ROUGHLY EDITED COPY

2017 USBLN20TH ANNUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE

ORLANDO, FLORIDAAUGUST 19, 2017

RISING LEADERSHIP ACADEMY WELCOME DINNER5:30 P.M. ET

Services Provided By:Caption First, Inc.P.O. Box 3066Monument, CO 801321 877 825 5234www.captionfirst.com

***This text is being provided in a rough draft Format.  Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) or captioning are provided in order to facilitate communication accessibility and may not be a totally verbatim record of the proceedings.

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>> KERI GRAY: Hello. Welcome everyone. Everyone, my name is Keri Gray. There's a lot of conversation going. So excited to see this many people, but I want to make the announcement that we have opened the doors, so please continue to meet, use the networking as a tool to meet everyone. So as you make your way inside and find a seat for the welcome dinner. Thanks everyone.

>> KERI GRAY: Welcome everybody. How are you all doing today? Okay? Kind of, sort of? A little tired? Hopefully you're excited for this experience. My name is Keri Gray. I've been in correspondence with a lot of you over the past couple months preparing for this experience. It's going to be worth it, going to be amazing and you're going to have a great time. If for some reason you aren't, hit me up, holler and me and we'll do something about that. I'm excited to welcome each of you to the welcome dinner for the Rising Leadership Academy which is our first session, our dinner for the Rising Leadership Academy/annual conference. I'm going to start by giving a couple of brief -- of what to expect today. Then I'm excited to introduce our sponsors today. We have representation from Lockheed Martin here, and we have representation also from EY. Then soon we'll go ahead and break for food. Then we'll come for the rest of the program today. So that's a little bit of what to expect for today. Before I do that, though, I'm very excited to also introduce another team member of hours, Ms. Lynn Symone.

[ Applause ]

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>> LYNN SYMONE: Thank you, Keri. It's very exciting to see everybody. We've waited a long time to do this, haven't we? We're pleased everyone has made it in. Keri asked me to talk about myself a little bit. I could go on for a long time but that's going to be boring. I'll share a little bit. You am a wife and I am a mother and a G-ma. Anybody with a grandchild knows I'm G-ma. I had a long career in human resources. The last employer I worked for is Walgreens. If you're familiar with Walgreens and their disability initiative for many years, that's kind of where I got hooked. A couple of years ago a friend of mine, Leslie Wilson invited me to join the Going for the Gold team. I was at the conference last year. This is my second year at a conference, and it's thrilling. It's exciting. Last fall Jill Houghton invited me to come work with Keri. You will tell you, this person right here has put her heart and soul into this whole event. You am very excited to work with her. She is an inspiring person. Please make sure you tell her thank you.

You had a long time in human resources, and I'm at that downside of the curve. You wanted to say to everyone, it's important to remember that your life will take you on twists and turns, but don't forget to take an opportunity. There there's an opportunity you're looking at, go for it. To tie into the eclipse, don't forget to look up, okay? Thank you.

>> KERI GRAY: All right. I hope you now how amazing the USBLN team is. Lynn Symone has been with me the entire way in process. She's absolutely amazing. Definitely make sure you spend time with her and other folks throughout the academy.

Now I'm excited to introduce Marina Williams. She's responsible for Lockheed Martin corporation's EOP, affirmative action program of mission and strategy, interpreting, developing and implementing affirmative action initiatives. Marina joined as director of of programs leading the D&I program as well as EEO efforts across the business. Prior to joining Lockheed Martin, Marina served as with hear corporation where she was responsible for implementing and developing the company's strategy. She spent three years as an instructor with Cornell's diversity's management programs. She has an MBA from Michigan State University and a BA from Hampton university. She's also a 6 Sigma black belt. Okay, and has held certification as advanced practitioner in diversity management through Cornell University. So welcome. Thank you.

[ Applause ]>> Keri, where did you get that from? Thank you so much for

that beautiful introduction. Itches told I could speak from the heart. My team told me, you better write something down or we'll be there all night. Again, thank you so much for the privilege to be here tonight with each of you. Lockheed Martin has had a long

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partnership with USBLN. They have mentored us, guided us, supported us on our journey of diversity inclusion. The opportunity to be able to sponsor and increase our engagement with the rising leader academy is phenomenal. Let me tell you how important I realize tonight, this rising leader academy is. I'm walking over from the other hotel, and I don't know where I'm going. I have no idea. Can't figure it out. Who do I run into but Alyssa, another rising leader academy participant, and she got me here because I was not going to make it here on my own. I think that's just -- she was lovely, engaging, had a wonderful conversation. She talked to me about -- she talked to me about the academy and her engagement in the academy, and I just think this is important for all of us. We've got a number of folks from our Lockheed Martin team. We have a number of mentors with Lockheed Martin who said nothing but wonderful things about the opportunities to work with USBLN and the USBLN program. So now we get to be here, live and in person, meeting you all face to face. I want to thank you for the privilege to allow us to engage and partner with you. Thank you.

[ Applause ]>> KERI GRAY: So are you all feeling good? Are you feeling

okay in here? I wasn't sure. It's a little low energy. That's okay. So we do have one person person who will be here a little later. In the meantime, I wanted to tell you a little bit about myself. And then we will get into dinner for today. We'll break for food, and when we break for food, I want you obviously to eat, but also feel free to mingle. Feel free to continue to work your way around and figure out who all is here in the Rising Leadership Academy, also feel free to come to the front and meet some of the folks from Lockheed. I'm going to also ask the folks who are part of our advisory council, if you could raise your hand real quick? Folks on the rising leaders advisory council. Also, folks here representing as Rising Leaders Alum, if you could also raise your hand. I know that's not the most accessible thing to do. We'll also make sure to make those connections. I just want you to recognize those people in the room because they've been here before, they've experienced the conference before, also our mentoring program. These are people that you can go to and ask questions about your experience.

Just to tell you a little bit about myself, so I went to school in Texas. I was raised in Texas. I went to school called Abilene Christian university and studied political science and communications. In my masters program I studied communication. I learned that in school that school is hard, and the college experience is challenging for many reasons, right? You're challenged at school not only academically, but college is a time where you're trying to figure out who I am as a person, what do I

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represent, and how am I going to translate this beyond school? I found out when I was in college that I was challenged not only academically, but personally, relationship-wise, spiritually. Every aspect and component in your life, college is a period where you start to question and build and develop those characteristics about yourself. I also learned in that process that I oftentimes didn't have many people to turn to, at least me personally. I had obviously family who loved me, but typically it was me and my friends talking about what we didn't know about. We would be on the phone, like, so how much money do you think we should ask for this job? Like we've ever been employed. We're talking to each other about, you know, I have to go to class, but I'm about to break up with my boyfriend. That's who you go to, and that's always great. That's amazing. Sometimes we needed more than each other to figure out the next steps. Sometimes we wished we had more access to mentors, more access to conversations about what does it mean to develop an interest and a job description. So I'm very passionate about ensuring your transition from school to work is fulfilled to make sure you have the resources and connections to people that understand these challenging questions that we're dealing with. How do we figure out those next steps and how do we get our foot in the door. I began developing programs. A big thing you'll learn about me as I continue to work with programs in the USBLN is everything I do comes from an intersectionality background. So that means for me personally is that I identify as a black woman who is also disabled. That means something to me. So I acknowledge and embrace the fact that I'm a young professional, but I'm the director of a program. That means that I can talk and relate to people on a way in which you understand what it means to transition in phase. I also embrace the idea that I'm a black woman. There's things, who is this girl with the head wrap? The next day my hair going to look different and the next thing my hair is going to look different. You'll see these things and I acknowledge it and embrace it in my work. The same thing about being a woman and being disabled. There's certain characteristics that not everyone understands. My personal journey, I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma when I was 8 years old and I had an amputation on my right leg. So I have a prosthetic limb. I also have hearing loss and a couple of other things. You learn that being a person with a disability, mostly on the physical side, you grow up -- at least I grew up very much hiding it. I was a person that, when someone asked me what's wrong with your leg. They would be like, you sprained your ankle? I'd be like, yeah, keep it moving. Just because it was easier for me to blend in with the crowd. It wasn't until I was in college later in life and I was in a room like this, I was in a room filled with people with all different types of disabilities who

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were amazing, who were doing some really, really great work and great things, who had some very high aspirations and wanted to just be successful. I was like, that's exactly what I want to do. When I saw that, I saw power in it. I saw power in community. And I knew that not only at that point I had to embrace my disability as something that was beautiful, that was unique, but something that could be beneficial to the organizations or the companies I worked with. My mindset and my thinking is different. In my work, I go throughout the process of acknowledging what are the intersections of your identity, how do you identify as a person and how do these identities shape unique perspective, not only form you, but they can be beneficial to the people and the places that you work with. So we're going to do a little bit of that this week, regardless of, if you're a traditional student, non-traditional student, if you have a visible disability, invisible disability, who are you and how can you pitch that to people and how can that be beneficial to the companies you network with throughout the week. That's a little context. I'm excited for all of you to be here today. We will definitely be talking more. But in the meantime, I just want to check and see, is everything good for dinner or do we need to give it a few minutes? Good? All right. So with that I invite folks to go ahead and start lining up, and please be assistive to folks who are in the audience with you and we're going to break for a minute for food and we will go ahead and get back started soon. Thanks, everyone.

[ Applause ]>> KERI GRAY: All right everyone. I'm glad everyone has been

able to get settled in, meet the people you'll be with throughout the week. It's going to be a real exciting week. We have some more very special guests for you to meet today. Continue to grab food and eat throughout the time. That's perfectly okay. We're going to continue with the rest of our program I'm excited to introduce with you our second sponsor for the welcome dinner tonight which is EY. We have a representative here from EY. I'm going to introduce him. We have with him Sean Baker. I am going to ask folks to quiet down a little bit. Feel free to eat while we talk, but we are going to continue. Sean Baker has been with EY for eight years. He most recently was an audit manager and worked for six other public offerings and public and private companies. Prior to EY he received a masters of accounting from UNC CH and is a licensed CPA. Sean has a passion for recruiting and diversity. This has led Sean to his current role as the inclusive recruiting consultant. He recruits across the country on how to attract the best and most diverse mix of talent. He lives in Michigan with his family. We are very excited to welcome Sean with us today.

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[ Applause ]>> SEAN BAKER: First thing I want to say is, if you want

dessert, get up and get it. Love coming to this conference every year. There's so many great students that are here. You all are absolutely picked from a list of a lot of students that wanted to be here. The one thing I wanted to say to you guys is take the most of this opportunity. There are going to be a lot of different people, a lot of different recruiters walking around, a lot of different companies walking around. If you don't have a job or an offer or anything else that's coming up, spend some time, network, get to know people. Even if an interview doesn't come out or an interview doesn't come out of this conference, what will come out of this conference is an increased confidence, increased ability, increased opportunity, increased network that will benefit you down the road. Honestly there's going to be a lot of EY people walking around. Any time you see somebody with an EY shirt on, go and say hi, tell them you know me and strike up a conversation. Ask people about their careers, about their experiences. There's going to be a lot of people here starting on Monday. You guys get a fresh start. You're going to know how to get around the hotel. You'll know where everything is. When people look lost, just say, do you need help? Another great way to connect. I'm really excited to be here. I see a lot of faces I recognize whether it be from the conference last year or the COSD conference. Come up and say hi. I'd love to catch up and see how you're doing. If you have any interest in EY, also swing by and I'll be at the conference through Wednesday. Have a good one. Enjoy the rest of the evening and enjoy the rest of the conference.

[ Applause ]>> KERI GRAY: All right. So I want to very intentionally

once again thank our sponsors. Thank you to Lockheed Martin. Thank you to EY, not only for helping sponsor, but you all showed up, you interacted, you ate food with us, we ate a meal together and talked to the people. I think that says something not just about your company and yourselves, but something about the people that we work with and the journey that we're going on together. I want to intentionally thank you again for being a part of this process and meeting with everyone.

I'm also very, very excited for the next section of the agenda. I'm going to introduce you all to a very wonderful, amazing individual. You all are going to be talking with, meeting and having a dialogue with the president and CEO of the USBLN, Jill Houghton. Jill is not only my boss, but she really has a vision for what it means to be inclusive in the workplace. Not only does she have the vision, but she has a strategy in incorporating that throughout our organization. This is possible,

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all these people, because of her leadership. She's going to tell you a lot more about herself, but I want to let you know how amazing it is to work under her leadership and for her supporting vision of rising leader. I'm excited because we have the president and CEO, Ms. Jill Houghton.

[ Applause ]>> JILL HOUGHTON: I'm more excited because I'm just a member

of the team. This woman right here who makes all this magic happen. So Keri Gray is a very humble, passionate, awesome leader who recently was promoted to being the director of our rising leader initiatives because she's so awesome.

[ Applause ]>> JILL HOUGHTON: A good leader surrounds themselves by

people that are smarter than they are, and I have the privilege of working with Keri, Liz -- where did she go? There she is, Liz Taub, our executive vice president. Lynn Symone. Many of you have said, who is Lynn? Lynn is right here to my right in the front here. Thank you Lynn, who is an important member of the Rising Leadership team as well as our Going for the Gold team that you'll learn about throughout the conference. In the back who is sitting hugging the wall, but you've seen her around and probably interacted with her, Maggie Roffey, the director of corporate relations, Maggie is magic. She's been part of our movement, the business leadership movement since we began. Maggie's husband Larry -- where is Larry -- is taking our pictures. Larry Roffee. We are a family and we are privileged and honored to have you join our family. You are the class of 2017. That's a big deal because you had to apply and be selected, and it is an honor to meet you, and it is an honor that you applied and are part of this effort. We were at an event recently, Liz, Keri and I, and Maggie, and we had some people who'd applied and they weren't selected. They said, how do we get in? So I just want you to know that just because you apply doesn't mean you get selected. You were selected for a reason. We are honored that you're here.

Also in our midst, if you are an alumni -- let's see -- can you raise your hand or clap your hand. You're surrounded by -- to my left there's two tables. In front of me two tables, over here two tables, over here -- hey, Eric Jenkins. We go way back. We've got alumni that go way back and have come back. There was an alumni over here, John, who said, I'm going to be coming back as long as you'll have me. So my point is, we're a family and we pay it forward for each other. So the goal is that you come and that you experience and that you interact and that you take advantage of this experience, this once-in-a-lifetime experience and that you turn around and you stay in this family and that you pay it forward for the next person.

All right. A little bit about me, for those of you who don't

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know me. I grew up in the middle of nowhere. Liz is going, oh, my God, here she goes. She's going to kill me. I grew up in a little town in Kansas where people honk to say hello, not get out of my way, called Pittsburg, not Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It's the other Pittsburgh. The one without an H, you're right.

I have a learning disability. What did that mean? That meant that I went to the special class back then and sat at the little table and was embarrassed and didn't do so well on tests, and somehow or another I have really cool parents who helped me help myself. When I went to college, we had -- my first -- I think it was biology. How could I forget biology? I took biology and my first test I had like an F, and it was traumatic, because I did everything I was supposed to do. I went to every class. I sat on the front row. I asked questions. I was in it to win it. I got an F. And I studied. Then, you know, we went back to the drawing board. Okay, so what do I have to do? I've got to go to my teacher -- this is before you request accommodation, because I'm old, guys. I went and I took the test in an untimed environment in the teacher's office, and then I started figuring out what kind of classes could I take where I didn't have to take a test. When I got good grades in algebra or something, my dad would say, were you cheating? I would say no, dad, people were copying off of me. I got it figured out.

Fast forward, I wanted to be a lawyer, took the LSAT, bombed. I went to the drawing board with my parents, had the family convention, right? Sit down, let's face the music. You've got a learning disability and you did horrible on the LSAT. Okay. So what do we want to do? Plan A was, let's go to Washington, D.C. because I loved politics and I was involved in homeless issues and all this, and find an issue I could get passionate about. Remember, I'm from Kansas, and it was during the Americans with Disabilities Act. My senator was who?

>> Bob Dole. >> Bob Dole was my senator. I went as a peon in his office

and worked, and had the opportunity to work on disability issues. I thought it was really like -- I was in it. I loved it. I loved the politics. But I've got to tell you, so then I like followed a boyfriend, a college boyfriend, did what I wasn't supposed to do. Moved to Indianapolis. I moved to Indianapolis, and it's not D.C. and it's not working on the ADA, right? I still didn't know I had this bug in me. I went there, and my dad on the phone, and my mom, were saying, you have to network. I was like network? What are you talking about, network? I'm in Indianapolis. I know no one. I know my boyfriend. We live in an apartment and I know nobody. I say hi to my neighbors. They're like, you have to network, network, network. This is not Pittsburg Kansas, hello. I don't know people. They said you've got to go out and get

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involved. I was like, okay. I found a volunteer job at a domestic women's shelter and took the calls at night. The director of the organization took an interest in me. Thus, I started networking. She took an interest in me -- and I forgot to turn off my phone. She took an interest in me and she said, I think you need to go to this organization called noble centers and apply for a job. I went there, and they served people with developmental disabilities. They offered me a job and I was so excited and I called my parents. I said, they offered me a job. We went through all the details. My dad was like, you can work at McDonald's and make more money than that. That meets your goal? I went back and said thank you but don't thank you. They said, wait, don't leave, we've got another opportunity for you. It was in employment. I started working with this young woman named Erica, and when I saw what employment meant to her, when I saw her get a job at Walker's Cleaners, it's not what I went to school to do. I didn't set out to work at this. I had never even owned my disability.

Now, fast forward, I have always worked in the disability space and always worked in employment. And along the way I married a man with a spinal cord injury, so we're both in it. I was born into it and he encountered it along the way. Everybody has a story. You each have a story. The moral to my story is that you've got to network, and you're here at this place where there are companies, Lockheed Martin, EY and where others who want to know you, who want to interview you, who want to talk to you. They're looking for talent, right? They're looking for talent. You know what? We are a family, and we're a network. Guess what? They're competitive. So it's so cool because Keri -- I keep seeing these e-mails coming in of this company has got 37 people that they're interviewing and this company's got 40. They're competing. They want to win the talent.

>> So I want you to network. I also want you to network with our team, I want you to use Keri, use me, use Liz, use Lynn. I didn't call out Becky. She volunteered and came to help us. Use Becky, use Larry, use Maggie, use Christine. We are here to help you Last year Brian, John at this dinner, they introduced themselves to me, and Brian said, I'm interested in diversity and inclusion. I don't know said -- John said I want to be an actuary. They told me who their targets were. So we worked it, right? We worked it. Every time they were around me, I would be like, okay, wait, I want to take you to meet this company, take you to meet this company. IF you're uncomfortable networking, another way to use it is use USBLN team members or use alumni like Taylor. She is the queen networker.

>> Happy to help whenever I can. >> So use us and keep in contact whenever you can. Brian

starts at Microsoft next Monday. After the academy last year,

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I'll never forget it. She said I graduated from Gallaudet University and came to the Rising Leadership Academy. I never had a job in my life. I was hired by CVS Health as a pharmacy technician and she said I'm starting on October 24th. Now she's been at CVS Health, but the story doesn't end there because she e-mailed me two days ago -- three days ago, and she gave me a list, and she told me what her goal is and who she's targeting, and I got her on my mind. We want to have all of you on our mind. So use us, keep in contact with us and network and take full advantage of this experience. I want to hear before I turn it over to Liz, you're the rising leading class of --

>> 2017. >> I want to hear better. You're the rising leader class of? >> 2017. >> You got it going on, man. You've got to sing. You've got

to take full advantage of this opportunity. You have doubled in size this year. These companies are coming to meet you, so bring it. Are you in it? Are you going to bring it?

>> Yes. >> Now I'm going to turn it over to someone who is much more

eloquent than me. And she tells me I get too excited. Her name is Liz Taub. Liz is our executive vice president, and I got to tell you, how did Liz get here? Because she was networking. You think I know how to network, man, she makes me look like a rookie. So Liz Taub.

>> LIZ TAUB: Thanks, Jill. I guess there's no pressure. I want to start by thanking our sponsors for tonight. I see Marina and Brooke in the room as well as Sean. Thank you very much. Major shout-out to Keri who has really made all this magic happen, is just an amazing colleague, friend and human being. So I'm so grateful to work with you. I'm making her cry. You can't see, but I'm making her cry.

My goal tonight is to share with you what my experience was and is in an open and vulnerable way, and I encourage questions. Please introduce yourself to me. I really want to meet each and every one of you. It's not always easy to be up in front of a room like this and really share openly, but that's my goal.

When it came time for me to figure out what I wanted to do, wanted to be a lawyer. I was very verbal from a young age, studied really hard, got straight A's and that is where I was going. When it came down to the finances I realized that what I really wanted to do was help people. That's where I felt best, where I felt most myself. I I did the numbers of what it looked like to help people after law school and the numbers don't look good. I would have incurred massive debt, I got married at a young age and I not ready to take that on. So I decided I would be a social worker. I I went through social work school again,

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studying very hard, getting straight A's, making myself nuts which is another one of my qualities, it's time for social work placement. So you have some hours out in the community where you're learning this hands-on experience. Before you go into these placement hours, the professors, the deans say where do you see yourself? What population do you want to work with? And my response was any population except for people with disabilities, any of them. I grew up in a family with many people with disabilities. It had a large affect on me. Some of you know my sister, Raquel who was an intern this summer at the National Council for Independent Living. She's awesome. I hope you'll have a chance to meet her. She basically has no use of her arms. I'm not going to get into further detail. We're sisters, and we used to go out and have lunch. The waiter used to ask me what she wants. That was just such a tiny everyday experience. Then there was the other side of it where people would say what's wrong with your sister? I I would explain what is her condition, what are all of the surrounding details of that, she was born this way. And they would tell me, but she can walk, right? Big smile. Yeah, she can walk, but she's a teenager and she can't use her arms. So go figure out how you're going to get up, eat breakfast, go use the restroom, get dressed and get out on the bus with no arms. She can walk, right? So I encountered a lot of mixed messages. I had a hard time honestly dealing with all of it. So I wound up -- I'm not Christian, and I wound up in a church basement serving the homeless. Happy, thrilled, I was not encountering people with disabilities. I actually had a wonderful experience at the homeless outreach center. I had an amazing mentor, I learned a lot. During the semester, it was a very strange unregulated entity. We had no security. During the semester someone with significant mental health issues came in and there was a bit of a violent attack. My school said -- I I said I'm staying, I have clients, I have relationships here. They said basically you're out, we don't want a lawsuit. I'm in the middle of my sister waiting to get my degree so I can get a job and earn money. The dean calls me into her office and says, Liz, obviously this is the middle of the semester, you don't have a lot of options here -- can you see the screen better now? Great. Thank you. But there's one place that will take you in the middle of the semester and that is the center for special needs in Manhattan. So I try not to cry because that was literally the only population I didn't want to work with. But I have to get my degree and suck it up and move on. I began working on employment issues at the Center for Special Needs. I noticed a lot of things that quite honestly I didn't like. The program was designed in my mind as a separate but equal type of program. I'm sure we've all seen something like that where it's people with disabilities

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employed throughout the program, but let's call them fellows. Let's have a fellow meeting, let's not communicate -- let's not teach people how to communicate with their boss. Let's go in and act like everyone needs an advocate at all points. There were a lot of things about it that didn't feel right and didn't feel like real inclusion. So while I was at the center for special needs, I went to a conference on autism. That's where I heard the senior vice president of distribution and logistics from Walgreens speak about Walgreens' initiative to employ people with disabilities. Their model, although flawed, their model was and is same pay -- same rate, same pay, side by side. I thought, wow, this actually makes sense. If any of you have heard Randy Lewis speak, he is larger than life, a wonderful human being, and I had to find a way to work for this man. Now, this man reported to the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, so this is not an easy person to get to. But the New Yorker in me came out, so I pushed my way forward. I went up to him and said I'll pay you to work for you. He laughed and said, what's your deal, who are you? So I introduced myself. I give my elevator pitch and he says, send me an e-mail following this conference. I call my husband and said you're never going to believe what I did, I'm so nuts. He said you are nuts, but you need to follow up with this person because you're fired up. So I followed up with him. I'll never forget the e-mail, someone in the audience had asked him, what can we do to get more employers to hire people with disabilities? And he said, make it hard for the employer to say no. So I said, we met at this and this event, and you said make it hard for the employer to say no. Well, this is me taking your advice. I will work for you for free this summer blah, blah, blah, blah. Anyway, my dream came true and I actually was hired -- I worked for a corporation for free which is totally illegal, so don't tell. Seriously don't tell, but it was worth it because the day after graduation when the economy was in the you-know-whatter, I started with a full-time position and started the day after I graduated from NYU which leads me to I met Jill in our Walgreens circles and I knew they relied heavily on USBLN on its mission, to spread what's working. I always really liked Jill. I went to her and said, hey, can you write me a reference letter for a different job? I'm telling you, I was dying to work for this place. It was a newer entity. I so excited. It was in New York and I was all fired up. The place is a total disaster. I I would have no way to know that, but Jill said come work for me. I thought about it and thought about how actually the most meaningful thing I did at Walgreens was bring other companies in because one company can only hire so many people. Bring other companies in and show them what we're doing. And now I'm lucky in I get to work for somebody who is basically my best friend in the whole world. Yeah, and

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this whole B to B thing -- for me really, my goal is to take what was done in Walgreens, what was done in the distribution centers, in the retail stores and say, hey, that's great, but where are the C suite level employees with disabilities because we know they're out there? That's you in this room. That will be you. So along the way I learned a few things that I jotted down so that I would appear prepared. So I challenge you to embrace the unexpected. I didn't go to school for this. I never thought I would work for a non-profit to own and tell your story. So many -- study after study shows people remember stories and not statistics. If you want help crafting what your story looks like, anyone on the USBLN team will be more than thrilled to help. Find a mentor or find multiple mentors. They're really invaluable.

This is the fourth one I kind of stuck in, something I learned time and time again, and that is make a good impression on people no matter how high or low they are in this world, in a company, in an organization because tides shift. People get promoted. People get demoted and pushed out. A good impression and being kind and authentic always lasts. So thank you.

[ Applause ]>> KERI GRAY: Do you all have time for a couple questions

from the students, Jill and Liz? Great. I want to afford an opportunity if anyone has a couple questions to ask. I wanted to follow up and genuinely say no only how amazing it is to work for them but how much they do believe in you all. This process of applying for the rising leadership academy and getting accepted I know I talked to people who are a little nervous, so much going on, so many different people. Truly this team wants you to win, every single one of us I want to highlight one thing about working with Jill and Liz, you all are going to get to know me over the week, and the only way I try to be as real as possible -- I probably say things I shouldn't always say, but I'm 26 years old, and I know in professional settings you don't always share your age. But I know I'm an amazing individual at 26 years old. I work for a boss, Jill, who decided at 26 years old, this woman needs to be the director of our program. There aren't many people who would even consider this. Trying not to get emotional. I wanted to say that to say this is an organization that cares about rising leaders, that cares about where you are. I don't want that to be exclusive to age. Regardless of where you are, this is an organization that cares about your success and not just at an entry level, but they want you to really grow and promote. So when they talk about and say utilize us at your network, they mean that and they've shown it. The same thing with Liz. We talk every week. I love talking to these people because they're very real, authentic and going to be honest with you. They're going to tell you if this is working well, if this is not

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working well, how things can be better. I want to emphasize how amazing it is. With that I want to see if anyone has questions for Jill and Liz.

>> You stay here. We have a couple of mic runners. >> Sorry I don't know your name. >> Purple is fine. My name is Jesse Trinity. I'm a rising

leader like many of you here. Liz, you mentioned finding a mentor. I know this program has found all of us and given us mentors. We have a program at my university, University of Florida, we also have a mentorship program. Outside of programs like that, what would you recommend people do to find mentors in their lives and look for the people who can help them grow outside of this program?

>> Great question. Thank you. I think about it even for myself when I meet someone and really like them and feel this connection, do I propose to them and say will you be my mentor? What happens here? I think the first thing that happens is you know when you want the person to be your mentor, and that gut reaction that Jill has taught me so well, doesn't lie. I encourage an organic relationship to build. I think also networking, obviously network, network, really helps to find these individuals, keeping in touch, remembering different details about someone, following up. Following up is really important. I don't know, Jill, if you have anything to add.

>> JILL HOUGHTON: I'm looking at sponsors and wondering if you want to weigh in, Marina or Sean or Brooke?

>> I think Liz brings up a great point. You don't get what you don't ask for and nothing beats a failure but a try, so ask. Before you ask, know what it is you're looking for. With any mentoring relationship, how are you assessing your needs so you can ask and articulate what the expectation is. You want to start on the right foot with transparency and honesty. You need to be courageous enough to ask the question, but to accept if the person declines, right? That might happen. Sometimes that's a good thing because maybe they're not doing it because they don't have the time or they don't feel prepared, and that's an opportunity for you to seek another mentor. Again, understand first what it is you're looking for from the individual and don't be afraid -- build up that courage to ask for that mentoring opportunity.

>> I love that you mention that. There's been a couple times in my life where somebody said no, straight outright. It led to something much better. No is not the end, no is just the next step. The other thing I would say, too -- I don't know if you're going to cover this, we talk about a concept called personal board of directors. Every company has a board of directors. You want a board of directors for you, too. It may not just be one

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mentor or two mentors, it may be multiple people that fit into different parts of your life. I'm married. We have a marriage mentorship. Another older couple we spend time with. We have a mentorship through my job. My boss is a great mentor of mine. Someone that's even way further than where my boss is at, I also see as a mentor in a different setting. There's different parts of your life. Everybody has their own story. Mentors can come from different areas, and don't worry about the no.

>> I understand you went into disability and enjoy what you do now, but did you ever reconcile how you felt about the things you had to deal with with your sister?

>> That's a great question. I'll say yes and no -- >> [ Off mic ]. >> No one likes me today. Can you leave the room, Liz? I'll

say that the wins and the losses I think feel even stronger now. So I've taken what could be presented as anger or even grief and turned it really into action. You're that action. This is why I do what I do. I also believe when something takes you to much, it takes a lifetime to get around it. I'll never come to terms with why she was born that way and I was born this way. Again, that's very personal. I don't know that I'll ever come to terms with that and what comes with that. All I know is that, you know, we're sisters, we love each other. We're sisters, and we fight. That's what sisters do, but I think the most important thing in a sister relationship, when one has a disability, is just to be like any other sisters if that helps.

>> This is a question for Liz -- my name is Ernesto Chacone. This is going to be a similar question. When you were given the job offer and you were a little pessimistic about working with disabilities, what made you change your mind on actually helping people with disabilities?

>> LIZ TAUB: I love that question, thank you. The thing I loved was going in and helping and realizing how much more they knew than how much credit they were getting. It was both unfire eighting and kind of fun. When someone expects you not to be intelligent or not be able to do certain things, either you won't or you'll pretend you don't. Honestly I had the time of my life in that job because sitting one-on-one with people who were struggling and hearing what's happening for them on the inner most deepest levels was something I'll never forget and something that got me to just want to help however I can.

>> All right. Thank you. >> One more question. >> So this could go for both of you. How did you all let go

of the ideal job you had in mind to work for what you do now? Or was it even hard?

>> JILL HOUGHTON: I just knew I was going to be a lawyer. I

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just knew it. When I helped Erica get a job and I saw what employment meant, I knew why I existed. I didn't question it and I have followed that path. Honestly, because of networking, I've never applied for a job. I've worked in Indiana and Kansas City and Colorado and Seattle California and Florida and D.C. People have been seeking me out along the way. I know why I exist.

>> LIZ TAUB: For me it was a little different. When I was struggling with the ideal job of envisioning myself for so long as a lawyer, I remember really clearly many years ago at this point sitting in therapy and saying -- I can't believe I'm sharing this -- say ing I can't be a social worker, if I'm sitting at a table with friends and colleagues and say I'm a social worker, no one is going to respect me or think I'm smart. Letting go of that -- real stupidity, not thinking about what's going to make me happy or what's going to make me able to earn a living and support a family, that's what's really important is letting go of the stupidity. What is it that's your dream job? Is it really working for that company? Or is it having a boss who values me, having colleagues who treat me with respect? What is it that's really important when all the noise goes away?

>> Thank you. >> My name is Ryan Doyle. Jill, I thought of a question when

you were speaking about your education. I think this can apply to a lot of us in attendance. Personally, a quick story on my behalf, I transferred majors at the last second, currently working on bringing my GPA up right now. My question is for everybody in attendance and the panel -- thank you for coming, by the way, I appreciate it. Do you consider the GPA more than the networking, or is it equally --

>> JILL HOUGHTON: I'm going to take it right to our sponsors.

>> We should talk. It's a mix of everything, right? By all means a GPA, it is a number, it's still something that sticks with you. At the same time there's ways -- there's so many students. I was a first generation college student, too, go in and have trouble to start with, have a semester where something happened. I know this story a lot, something happened in individual's particular stories, even a year, couple years. I had a story, somebody was in a major they didn't want to be in. Their parents said, hey, you should be a doctor. They didn't want to be a doctor, they wanted to be an accountant. I don't know why they wanted to be an accountant. I'm an accountant. They had this other thing they wanted to be. They didn't put the effort into the other program, maybe they put in the effort but it was just a challenge. Then they came back and nailed it in accounting. My best suggestion is nail it in what you're doing right now, do your best in what you're doing right now. Absolutely the

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networking is going to help. Having other skill sets that you can showcase -- maybe you killed it in the job you were working at. That's going to be important, too, or internship. I worked as a grocery store. Sounds like some people are working at Walmart and other jobs, too. Take that really seriously because that's still going to help you get that next role.

>> I want to give a quick shout-out at Reid, she helped me at temple. I realized my capabilities at the right time and made the switch.

>> Absolutely. >> I would like to add on to that answer and say you don't

have to let your GPA define you. That's where the networking comes in. You are more, each and every one of you, is more than your GPA. Folks who do hiring, corporations -- whoever they are. We have to shift our paradigm and remember, again, that GPA does not define the candidate who sits across from us. What else do they do, what else do they bring to the table? Quite honestly, everybody talks this inclusion, inclusion. Inclusion is the utilization of the full scope of skills, talents and abilities that we have access to. Believe you me, that's more than a GPA. Each of your has to shift your mindset as well, and don't allow yourself -- don't put yourselves in that box and look for the other opportunities and allow that networking to help you.

[ Applause ]>> KERI GRAY: I want to thank Jill and Liz again for

speaking with us today. Do you have any closing remarks you want to add?

>> I just want to say, when you think about your USBLN family, know Marina and Brooke and Sean are part of that family, important part of the family. So Lockheed Martin and EY, use all of us. Seek them out as much as you seek us out. We're all here to help you.

>> KERI GRAY: Thank you again for that. We're almost done but still have a little more to do. It's about to get interactive. I hope you're ready for that. I'll invite Lynn to join me during this time. We're about to do two more things before you do what you do for the rest of the night. Those two things, one, we're going to talk about what does it mean to network and to meet people while you're here at the conference. What are some tips that we have with you and, yes, we are going to put you on the spot some, and we're going to roll play that out a little bit. I hope you're ready. When we do that, I want to encourage our shy folks to try it, right? We're going to need some people who aren't shy to help out and show how this is going to work. If you are shy, this is your opportunity, right? This is your safe space to practice. If you're nervous about what does it mean to walk up to someone I've never met before -- I see Marina

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over here, looking great, she's got on a fancy tag. You know what I'm saying? I want to meet her. I had a rising leader who said I want to meet Brooke, real talk. This is your opportunity to practice and try it, see what it feels like because we want you to be successful in that. Bear that in mind when I put you on the spot.

>> I'm really shy, guys. I want you to know that. >> KERI GRAY: First we're going to start and we want to give

you some tips on what it means to interact during the conference. A couple things I want to share with you. One, I know a number of you have already e-mailed me and said, Keri, here's some companies I'm interested to work for. That's important, for you to do your research ahead of time and know, if there's already people you want to meet or companies you want to network, that helps you, right? Because it allows you to be strategic. If you're in a room and you find out, so and so is right here and they work for EY, and that's a company I'm really interested in working for. You doing research ahead of time and being strategic about this is what I want to know about you, that's helpful. If you haven't already, make sure you take some time learning a few of the USBLN partners, looking at the agenda and say who is speaking, who do I know is going to be in the room, is going to be really important.

Next, I want to also say practice makes perfect, quote, unquote. We're about to do a little bit of that in just a second, but I want to encourage you, go natural with it. Introduce yourself to someone new and see what that feels like. Ask them questions that can be useful and know this is an opportunity to do that. One more thing I'm going to say, networking entails not only the high-top fancy people. So you're going to meet some people who have some really high level titles, who do some really amazing work, who have a Bio that goes on for days and that's amazing. But you're also going to meet some people who just started out in the company. You're going to meet some people who are midway through. These people are important. Everybody, right? Because you never know who holds an answer to a question that you have. You never know who knows a person that you ideally always wanted to meet. And you never know who someone you're just going to bond with, someone that -- if you're 21 and older, you just want to have a drink with and be like, let's go grab a beer. Literally you'll see this at the conference, people at the bar hanging out. This is what happens. You get to meet people and have a good time. That includes everyone in this room, everyone in this room is either already working for somewhere that's a really nice place or you're going to be someone important. When I was in college, I was like, I know I'm about to be dope. That was a little conceded, but real talk. I knew I was going to be

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somebody. It bothered me when people came into the room and would try to meet anybody else and think Keri is not even important. I'm like, you don't even know what you're missing out on. That's how you should feel about yourself. You should know I'm already an amazing individual, I was selected for this program for a reason, it was a competitive process. On stop of that, I'm going somewhere beyond where I'm already at. These are your colleagues, these are the people -- when you see folks at the conference this week who are interacting with each other, laughing, talking about work, they've known each other for years. They met back in the day. They met in places like this with their colleagues and grew in their careers together. It's meaningful and special when you see the growth that happens over time. Those are a couple key points.

>> And -- there's one thing that -- interacting with a lot of you over the last few weeks, I've recognized something, and this is kind of personal. A lot of times I hear from individuals with disabilities apologizing for the need to use an accommodation. I am hoping that while we are here together this week, you will all gain much more confidence and not need to apologize. There's no need to do that. The idea that you need -- you would prefer to talk with someone else by using an iPhone, that's not a problem. This is the place to do it. This is the place we want you to be comfortable with and learning how to just put it on the table or stand it in the elevator, anyplace you're at, that's what we want you to do. Be able to feel confident. You know how you need to communicate, you know how you need to present yourself. That's who you are. We've heard Jill say it, heard Liz say it. We've heard Keri say it, too. Be who you are, be good about that. Try to remember to not apologize this week. I know I've talked with you about the role playing. Keri touched on that. Also, you know what I did? I stood in front of a mirror an practiced. I did that was I was very young, getting used to being in front of other people, only because I didn't have confidence in myself. It's fine, stand in front of the mirror. Now we've got these fancy iphones. Video yourself and say, that looks like a dork, let's do it again. Do it until you look professional or ask someone else to look at it if you're not confident in your ability to do that. Don't be afraid to practice that. It's really good. Getting used to being in front of people, looking people in the eye, sticking out your hand, making an impression on someone else is what we want you to feel comfortable in doing. I think that's all I can think of, Keri.

>> KERI GRAY: Are you ready to interact with us? [ Applause ]>> KERI GRAY: All right. I'm going to call you on the spot.

Can I get a volunteer who uses -- you're ready. Come on. There we

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go. >> My name is Ernesto C hcone. >> Can I get one more volunteer who is a sign user, uses

ASL. This is going to be the setup. I'm going to have basically me and Ernesto are going to be having a conversation. Ernesto is the CEO of an important company. What's your name?

>> My name is Michael. Last name is Schneider. I've been in touch with you.

>> KERI GRAY: I want to introducer Nesto to Michael because Michael is this amazing student, rising leader, and I think he would be a great fit. So I'm going to take Ernesto over to meet Michael and let's see what happens when that occurs. Lynn, you can be in the wing to help us if necessary. So we're talking -- actually you two are talking if that's okay. So Ernesto, I know you're busy, you know, making money -- I know you're busy making money and the world is great, but I know this student who would be an amazing fit for your company, and I think it's important for you to meet him. Would you be willing to meet him?

>> Absolutely. >> Let's see if we can find him. >> Hi, Michael. >> Hello. Tell me your name. >> My name is Michael. >> Pleasure to meet you Michael. >> Nice to meet you. >> Let me know if I'm blocking accessibility-wise. Ernesto,

Michael is a rising leader and I think he would be a good fit for the company. I'm interested, Michael, if you can tell more about yourself and maybe discuss what your career aspirations are.

>> Okay. I'm a recent graduate of Gallaudet University, double major for government and international studies, and I'm going into the masters program for public administration, so I'm interested in that major and working with a company and possibly as a consultant or counselor to the board.

>> Hey, you're hired. [ Applause ]>> I hope that really does happen. A couple things I want to

point out about this interaction. One, I really appreciate you volunteering, Michael, because I want you to see in person that our community uses all different types of accommodations, right? Michael, I wonder if you feel comfortable to talk about what it feels like to network with an interpreter.

>> Well, it's different. It's different because I'm used to hearing folks and using my voice, but when I have sign language, it's different. Kind of different perspectives on things. It's easier for me to have access, if I don't have my voice I can use sign language or use the interpreter for speak for myself as

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well. >> Appreciate that. Thank you for sharing. I'm going to

keeper Nesto. Michael, thank you for volunteering. Appreciate it. >> Any time. >> I wonder if there's any way to get Marina up here, if she

would be interested. >> I have other team members here, too. >> That's true. That's true. >> Same thing. They're over there having a conversation.

We're talking. The USBLN conference is going good. Everybody is here and exciting, but you really want to meet her. They're in the middle of a conversation, what are you going to do?

>> I wait when it's the right time, when they're not talking, when they stop talking, and I can lightly tap them on the shoulder asking them, I'm very interested and would like to have an interview with you. Something like that.

>> I'm going to point out one thing. I appreciate that. At the USBLN conference, there's going to be about 1,100 people there, over a thousand people, Maggie. Is that right? You might see somebody on Monday, and you never see them again, just because it's that many people. I see Taylor shaking her head, yep, that happens. You might see somebody on Tuesday and they're in the middle of this conversation and you never get an opportunity like this moment. I want to encourage you to be a little bit more -- I don't want to say aggressive, but don't let an opportunity pass you by. Again, this is an uncomfortable situation. Say you see them talking and you don't want this opportunity to pass you by. What do you think you would do?

>> If I was me or like anyone, I would say the best opportunity is wait until this person finishes the conversation, and once this person finishes having this conversation, have the right opportunity to ask them right away before they leave. If they leave, you'll miss the chance to have the opportunity to have this interview with this person that you really want to meet, and it would waste your chance of getting this opportunity, being part of this internship and also this job.

>> KERI GRAY: That's spot on. Kevin and Mike, if you still have the mic. Right before you get that comment, one second. Sorry I know --

>> Just so you know, we're not pretending to have a conversation. We're actually up here having a conversation, just so you know.

>> I'm with Ernesto. They're having this conversation. I'm going to stand probably about right here which is -- they're here. I'm going to say -- I'm so bad, like a foot away. Actually it's probably like three steps away, if I'm going to estimate from their conversation. I'm going to just kind of stand here. As

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I'm standing here, I'm going to kind of look over. They gave me a little nod back, right? When that happened, I got a little bit of acknowledgment. They notice, okay, she's waiting on me. That's one technique I want to point out. If you want to meet somebody, don't be all up in their grill and interrupt their conversation.

>> You're going to get the eye, right? >> When I stood a few feet, I got eye contact. Before I walk

away, this person wants to me me. That's one thing I want to point out. Do you have any comments on that?

>> Keri, that's a great point, to know how to get someone's attention when they're involved in another conversation. Don't hesitate, like Keri said, be able to get on the radar a little bit. If you're doing this kind of stuff, we're going to know either you have to go to the bathroom or trying to get my attention. Someone will stop and give you acknowledgment.

>> Keri, what if I'm blind -- >> KERI GRAY: For our folks -- before I speak this answer, I

want to know if anyone who is low vision/blind can have perspective on this themselves, to give some good tips.

>> Hi, this is Ales ga, I'm a member of the rising leaders advisory council. I have low vision but I don't use a cane. I can find myself but can't usually see faces. I usually mention this when I meet with people. The first thing actually -- I started thinking about this last year when I participated in the conference as a mentee, I didn't have a cane. This time I have an ID cane so everyone knows I don't see well. Just because I practiced some of the things and put some thought after the conference last year to help to network during a conference, then this summer I had a chance to go to an academic plus professional conference in Stockholm, Sweden, in the field I work in in my PhD. It's a global conference called European Bio mass conference. Everybody was there. Most important, the people in the field I want to work in was there, from international organizations, United Nations, world bank, food and agricultural, so the first thing I did was to practice and look at the conference agenda very well, identify the key people I wanted to meet, and then I sent them an e-mail in advance. I said dear la, la, la, I wanted to meet with you. If it's closer to my age and more of a working position, where I want to see myself in five years, let's say, I was tailoring my e-mail according to that. I want to hear about what you're doing. I want to find out what your daily activities are like, if you like it or not. If it's more senior person, I was talking about my career aspirations in a more general setting, and I was asking them for advice. I wanted to get their attention, and I also mentioned at the very beginning of my e-mails that the reason why -- one of the reasons why I'm reaching out to them is I wouldn't be able to recognize

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them during this very crowded conference setting, and that's why -- I made it as a secondary thing. The first aim is you really want to meet with these people. You honestly want to do this. It's not the secondary thing. So it's just enabling yourself with your own means of doing it. So that's why I thought this was secondary and didn't open the paragraph as, hey, I have low vision and here is that. Instead I said, I want to meet with you. The reason I wanted to talk in advance is I really give priority to our meeting, this opportunity, so can you please meet with me at a designated place, just give me five minutes? I sent circumstance e-mails. Five of them got back to me. They were very happy to get such an e-mail and they were so positive. In fact, one of them, food and agricultural organization, five year senior than me said why don't you give me your CV and I can circulate it internally and see if we have any internship positions available for you. He did that, and it was also very -- I also had my cane over there. Eventually it ended up that my CV was circulated there and somebody needed the qualifications that I have, somebody with environmental engineering, business management that also speaks Russian to work in Kazakhstan in food and agricultural organization. This is not official yet, but I'm waiting for a letter that I will be home-based short-term consultantcy position just because I was able to participate in USBLN last year and thought about all these ways of doing the ways that I want them to go in the direction that I wanted.

[ Applause ]>> KERI GRAY: I think we had a comment. Kevin can you run

the mic -- you're good. >> My name is Janeisha Murphy, involved with USBLN for about

four years. I'm also a rising leader, member of the rising leader advisory council. My vision is more limited than Oskul and conferences are a challenge for me because my visual impairment stems off lighting and usually conferences are low lit. So when I first was introduced to the USBLN in the conferences, I was like, how am I going to do this, as far as networking? I'll just share with some of the other low vision students some of the tips that my mentor, Russell Schaeffer, gave me. He told me, so you kind of -- you want to listen, get a feel for who is around you, and you want to initiate it, find the conversation. Find a good time like Keri and the rest of the team suggested. You don't want to miss out an opportunity. You just listen where the conversation is going and just be confident. You might not be able to see the person, but, you know, just insert yourself into the conversation politely, of course. You want to listen to the voice and look in that direction. A lot of people tell me I'm great at making eye contact. It's just because I just listen. I just listen to where the sound is coming from. That helps as well. Kind of pay

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attention. I know they mentioned that personal pace is very important. You don't want to be too close to the person. So just be aware of that. But it's all about being confident and listening and just knowing when to insert yourself into the conversation, trying to find things that you have in common.

An example that my mentor gave me is like -- he's a huge sports fan. I forgot to mention he's totally blind as well. He says that, that's how he gets into the conversation, like, he'll lead with sports. Find something that you're interested in and try to make those connections in that way.

[ Applause ]>> I'm Vicky and I work for Lockheed Martin. I work for

marina Williams. I want to share my perspective because I hate networking. She knows I'm shy. I'll be the one not talking to anyone or sticking close to a co-worker which you'll see me do throughout the conference. I feel for you all, and it would be hard for me to stand next to someone and try to get their attention and smile at them. I would be the one not looking and not looking for attention. These tips are wonderful. One of the tips that has helped me, I try to pair my ELF up with someone. I heard USBLN representatives here say utilize them. I would say, if you're friends with students here, utilize the USBLN people and take them up on their offer to say, hey, can you kind of come with me and introduce -- help me introduce myself, and at least break that ice. That's what I've always personally needed help with. Once you finally get that introduction and get over there, then maybe the other person who is staying there eventually lets you have that private conversation to market yourself and explain what you're looking for. That's one thing that helps me because I know networking is so important, but for me, my shyness kills the networking opportunities. It's not easy. I wanted to share that perspective.

>> We'll do one more comment right here before we move on and get updates for what's happening this week. One more before we move on.

>> You were talking earlier about interrupting people's conversations. For us assign language users, if we don't have interpreters and so forth and if I'm alone, I'm not a good lip reader, so I can't tell if there's a pause in the conversation or not. I don't want to interrupt people in their conversation. In the past this has been very stressful for me. What I did is what you did with Ernesto and Michael, just wait until they make contact with you. What I've done in the past is used my cell phone to type out a text message. When a person makes eye contact with me, I show them my phone and they understand I'm deaf and don't speak. So we text back and forth on the phone to have a conversation. If you don't have an interpreter and use sign

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language, that's a really good way to go, especially if you're not a good lip reader. I've asked people why don't you take lip reading classes and so forth, which I never went through speech therapy growing up I explain I have to talk through text on a phone or talk through a sign language interpreter I do instant messaging and so forth. That's how I would communicate with people on the job, if they were to hire me, that I wouldn't have to have a sign language interpreter all the time and we could communicate using text, written English and so forth.

>> Thank you. This is why there's so much power in this room, right? Your experiences mean something to the people in this room. Being able to say, this is my perspective, these are the things that I've experienced, here is how I've been able to network, how I've been able to have conversations with people. Sharing that is helpful, not only for you but the other people in this room. I appreciate that. I want to do one other interactive example and then we'll get to the conference. Can I get a chair user. While he's making his way up here, I need a few folks. Can I get a group of folks to stand -- you don't have to stand, but right here and kind of block this area off, like a group of folks. Then I need a group of folks to do the same thing right here, right by you Janeis h a. Let Darcy through real quick. To kind of describe what's happening right here -- John, you're perfect. I need you right there if that's cool. To describe what's happening here, we have Darcy -- am I saying that right? He's here in front of me. We have a nice group of people pretty much blocking an entryway to my left. Then we have John Bradford who is a tall, great guy -- I almost said something else. Basically what's happening is this is the scenario, Darcy really wants to meet John. Pretend that's not an entrance. He wants to meet John, but he's at the USBLN award dinner that happens on -- Wednesday? Wednesday night. So we're in a room like this and it's packed jammed with people. You all are chitchatting, you're talking amongst each other and networking. And John is like, all right, so how are you going to get --

>> I recognize the person I want to speak to, I'll call him over. If he can't recognize me, then you have to get assertive, but in a nice way. That's when you go to people, excuse me, if you wouldn't mind.

>> Excuse me, excuse me, excuse me. [ Laughter ]. >> KERI GRAY: Yes! So John, can you come over this way?

Thanks for the folks who blocked. I appreciate that. >> I was going to add quickly. As a chair user, something

I've discovered in my professional capacity is that people tend not to take you seriously. When you come in a room, the bar is immediately lowered. What I have learned -- when I was 20, I was terribly like, oh, no, I don't know what I'm going to do. I need

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to get over there. I'm 31. At this point, they're going to have to move and it's just going to be that way. You don't have to be nasty about it. But yes, they're going to have to move because that's what you're here for.

>> So thank you. I'm not done with you all yet. One second. I wanted to intentionally point that out. There's going to be moments throughout the conference, and throughout life really, where you're trying -- where are you going? Wait. Not yet.

>> Sorry. >> KERI GRAY: No, I need you. There's going to be moments in

the conference and in life where your opportunity is across the way and you see it. Him, her, they. You're like, how am I going to get there? All these people are in the way. I can't quite see where I'm going. Whatever the case may be. How am I going to be able to navigate to that person. That was a great example, I appreciate it. One, you do need to be assertive if possible. It's okay to walk up to folks and say, excuse me, I'm trying to get through here, and work your way to that person. I do want to see if there's one more chair user or someone who has a comment on that.

>> I learned a trick with that. If the person I want to get to is across the room and I'm on one hand, I would tale behind them close enough so they'll break a space to guide me through to the person I want to speak to. That is one of my tidbits. It may not work for everybody. It worked for me from time to time.

>> Appreciate that. What do you know about elevator pitches, speeches?

>> I've had to do my fair share. So an elevator pitch, essentially, if you're in an enclosed space with a person, you have 15 seconds. You give the best version of yourself within 15 seconds. That's it, right?

>> Yes, pretty much. >> John, you're all shy. Again, Darcy wants to meet John.

He's like how do I show John that I'm dope and he should know me. Can you on the fly --

>> Usually can rehearse elevator speeches beforehand. >> John, if you can come over here. You all are talking.

What would you say to him? >> Are you assuming I do or don't know who this person is? >> You don't know him. >> Hi. I noticed you work for Lockheed Martin. >> Yes, I do. >> My name is Darcy Neal here with the rising leadership

program. I'm a master student about to get my masters at university of Maryland in competition and rhetoric. I used to also work for NASA. I know a lot of what you do is a partnership. I don't know if you have any opportunities while we're here at

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the conference, I'd love to talk to you about that further. >> Absolutely. Can you tell me what you do with NASA. >> Public affairs intern, writing, editing, making sure we

didn't make grammatical mistakes for 70,000 employees. It was nice.

>> I would love to have a conversation with you. >> Thank you very much. >> Okay. [ Applause ]>> That, by the way, is many years of practice. It really

is. >> That was on the fly. Darcy, just imagine if you got to

practice that. That's exactly what you're looking for. It doesn't have to be long. You noticed, he said his name first. You want to get your name out there. Don't forget to say who you are. Then your career objective and threw in his experience as well. Those are the key points you're going to make. Question in the back?

>> Whenever -- >> Can you use the mic? It helps with the CART. >> A quick question. When you're introducing yourself to an

employer, do you use your last name, too, or do you want them to just remember you by your first name at the beginning?

>> You need to use your full name, yes. Use your full name, and repeat it if you need to. I think it's a good idea, if I say my name is Lynn Symone, but everybody calls me Toledo red. Not really. So you get the point. Question?

>> [ Off mic ]. >> People who have done interviews before, from my

observation it seems that they mostly are successful when you have conversation outside of the basic interview, express what you want to do or your experience or any of that, carrying out conversation that could help you engage and be more engaged with the person that's doing the interview. How to initiate those conversations. I have had problems initiating conversations rather than just interview questions.

>> If I could, how I got my job for NASA, I on the know they were doing -- it was with the workforce recruitment program. They were doing it at my school, had never heard of it, didn't know what they were doing. Went upstairs, randomly went into this room who worked for NASA. She was looking at my resume. I went and got a copy off the computer. At the time I didn't have any work experience, I hadn't worked for any organization or a job. I was 19. I worked for my mother who owns a modeling agency. She was like, huh, what does clothes have to do with science? She thought it was an interesting thing to put on a resume. Off-the-cuff, I said somebody has to tell Colin Powell what to wear every day. She thought that was funny. We started talking about clothing and

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government attire and how boring the suits in D.C. are. We talked about the job for maybe 15, 20 minutes. I left, I didn't know where she worked or if she was hiring. The next thing I know, she pulled me off the list personally, and NASA called my house like a month later. She pulled me herself. We didn't even talk about the job. From personal experience, if you can connect to something that is related to the position but is also in your personal life, that gives you an in, because it was something she didn't see before, something that was very specific and it was very different and she remembered me. When the time came, she pulled me herself. I've had that happen many times.

>> I'm going to take two more thoughts. It can be response or a question. Unfortunately we have to wrap up this section. Go ahead.

>> I was going to suggest, as a person in a wheelchair or anybody with a disability I guess I should say, make yourself memorable. I'm sassy, I have a loud mouth, very passionate about things that are important to me. Make sure you make yourself memorable, make them laugh and be yourself, and don't be afraid to put yourself out there.

>> Is there one more question or thought? Taylor, yes. >> Taylor, one of the alumni, here to help. I would just say

have these conversations on your terms in terms of accessibility. For people on the spectrum or people who have sensory issues, if these lights are bothering you, if there's a space that's super loud, a space that's crowded and makes you uncomfortable. Once you're engaged with someone, feel free to tell them, hey, would you mind if we move down the hall, it's a little crowded. Everyone can interact and understand on that level, especially because we're at a disability conference. People get it. Don't be uncomfortable when you're having these conversations. Make sure you can be your best self. You'll only be your best self when you're in spaces you're comfortable with. Keri can identify spaces, interview spaces that are reserved for us. Those are the places to have the conversations if you're not comfortable elsewhere. Definitely the lighting will be an issue for some people. Acknowledge it, get past it. People will be understanding.

>> KERI GRAY: Thank you. Super dope. I want to wrap up this networking session. I feel like we could talk about it so much more. If you only knew how many more of you I would take off guard and get up here. Maybe later this week. Then we're going to go over a few more things for this week. The final things I want to say, really intentionally, this whole week is a huge opportunity. When it comes to interacting and engaging and seeking out all different types of -- whether that's job, whether that's internship or whether that's literally just a

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relationship. If you fall in love, cool, but I mean like a professional relationship. I want you to take advantage of that. I know I've had a couple of folks who came up to me and said they're shyer, we want that. That's okay. We can help facilitate relationships. Also utilize this room as a space to ensure that you practice and say, hey, let's just talk to each other. Finally, I want to talk on really quickly the elevator pitches again. The elevator pitch is going to be important throughout the conference. You're going to shake so many people's hands and they're going to say, hi, how are you affiliated with the USBLN? Why are you here? Over and over again, you're going to find yourself in a position to say, who are you? The elevator pitch is a real opportunity for you to craft in your own words, this is my background, this is what I studied, this is where I'm interested in going, and this is why I'm a part of the USBLN network. Take some time to build what that looks like in a short snippet as we mentioned. It's not supposed to be long. But in a brief phrase, how would you describe who you are and what's important to you? How will that relate to other people who are here at the conference?

So with that -- what time is it? 8:36. I'm so sorry. >> JILL HOUGHTON: One more time, let's give it up for

Lockheed Martin and Ernst and young. Last but certainly not least, let's give it up for each of you and for Keri and Lynn.

>> KERI GRAY: Thank you. Just a couple of quick announcements real quick that we want to make sure you're aware of and then you're released because we're running everyone. Everyone at this point should have a copy of the agenda we e-mailed out to everyone. That basically lets you know where to be when and the location, the room. Most of the time we're going to be in a room called palazzo D. Make sure you can grab a map of the hotel from the hotel staff or ask a couple of people who will direct you where that is. However, make sure you look at the agenda, because there are a few times where we're not in that room. Have that on you have a copy on your phone, tablets, things of that nature. As you know, all the sessions are very important. I want to make sure I point out a couple of things. One -- the Going for the Gold session and the match making session.

>> LYNN SYMONE: Tomorrow is the Going for the Gold sessions. When you come to the room, you're going to be -- I will be at the table as well as Emily Malsch. We're going to direct you to one of two rooms. That's based on who you will be interviewing with tomorrow. Hopefully everyone received their schedules. I'm going to say this and I know I'm going to get lots of e-mails. If anybody didn't get their schedule, please let me know. I will have my computer set up as soon as we leave this evening and I can go back and find your schedule if you don't have it. We will

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have those schedules tomorrow. However, that doesn't give you time to really research the company if you haven't looked at that information yet. So we will know where you're supposed to go tomorrow if you'll come to the palazzo D room. Excellent.

>> What time? >> LYNN SYMONE: 8:15. It starts at 8:30. >> Will we have wi-fi access? >> Compliments of Microsoft. >> KERI GRAY: Microsoft is sponsoring our wi-fi. >> And the wi-fi password is Microsoft 17, all lower case. >> Is that only good in the J.W. >> We'll try it out tomorrow when we're in the Ritz and

we'll see. That's the wi-fi. Again, please look at your conference agenda to know exactly where you need to be. Be on time, which means be early for all sessions. And we'll go from there.

One other thing I want to point out really quickly -- I see a question over there, so I'll come to you. The match making session is on Tuesday evening. Similar to what's happening in Going for the Gold. This session will be really important because all of you have an individualized schedule. So every single one of you -- with a couple of exceptions. Basically every single one of you have your own schedule of what company you're meeting with, what time and the representative that you're meeting with. So again, if you for some reason do not see that schedule in your inbox, let us know because you need that to be prepared for Tuesday.

>> A question over there? >> She wanted to know if there was wi-fi in our rooms? >> There is wi-fi in the room. I know there's instructions

for that. >> Your last name and your room number. >> You just go to the Ritz-Carlton -- I actually do have a

question. >> Let me interrupt. I'm sorry. The network here is USBLN

and it's Microsoft 17 with a capital M. >> Was there another question? >> I had a question. I see you sent out two of the rising

leader academy session descriptions. You sent an e-mail out yesterday, last night and then one a couple days ago. Is there a difference in either of the two schedules? Is it okay if I printed out the most recent one?

>> Yes, please print out the most recent copy that I sent. It has just a couple of small updates, but those are important. That will be the final agenda that you will use. You can use that on your phone, or you can print it out. But please use the most recent copy that I sent out, I believe it was Friday.

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>> I have a quick question. Resumes. How many do we need for tomorrow and for Tuesday? What would be a general amount that you think we might need?

>> LYNN SYMONE: The GFG session -- actually has 15 employers, 15, 16? But I don't believe they're all going to be there tomorrow. So if you brought -- ten?

>> I'll say 14. >> LYNN SYMONE: So bring 15. >> KERI GRAY: For the match making session on Tuesday,

everyone on your schedule, you'll see you're meeting with I think two to five companies. So you need to bring enough resumes for each of those interviews, and I would also bring extra because there will be a little bit of open time and space for you to just meet any of the companies in the room. Bring extra. Honestly, for the week it's hard to say because you never know. I would say for tomorrow through Thursday, I would have 30 copies at least, at least.

>> So my question is, because I forgot to print them all off, I only have about 20. Is there somewhere here?

>> KERI GRAY: There's an FedEx here. In the hotel -- I definitely know on the J.W. side.

>> JILL HOUGHTON: We have an office. If you seek one of us out -- we have a printer. You're in business.

>> KERI GRAY: Kevin's question -- >> It's me, Terri. There was something on the agenda that

said by invitation only. Can you explain that for me real quick? >> KERI GRAY: All rising leader sessions -- so the agenda I

sent you all on Friday, you're all expected to be there for those sessions. If you look on the conference website, under the USBLN conference website, those all say private, and they're private because they're for you all. But any other conference session that's Monday through Thursday, if it says private or by invitation only, you cannot attend those as sessions unless you were specifically invited.

>> LYNN SYMONE: One thing EY representatives wanted me to mention in terms of your resumes, they don't have to be card stock paper, nothing fancy. They can be on copy paper. Don't go to a lot of expense in that regard.

>> I had a question for the materials to bring to the interviews. So I also have a cover letter and I haves a list of references. Is it necessary or would it help if I brought my list of references and a cover letter, too, or is it too much?

>> LYNN SYMONE: I would say have it with you. If it's requested, you'll have it available. A lot of times that's for a later more in-depth interview. Would you agree? Yes. Have them with you in case it's asked for. It's not necessarily the first thing you're going to hand out.

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>> KERI GRAY: We're going to take two more questions because we need to wrap up.

>> So we need to bring our resumes tomorrow, but where are we supposed to print them off? I have a computer in my room but the internet is not working for me. Where are we supposed to print them off to bring them tomorrow?

>> JILL HOUGHTON: Okay. So -- should we make a place for people to -- where we can be present to help print?

>> KERI GRAY: If you need to print a few copies just for tomorrow -- granted because there might be several of you all. If you just need to print enough copies to get you by tomorrow before we figure out stuff for the rest of the week, meet me after, and we'll go by the office to get at least a couple of copies printed. One more question and we'll have to wrap up.

>> I had one question about the head shots. I see there's two open times here. So what if, for some reason, we have things that conflict with those times. Are there going to be additional head shot times for people who miss those head shot times?

>> Maggie, is Larry in the room? >> No. >> LYNN SYMONE: Maggie is right behind you. If you can get

her the microphone, she can share the details. >> I believe it's from -- you can drop in Cordova 4, it's

9:30 to 1:30 or 9:00 to 1:30. I don't have it with me. It's set up as a photographic studio with lights and everything. The photographs, they're head shots, professional head shots. The alumni here have had theirs done in previous years and so can tell you about it. You'll be able to download them. It's all free. You're getting free professional head shots. We'll work with you. The studio will be set up for the next I think -- at least through Tuesday. But we'll check on that. See metro. I'll look up all the information tonight.

>> KERI GRAY: Just FYI, the head shot schedule should be on the rising leadership agenda. Look on there to see when you can take your head shot. Those are open session, so basically if we're in the middle of a session in the Rising Leadership Academy, you can step out real quick, get your head shot taken and come back. If for some reason, you miss the two days and times where head shots are being taken, I think Maggie was saying there's flexibility, so we'll work it out. Just let one of us know.

We're going to go ahead and wrap up because we need to. Again, I just want to express how excited we are that you're here. We didn't go over the code of conduct, but I find it very important just to remember that. So if you haven't read it, you need to read it. Real talk. It not only tells you not to have drunken nights in front of all these people and kick your

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roommate out so you can do what you want to do. Like, don't do that. It also has serious recommendations on self-care and needs and accommodations. So if you have any concerns or questions throughout the week around -- things around accommodations or needs, please check it out and let us know. Know we're here as a resource for you. Even if it's something personal, know that you can come do us and we're more than happy to help. So again, I just want to thank everyone. You all are so amazing. I really cannot wait for us to interact with you more.

[ Applause ]>> One more quick thing. I need to meet with the rising

leaders advisory council and our Alum. So folks who got a notification saying you're participating as an Alum for a few minutes. Please meet me on the -- it doesn't matter. On my left, your right corner just for a few minutes, more like ten. And then we'll conclude. But the rest of you all, thank you. Have a good night and continue to meet with each other and we'll talk more soon.

***This text is being provided in a rough draft Format.  Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) or captioning are provided in order to facilitate communication accessibility and may not be a totally verbatim record of the proceedings.

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