in Law, Former OFCCP Director at the U.S. Department
Marcia Oglan: Fostering A Workforce That Showcases Talents of All Employees
August 5, 2025 · 52 min
Joyce welcomes Marcia Oglan, Chief Human Resources Officer at Allegheny Health Network and Senior Vice President of Enterprise Human Resources at Highmark Health to the show. Ms. Oglan will share