Welcome to Heard & Empowered, the podcast that champions the brilliance and resilience of people who are blind, low vision, or visually impaired.

In this episode, Matt joins host Dean Thompson to share how he turned personal loss into a legacy of empowerment. He reflects on his journey from flying missions at sea to managing a multimillion-dollar organization that employs more than 160 people — half of whom are blind. Matt discusses how VIB’s innovative model combines manufacturing, service contracts, and professional training to create pathways to independence. He also highlights success stories of employees who have gone from public assistance to homeownership, and the growing collaboration with NSITE to expand career opportunities nationwide.

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.

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.

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.

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

Resumes and Recruiting for People Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision with NSITE’s Maurice Crittendon

Communications, Impacting Public Policy, and Creating Jobs with Austin Lighthouse’s Brandye Lacy

Diversity, Mentorship, and Innovation in Leadership with NIB President and CEO Soraya Correa

From Unemployed to Employee of the Year with Envision’s MaryBeth Clare

How Changing Public Policy Will Create More BVI Jobs with Luke Messer and Jeff Mittman

Leading Change for the Blind and Visually Impaired with Lee Nasehi, CEO of VisionServe Alliance.

Considering a Job in Manufacturing as a BVI? Brandi Hunter Shares What You Need to Know.

From 60 Job Application Rejections to a Career Filled with Financial Stability at NIB's CMS Program.

How a Nonprofit Can Have a For-Profit Sister Organization and Still Fulfill Its Mission of Providing Jobs for the Blind

Sophia McCall’s Journey: From Depression and Blindness to a Thriving Career as an HR Recruiter

Brian Petraits Shares How Being Blind is Not an Impediment to Success and Career Fulfillment in Manufacturing and Warehouse Jobs

Doug Goist on Shame About His Blindness, Hitting Rock Bottom, and Helping Others Succeed.

How NIB Works and How NSITE Connects the Blind to Job Opportunities with Dr. Jonathan Lucus