Joannah Harris is a digital accessibility specialist working with Level Access and Dell, where she helps ensure technology and online platforms are usable for people with disabilities. With a background that includes a master's degree in Applied and Computational Mathematics from Johns Hopkins University and experience teaching high school math while visually impaired, Joannah has overcome significant personal and professional challenges to excel in her field. She leverages her expertise in computer science, mathematics, and assistive technology to break down digital barriers, and her journey highlights the importance of resilience, networking, and adaptability in the modern workforce.

Reclaiming professional ambitions and personal independence after a significant loss of vision is challenging, especially since it requires redefining one's career and purpose. For Joannah Harris, a data science professional and former high school teacher, this transformation was both challenging and empowering.

In this episode, Joannah shares her inspiring story of resilience and career reinvention. She highlights the importance of mentorship and vocational coaching, which helped her navigate the job market and refine her skills. Joannah also discusses how her professional journey shifted from teaching to pursuing a master's degree in applied and computational mathematics, and ultimately embracing opportunities in digital accessibility.

Joannah Harris, a dedicated advocate for accessibility and technology, reflects on her path to landing a fulfilling role in digital accessibility. She emphasizes how strategic networking, continuous learning, and the support of professional communities empowered her to overcome challenges and thrive in her new career.

Heather Bergerson is a New Mexico-based visual artist and entrepreneur whose work focuses on tactile and accessible art experiences, particularly for blind and visually impaired audiences. After a traumatic brain injury and vision loss in 2020, Heather rebuilt her artistic career and co-founded two businesses — The Meandering Artisan LLC and Sticky Murals — thanks to skills she learned through NSITE coursework, while also exhibiting her large-scale, touchable artworks to enthusiastic audiences. Heather has collaborated with organizations such as the New Mexico Commission for the Blind to empower others with disabilities to pursue entrepreneurship and creative expression.

Reclaiming creativity and independence after a sudden life-changing event is challenging, especially when faced with the reality of adapting to a new way of living and working. For Heather Bergerson, a visual artist who experienced significant vision loss due to a traumatic accident, this journey was both personal and transformative.

In this episode, Heather shares her powerful story of resilience and reinvention. She emphasizes how crucial it was to find support through vocational rehabilitation and mentorship, which helped her reclaim her artistic identity. Heather also discusses how her art practice has evolved, focusing now on larger, tactile pieces that are designed to be accessible, allowing others to engage with her work in ways that were once unimaginable.

Heather, an accomplished artist and entrepreneur, reflects on her path to launching Sticky Murals, a business dedicated to creating tactile, reusable murals that blend accessibility with creativity. She shares how community support, determination, and a willingness to explore new artistic avenues have enabled her to not only adapt but thrive in her creative and entrepreneurial pursuits.

Brian Osborne is the senior vice president of The Strategy Group Company, a national advertising agency specializing in direct marketing and strategic communications for political campaigns, advocacy groups, governments, universities, and corporations. Under his leadership, Brian has executed hundreds of successful marketing strategies, and his team's research and outreach have contributed to the company's reputation for data-driven results and broad impact. Brian is known for his expertise in public opinion research and for developing innovative approaches to survey design and message testing.

Public perception plays a powerful role in shaping opportunity. And for people who are blind, low vision, or visually impaired, that perception can mean the difference between success and invisibility in the workforce.

According to Brian Osborne, executive vice president of The Strategy Group Company, data-driven advocacy can bridge that gap. In partnership with National Industries for the Blind (NIB), Brian led a national survey to uncover how Americans view both employment programs for people who are blind and the AbilityOne Program's impact. The results? Overwhelming support across political and demographic lines.

In this episode, Brian joins NIB President and CEO Soraya Correa to discuss how credible research shapes messaging, builds confidence, and informs policy advocacy. He shares insights on why public education matters, how to communicate about mission-driven work without using political jargon, and why data and storytelling together create lasting change.