Expedia Group: Building a truly accessible world
Join us for an insightful fireside chat on how Expedia Group is championing accessibility both internally and for travelers around the world. Rich James, Recruiting Enablement and Operations Director at Expedia Group will explore how the company’s commitment to accessibility runs deep, from internal initiatives such as investment in ERGs and inclusive hiring practices to how they connect with external audiences and build trust in their brand via accessible marketing strategies that resonate with all communities, not just a few. Whether you are looking to improve your own accessibility or reach a whole new audience, this is the conversation for you.
Rich James
Rich James is the Recruiting Enablement and Operations Director at Expedia, where he has made a significant impact during his six-year tenure. With over 25 years of experience in recruiting leadership roles, Rich has been a driving force in championing disability inclusion within the company. He has spearheaded initiatives to improve representation of people with disabilities, introduced comprehensive disability inclusion training, and implemented a new candidate accommodation support process. His dedication was recognized last year when he was elected Global Development Chair for Expedia's Ability Inclusion Movement (AIM), an employee resource group with over 1,000 members worldwide that advocates for the inclusion and empowerment of people with disabilities. Rich resides in Seattle with his wife and their two college-aged children, where he enjoys exploring the great outdoors and embracing opportunities to travel.
RECORDING: The Impact of Coaching Programs on the Careers of Neurodiverse Professionals
For a neurodiverse professional finding their footing in the workplace and in life, a little help can go a long way. Sometimes, that help comes in the form of coaching. In this talk, Founder and CEO of the Foundation for Life Guides for Autistics (LGFA) / NeuroGuides, J David Hall, explains the benefits of coaching programs for neurodiverse individuals, and for organizations that want to be a safe haven for their neurodiverse employees.
J. David Hall (He/Him)
J. David Hall (he/him) s the founder and CEO of the Foundation for Life Guides for Autistics (LGFA) / NeuroGuides, a U.S.-based 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization established in 2017. His organization provides business coaching and consultations to companies and organizations on neurodiversity, inclusivity, and life coaching for autistic people and other neurodivergent persons worldwide. He’s a Dad to three persons diagnosed on the autism spectrum (ASD) and was formally diagnosed as an autistic person in 2018.
His team of Neuroguides (life and job coaches) works closely with autistic and other neurodivergent individuals in helping them to succeed socially, occupationally, and relationally. David is passionately focused on guiding people to discover their strengths and enjoy meaningful lives.
Known as a relentless optimist and encourager, David is a celebrated writer who speaks at various national events and is a sought-after DEI and neurodiversity trainer and consultant for corporations.
David lives in the South Puget Sound of Washington state, where he writes, reads, cares for birds, hunts mushrooms, and rides his mountain bike.
Recent and upcoming appearances include:
Recent events and upcoming appearances include Leadership training for several Fortune 500 companies, Different Brains, Spectrum Lights Inclusion Summit, Southwest Washington Autism Conference, Bellingham SHRM, Microsoft, Seattle Aspiring Youth/Delphi Programs/Ryther, Stanford University Neurodiversity Summit, The Elijah Winfrey Show, a featured writer on Neuroclastic.com, North Carolina University, Neuroguides Parent Webinars and Podcast interviews, a founding member of the Diversity with Dignity Global Roundtable, corporate leadership training and coaching services with Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies and government agencies in neurodiversity and building true inclusive workplace cultures.
Gallup Strengths Attributes: Input, Maximizer, Connectedness, Empathy, and Developer.
Gabby Fricke
An experienced project coordinator and manager with specialties in content and leadership development through various training and workshop settings. Skilled in developing tools and analytics for new system implementation. Knowledgeable on diversity, equity, and inclusion principles including cultural competency, allyship, unconscious bias, intercultural communication, and employee relations. My passions are greatly found in social and racial justice, equity, empowerment, and advocacy.
N.E.A.T Insights - Neuro-Expansive AI Toolkit
Does your brain feel like a browser with 100 tabs open? You're not alone. In this chat, we'll explore how AI can amplify your strengths and tackle your challenges.
Imagine:
Your to-do list no longer overwhelms you. Your ideas flow freely. Your productivity soars.
Sounds nice, right? (Spoiler alert: it is!)
Join Hunter Canning and discover:
• AI tools that boost creativity and streamline tasks
• Real-world AI applications (not just sci-fi dreams)
• Task management strategies that actually work
• Answers to your burning questions in our live Q&A
Eager to unlock your brain's potential? Tune in to build your AI toolkit!
WARNING: Side effects may include increased focus, enhanced creativity, and spontaneous 'aha!' moments.
Hunter Canning (He/They)
Hunter Canning is a New York based performer, public speaker and events moderator. They are also the founders of Quill Life, an AI-powered storytelling strategy platform. A conscience citizen of the world, their ethos is bringing people together through all the facets of life. Be it producing live performance or creating corporate recruitment content; Hunter has a passion for bringing people together to foster growth, kindness and a true understanding of each other.
Empowering Inclusive Workplaces: The Role of Intersectional ERGs
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) play a vital role in fostering an inclusive environment in the workplace. Groups supporting diversity and inclusion, women’s networks, LGBTQIA+ advocacy, multicultural or ethnic groups, parenting networks, and mental health initiatives contribute to a thriving community. Among these, resources and support for employees with disabilities are especially important. Since the disability community spans across all demographics, it is crucial to harness intersectionality within ERGs so that diverse perspectives can be heard. Plus, according to a study by the National Organization on Disability, inclusive practices can increase employee engagement by 30%. Join PowerToFly’s Lex Keaton as they highlight the need for ERGs to support diverse identities, enhancing innovation and overall company culture.
Lex Keaton (They/Them)
Part of the New Business Sales team at PowerToFly, Lex works with companies that care to attract, hire, and retain underrepresented talent while harnessing intersectionality. Before joining PowerToFly, Lex worked within the eCommerce industry and started their DEIB journey at birth but has 13 years of DEIB-related work under their belt.Lex was diagnosed with Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) at birth through a genetic mutation. OI is a genetic or heritable disease in which bones fracture (break) easily, often with no apparent cause or minimal injury. As a disabled queer living in the southern states of the United States, Lex is fully aware of the lack of opportunities for their communities to thrive, so they advocate for remote work and its benefits.Lex lives with their partner of almost eight years with their two dogs and two cats and has various specialist interests ranging from quantum theory to Taylor Swift's Era Tour Surprises.