LOUISVILLE, KY (August 4, 2022)—Leah Spivey of Baltimore, Maryland, 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. Spivey 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. Spivey 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.

Ms. Spivey works as a vocational counselor for the state of Maryland in the Office of Blindness and Vision Services (OBVS). She has been in the field of vocational counseling for nearly a decade. Her goal is to not be defined by her barriers and to show the individuals she works with that they do not need to be defined by theirs.
“I want to be a leader in my field so that those who come to my department will see that they too can move up while being held to the exact same standards as everyone else,” Ms. Spivey said. “And that their barriers, as hard as they are, do not have to hold you down or define you and are not to be used as an excuse.”

“These 18 professionals, including Leah, 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, Leah 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.