BroadFutures, Inc.

Today we celebrate the heart of our company – our incredible team! Today we spotlight Shannon Bockmiller our Program Manager, Carolyn Jeppsen our CEO, and Caitlin Garman, LICSW our Director of Admissions and Outreach. Thank you for all of your hard work, dedication, and passion.? #EmployeeAppreciationDay #Teamwork #BroadFutures?

As Women's History Month begins, Broadfutures would like to honor a trailblazing advocate Judith “Judy” Heumann. Her work has helped transform the way society views and supports people with disabilities. Though she passed on March 3rd 2023, her impact and legacy still stands today. Learn More about Judith “Judy” Heumann with the link below:? ?https://lnkd.in/gF96CiVv

As Black History Month comes to a close, BroadFutures would like to highlight an?active advocate in the nuerodivergent community. AJ Link (he/him) is an autistic self-advocate and disability justice advocate. He received his JD from The George Washington?University Law School and his LL.M in Space Law at the University of Mississippi?School of Law. AJ serves as a research director for the Jus Ad Astra project. A cofounder and Human Rights/ Policy Lead of the Palestine Space Institute. He is the founding president of the National Disabled Legal Professionals Association. AJ also works as a Director of Policy for New Disabled South. AJ Link draws inspiration from the work of many influential figures, including Malcolm X, Fred Hampton, bell hooks, and Maya Angelou. His approach to advocacy is deeply shaped by Black radical historical movements and activists. Committed to making the world more accessible for everyone, he reflects on his own journey of self-advocacy, noting, "Advocating for other causes is often easier than self-advocacy. I found it incredibly empowering to realize that when I advocate for others, I am also advocating for myself and the communities I am a part of." For those looking to get involved in advocacy, his advice is simple: "Show up and care." While his work centers on autism advocacy, he emphasizes that it is much more than just a cause—it is a movement. Thank you AJ Link for your advice, empowerment, and contribution to a better world.?

Our BroadFutures DC Summer Program Application is approaching soon (March 7th). Get your application in before the deadline. Apply with the link below: https://lnkd.in/ekm_T6r9

Interested in learning more about our programs? Join us for an Info Session on 3/27 to learn about what makes our programs unique. Register with the link below! https://lnkd.in/eK42gP9T

Join us for the first session of our FREE webinar series on March 12 from 12:00-100 EST, The Neurodiversity Advantage: Why Companies Embracing Neurodiversity Are Thriving, featuring panelists Jamell G. Mitchell and Victoria O'Rear. Please register at: https://lnkd.in/eda-_ZEE

Today, Interns had the opportunity to listen to an insightful lived experiences panel discussion with Ben VanHook and Dominique C., where they explored key topics like self-advocacy, networking, and strategies for navigating the workplace effectively. They also learned about a new stress management technique called tapping, which can easily be integrated into their daily routines. To wrap up the day, they watched a video titled Normal Isn't Real which highlights the career journey?of 4 LD/ADHD people.

We are excited to introduce our newest board members Marc Cloutier and Stephanie Gardner, Ed.D.! Marc is a seasoned leader with three decades of experience in leadership, management, and organizational development. Throughout his distinguished career in the U.S. Army, he served in high-pressure combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and in key Pentagon roles. Marc’s expertise includes curriculum development and advising senior generals to shape future Army operations. Upon retiring as a Colonel, Marc transitioned to the private sector and now serves as a Senior Business Operations Analyst at Amazon Web Services (AWS) where he drives process improvements, and helps scale?public sector operations. Marc is blending his expertise in organizational management with his passion for creating better opportunities for neurodivergent young people. He is thrilled to continue his support for neurodivergent young people by serving on our Board.? “As a parent I have spent over a decade advocating for educational opportunities and I look forward to bringing my own personal experiences to support Broad Futures and its mission to increase accessibility and skills for neurodivergent people in the workplace.” Marc has a B.A. in Justice Studies from The American University, and master’s degrees in Strategic Studies from The Army War College and Business and Organizational Security Management from Webster University.? Marc resides in Falls Church, VA, with his wife and two teenage children. Dr. Stephanie Gardner, has over two decades of experience advancing postsecondary access and student success. Committed to equity and systemic change, Stephanie is passionate about BroadFutures' mission, values, and programming and sees a strong alignment with her background and expertise. Stephanie’s diverse experiences have shaped her approach to complex problem-solving with an equity and justice lens. As the inaugural Director of Strategic Partnerships at the DC College Access Program (DC CAP), Stephanie? strengthens and expands university and community partnerships. Previously, as a Partner at Sova, she managed projects in strategic planning, network management, research, implementation support, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives, managing coalitions dedicated to reforming educational and career pathways. Stephanie holds a Doctorate and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy, and a B.A in Communications from the University of Washington, along with executive education certificates from Harvard University's Management Development Program and the University of South Florida's Muma College of Business. Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys traveling with her fiancé and their two children and cheering on her UW Huskies!

Welcome to our newest Marketing and Communications Intern Jaelyn Scott! Jaelyn will support our marketing/ communications efforts. Jaelyn is a graduating communications student from?Howard University where she has developed a passion for multimedia communication and authentic representation in various industries. Jaelyn's hobbies include photography, exploring new restaurants, and finding ways to make the people around her smile. When asked what she is most excited about joining the BroadFutures team, Jaelyn shared: “I am thrilled to work with BroadFutures because I am combining my passion for advocacy and multimedia communication. I love that BroadFutures is a team that recognizes holistic representation in the workforce, and I am grateful to be part of the mission.” Welcome, Jaelyn!

Today, interns participated in an insightful session with our Director of Admissions and Outreach, Caitlin Garman, about stress management strategies for the workplace. Our interns practiced mindful movement, grounding exercises, and intentional box breathing.?#Neurodiversity #StressManagement #ProfessionalDevelopment