WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 20, 2021)—Rebecca Arrowood of Wauwatosa, WI, graduated from the Blind Leaders Development Program at the American Foundation for the Blind’s (AFB) virtual commencement ceremony on April 20, 2021.

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 beginning stages of their careers.

While in the program, Rebecca 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 could provide honest advice and feedback about what it takes to succeed in the workforce. That Rebecca successfully completed this rigorous program during the height of the coronavirus pandemic only makes her accomplishment all the more noteworthy.

Rebecca currently works full-time as an HR Generalist with Beyond Vision, and part-time as a clinical interviewer at IFB Solutions. She also serves as the Vice President of the Board with the Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired. Prior to entering the human resources field, she spent two years working as a mental health and substance abuse counselor. Rebecca holds bachelor’s degrees in accounting and finance as well as psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, and a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

“These fifteen professionals, including Rebecca, have honed their knowledge and skills to take on greater authority and responsibilities in their professional fields,” said Kirk Adams, Ph.D., AFB president and CEO. “Thanks to their hard work and the work of their mentors, for whom we are all grateful, Rebecca and her fellow graduates now have the imperative to create and sustain a more inclusive workforce. Their accomplishments augur well for both their own careers and the world at large.”

For more information, visit AFB.org/BLDP.