DEI Episodes

As disability rights face renewed challenges and workplace inclusion efforts come under increasing scrutiny, how can organizations continue creating environments where everyone belongs? In this powerful and candid conversation, Julie Sowash sits down with Dr. Victoria Verlezza, award-winning thought leader, neurodiversity advocate, and creator of the Cognitive Equity Leadership Model. Together, they explore the intersection of disability rights, psychological safety, neuroinclusion, and workplace culture during a time of significant social and political change. Drawing from her lived experience as an autistic and ADHD professional, Dr. Verlezza challenges organizations to move beyond performative inclusion and build systems that support people without requiring them to mask, disclose, or conform. The conversation tackles everything from the rollback of disability rights protections to the impact of AI in hiring, inclusive leadership practices, accountability in workplace culture…

What does authentic leadership actually look like, and why does it matter more than ever for disability inclusion at work? In this episode of Changing Minds & Changing Lives, host Julie Sowash is joined by Megan Fuciarelli, Founder & Chief Empowerment Officer of US2 Consulting, to unpack one of the biggest workplace challenges in 2026: the growing gap between what employers say and what employees experience. Drawing on recent disability employment data and real-world examples—from federal accommodation policy rollbacks to employer lawsuits and shifting DEI commitments—this conversation explores why trust is breaking down in the workplace and what leaders can do to rebuild it.

In this episode of Changing Minds and Changing Lives, host Julie Sowash, CEO of Catch 22 Group and the Job Board Doctor, and founder of Disability Solutions, sits down with Tara Turk-Haynes — strategist, storyteller, equity activator, and founding member of Hacking HR — for a candid, no-nonsense conversation about the state of DEI in today’s workplaces and the growing controversy surrounding SHRM’s shift away from diversity, equity, and inclusion. Together, Julie and Tara unpack how SHRM’s recent decisions — including its rebranding of DEI, the leadership of CEO Johnny C. Taylor, and the 2025 SHRM Blueprint Conference featuring keynote panelists Van Jones and Robby Starbuck — signal deeper issues about values, leadership, and the future of human resources. Tara shares her personal journey from administrative assistant to executive leader, the lessons she’s learned about data-driven inclusion, and why equity — not just diversity or inclusion — is what truly transforms workplaces.…