LOUISVILLE, KY (August 4, 2022)—Jennifer Wenzel of Bloomington, Minnesota, graduated from the Blind Leaders Development Program at the American Foundation for the Blind’s (AFB) special commencement ceremony on August 2, 2022.
Launched in 2020, the Blind Leaders Development Program was created by AFB to increase upward mobility and create meaningful leadership experiences for individuals who are blind or low vision, who are already employed and in the early stages of their careers.
While in the program, Ms. Wenzel and her fellow graduates received extensive training in leadership, networking, communication, and other key skills for advancing in their careers and improving their effectiveness as they achieve higher levels of authority and influence. Other facets of the program included following the Leadership Challenge curriculum, attending a series of webinars, and being paired with a successful blind or low vision mentor who provided honest advice and feedback about what it takes to succeed in the workforce. Ms. Wenzel was among 18 graduates of the Centennial Cohort, named as such in light of AFB celebrating 100 years advocating on behalf of those who are blind or have low vision throughout 2021.
“This program has really been about gaining confidence and challenging processes as well as taking advantage of opportunities,” Ms. Wenzel said. “The included leadership training and networking helped me earn a promotion at work.”
Ms. Wenzel holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of Minnesota, and has worked in the field of blindness rehabilitation for over 20 years. She has also worked in a public school with special needs students, written a monthly newsletter, and worked as a braille proofreader. She currently works as the human resources generalist, having recently received a promotion as talent acquisition coordinator, for Beyond Vision, a social enterprise headquartered in Milwaukee.
“These 18 professionals, including Jennifer, have honed their knowledge and skills to take on greater authority and responsibility in their professional fields,” said Neva Fairchild, who oversees the program. “Due to their intensive learning and practice, as well as the work of their mentors, for whom we are all grateful, Jennifer and her fellow graduates now have the imperative to create and sustain a more inclusive workforce.”
Since its inception in 2020, the program has seen a steady rise in applicants. The recently-launched third cohort is the largest class to date. For more information, visit AFB.org/BlindLeaders.
