KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Senator Tom Harkin (Retired)

The Harkin Institute

Tom Harkin served in the U.S. congress representing Iowa for 40 years, including 30 years as a U.S. Seantor where he co-authored the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that was signed into law in 1990. The ADA changed the landscape of America by requiring buildings and transportation to be wheelchair accessible, and to provide workplace accommodations for people with disabilities.

RANDY LEWIS

Former Walgreens Executive, Award-winning Author

Peace Corps volunteer, Arthur Murray dance instructor, Ernst and Young partner, Fortune 50 senior executive, disability advocate, and author, Randy Lewis had quite the career before retiring from Walgreens in 2013 as senior vice president of supply chain and logistics. Randy’s signature achievement was the introduction of a disability employment program that the company widely adopted.

melinda giancola

Chief, Data Collection and Analysis Unit, RSA

The chief of the data collection and analysis unit within the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) of the U.S. Department of Education, Melinda is responsible for the Case Service Report (RSA-911), performance accountability, and RSA’s Management Information Systems, used by agencies to report program and fiscal data.

Jessica Cox

Disability Advocate, Motivational Speaker

Being born without arms, Jessica Cox immediately faced a world not designed for her. With an unwavering spirit and a “can-do” mentality, she overcame the obstacles in her path, living independently using her feet in ways others who take their hands for granted can only imagine.

Glen Gordon

Chief Technology Officer, VFO

Glen Gordon is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of VFO™ – the world’s leading assistive technology (AT) provider for the visually impaired. In his CTO role, Glen focuses on forging collaborative relationships to ensure that people with vision impairments have the best possible access to technology.

Mandy harvey

Motivational Speaker

Mandy Harvey is a deaf American singer-songwriter and motivational speaker. While attending Colorado State University as a vocal music education major, Mandy lost her residual hearing at the age of 18 due to a neurological disorder. Mandy travels the country to heighten awareness, breakdown blocks, challenge stereotypes, and lead the charge toward a brighter future for all.

Janet labreck

Former RSA Commissioner

As a nationally recognized senior executive and presenter, Janet LaBreck has over 20 years of leadership supporting people with disabilities. Between 2013 and early-2017 she served as Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) within the Department of Education.

Sven Akerman Jr.

Chief Technology Officer, Alliance Enterprises

As the Chief Technology Officer and Director of Cloud Services at Alliance Enterprises, Sven Akerman Jr. leads the product development, software architecture and cloud services teams. Sven’s background includes technology evangelism and enterprise-scale solution architecture, as well as managing and delivering statewide technical solutions for public and private sector organizations in Oregon and Washington State.

sean casey

GVRA Executive Director

As the executive director of Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA), Sean Casey lead the organization in its mission to serve individuals with disabilities on the path to career success and greater independence.