Mary Jane Surrago

[Mission Driven Series] Mary Jane Surrago’s 50-Year Legacy of Service, Leadership, and Storytelling

In this episode of Mission Driven, a special series of the Heard and Empowered podcast, NIB President and CEO Soraya Correa sits down with Mary Jane to reflect on her five decades of service. Together, they explore the lessons learned from a lifetime of leadership, the evolution of NIB’s mission, and the advice Mary Jane offers to those pursuing meaningful, mission-driven careers.

Alexis Flores

From San Francisco to Capitol Hill: Alexis Flores on Advocacy

In this episode, Alexis reflects on why advocacy matters, how lived experience shapes his leadership, and what it means to stand up for people who are blind in the workplace and beyond.

Rebecca Martin

Rebecca Martin on How Partnering With NSITE Helps Her VR Clients Succeed

Drawing on her own journey with multiple sclerosis and vision loss, Rebecca shares inspiring stories of individuals who overcame setbacks, rebuilt professional skills after traumatic brain injuries, and embraced assistive technology to succeed in their careers. Her perspective highlights how collaboration, compassion, and the right resources can open doors to lasting career success.

Dr. Paul Healy

[Mission Driven Series] Paul Healy on Leadership and Expanding Opportunity

In this episode of Mission Driven, a special series of the Heard and Empowered podcast, National Industries for the Blind President and CEO Soraya Correa talks with Paul, a professor at Harvard Business School and longtime NIB board member, shares how ethical leadership, sustainable business models, and a commitment to mission can create lasting opportunities for people who are blind, low vision, or visually impaired.

Joe Spicer

Advocating for Opportunity With Joe Spicer

In this episode, Joe shares how inclusive employment creates real change, why representation in advocacy matters, and what it takes to build a more accessible future for all.

Michael Monteferrante

Stronger Together: Michael Monteferrante on Mission, Mentorship, and Meaningful Work

Michael Monteferrante, president and CEO of Envision, shares how his journey from transit and manufacturing into mission-driven leadership has shaped his belief in reinvesting business success into people. He offers candid views on launching mentorship and training cohorts with NSITE, NIB’s talent management enterprise, supporting college students through transition programs, and why impact — not intention — is the key to long-term change.

Jeff Mittman

[Mission Driven Series] Economic Independence and Opportunity Through Meaningful Work With Jeff Mittman

In this episode of Mission Driven, a special series of the Heard and Empowered podcast, National Industries for the Blind President and CEO Soraya Correa talks with Jeff about expanding opportunity through employment, building future leaders from within, and proving that when people are given the tools to succeed, they can define their own future.

Rebekah Grieb

Advocating By Example With Rebekah Grieb

Rebekah Grieb, Contract Management Support site supervisor at Alphapointe, talks about building meaningful careers for people who are blind, advocating for legislation that creates employment opportunities, and using adaptive tools to stay competitive.

Dean Thompson

Becoming a Storyteller: Meet Our New Host, Dean Thompson

In this episode, NSITE Director of Learning and Leadership Marianne Haegeli sits down with Dean Thompson, the new host of Heard & Empowered, to talk about building a media career after vision loss.

Maj Gen Alice Treviño

[Mission Driven Series] Transforming Defense Acquisition With Maj. Gen. Alice Treviño

[Mission Driven Series] Transforming Defense Acquisition With Maj. Gen. Alice Treviño