Episodes
Sept. 2, 2025
Disability Matters with Joyce Bender - September 2nd, 2025
Special Guest Jeanette Towles
Aug. 19, 2025
Christine Griffin: Her Long Career in Disability Advocacy
Joyce is honored to have back as her guest Christine Griffin, a strong disability rights advocate and current Bender Consulting Services’ Senior Search Specialist Consultant on the show. During the show, she will be discussin...
July 29, 2025
Veronica Villalobos, Vice President of the Institute for Strategic Social and Workforce Programs for Highmark Health and Allegheny Health Network
Joyce closes Disability Pride Month, with Veronica Villalobos, Vice President of the Institute for Strategic Social and Workforce Programs for Highmark Health and Allegheny Health Network. She strives to ensure the workforce ...
July 22, 2025
Senator Tom Harkin: Reflects on Significance of 35th Anniversary of Signing of the ADA and What Commitment Remains to Advance the Lives of Americans with Disabilities
As part of Disability Pride Month, Joyce welcomes former Senator Tom Harkin back to the show. Senator Harkin will reflect on the significance of the 35th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)...
July 15, 2025
Jennifer Mathis, Deputy Director of the Bazelon Center for Mental Health
Joyce welcomes Jennifer Mathis, Deputy Director of the Bazelon Center for Mental Health back to the show. Since 1972, the Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law has advocated for the civil rights, full inclusion...
July 8, 2025
Doro Koch, Daughter of President George H.W. Bush, Shares Insight into What Signing the ADA into Law Meant to Father
Joyce is honored to welcome “Dorthy” Doro Koch, author, businesswoman, advocate, and daughter of late President George H.W. Bush to the show. As we continue recognizing ADA Month and prepare to celebrate the 35th Anniversary ...
July 1, 2025
The Honorable Tony Coelho Shares History of the Civil Rights Legislation the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Joyce welcomes The Honorable Tony Coelho, former U.S. Congressman and author of the Americans with Disabilities Act, back to the show. As celebrations around the Americans with Disabilities Act anniversary and Disability Prid...
June 24, 2025
Jonathan Lovitz: Discusses his Work with the HRC and the NGLCC
In recognition of June as Pride Month, Joyce welcomes Jonathan Lovitz, Senior Vice President of Campaigns and Communications, Human Rights Campaign (HRC). During the show he will discuss his work as a nationally recognized le...
June 17, 2025
Evan Low: Discusses his Work with the LGBTQ + Victory Fund and Victory Institute
In recognition of June as Pride Month, Joyce welcomes Evan Low, named president and CEO of the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund and LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, in March 2025. During the show he will discuss his work with these organizations...
June 10, 2025
Kate Musler: 2025 Pittsburgh Business Times Woman of Influence Shares Passion for Work in the Health Insurance Industry at Highmark
Joyce welcomes fellow Pittsburgh Business Times Woman of Influence recipient, Kate Musler, to the show. Kate is Highmark Health’s Chief Financial Officer and will share her responsibilities in that role, and what drives her t...
June 3, 2025
Homme/Zomp: Bender Consulting Services Sponsors Webinar on Transferable Skills for New Career Paths in Today’s Changing Job Search Environment
Joyce welcomes Gerald Homme, Manager of Talent Acquisition and Technology and Jill Zomp, Talent Acquisition Coordinator with Bender Consulting Services, Inc., to the show. Joyce, Jill, and Gerald will be discussing the upcomi...
May 27, 2025
Louis Olander: Disability:IN Supports Veterans with Disabilities
Joyce welcomes Louis Olander, Ph.D., Director of Research and Veterans’ Initiatives at Disability:IN . As a veteran and advocate, Mr. Orlander will share his work with Disability:IN, and the ways in which the organization sup...
May 20, 2025
Hammerstrom, Krause, Frazier: The Bender Leadership Academy plans for 2025’s 4th Annual Mary Brougher Memorial Golf Outing
Joyce welcomes back to the show Scott Hammerstrom, Manager of Programs and Partnerships, Lisa Krause, Secretary and Board Member and Evan Frazier, Board Member of the Bender Leadership Academy. Among the topics discussed will...
May 13, 2025
Vesper Moore, Board Member, the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. To commemorate this, Joyce welcomes Vesper Moore, Board Member of the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, to the show. Discussed will be the mission of the Bazelon Center for Mental Hea...
May 6, 2025
Hammerstrom/Davis: The Bender Leadership Academy Prepares for Disability Mentoring Day 2025
Joyce welcomes Scott Hammerstrom, Manager of Programs and Partnerships, the Bender Leadership Academy and Sabrina Davis, Recruitment Marketing & Brand Specialist, EQT Corporation. The guests will share details about the missi...
April 29, 2025
PA State Representative Dan Miller: Discusses Legislative Accomplishments on Behalf of Those with Disabilities and Upcoming 2025 Disability Mental Health Summit
Joyce welcomes Allegheny County State Representative for the 42nd District, Dan Miller, to the show. Representative Miller will discuss his body of work as a state legislator and advocate for those with disabilities since he ...
April 22, 2025
Mission of Disability:IN and the 2025 Global Conference and Expo
Joyce welcomes Rosemarie Rosetti, Ph.D., a globally recognized expert on disability engagement, accessibility, and accessible meeting design. Joining her will be Artura Taylor, President and CEO of TGC Scientific and Cami Tur...
April 15, 2025
Nicole Clark: Expert on Autism Awareness Discusses the Latest Advancements in Treating This Population
April is Autism Awareness Month. To commemorate this, Joyce welcomes Nicole Clark Co-Founder and CEO of Adult and Pediatric Institute for Health and Wellness. She is also an expert on Autism Awareness insights. Ms. Clark will...
April 8, 2025
Sadie Restivo: Executive Director of PAAR Discusses How Organization Has Served Pittsburgh Community for over 50 Years
Joyce welcomes Sadie Restivo, Executive Director of Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR). PAAR has been serving the Pittsburgh community for over 50 years through advocacy, counseling, prevention, and education. It was the f...
April 1, 2025
Walsh/Houghton: New CEO of iDisability and Co-Founder Discuss Direction of Organization Under New Leadership
Joyce welcomes the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer, John F. Walsh III and Andrew Houghton, Co-Founder of i Disability ®, to the show. As leaders in disability employment and accessibility, Joyce serves as Chief Ex...