Aug 11 Disability Lead launches Southwestern Pennsylvania chapter, marking region’s largest investment in disability leadership
The Leader Times – Disability Lead, a Chicago-based non-profit dedicated to building disability leadership and civic engagement, officially launched its Southwestern Pennsylvania (SWPA) chapter recently at the Energy Innovation Center in Pittsburgh.
The event marked a significant milestone for the organization and the region, representing the largest single investment in disability leadership in the SWPA region’s history, thanks to major support from the FISA Foundation, The Heinz Endowments, the Hillman Foundation, and Staunton Farm Foundation.
“Southwestern Pennsylvania has incredible leaders with disabilities who deserve to be seen and heard,” said Jess Grainger, SWPA regional director for disability lead. “My goal is to help open doors, remove barriers, and make connections so that these leaders have real opportunities to shape our region’s future.”
The launch comes at a crucial time for SWPA, where nearly one million working-age Pennsylvanians live with a disability.
In Allegheny County alone, adults with disabilities are three times more likely to live in poverty than those without disabilities.
And while conversations around equity and workforce development are growing, fewer than 4% of Pittsburgh-area organizations specifically mention disability leadership in their strategies — a gap Disability Lead is determined to close.
The organization seeks to provide networking opportunities and to build pathways for disabled professionals into civic and corporate leadership roles.
Guests at the launch event heard from local philanthropic and civic leaders who underscored how disability leadership benefits the entire community.
The program also spotlighted the organization’s plans for the region, including the induction of the very first Members to join the Disability Lead SWPA chapter.
“Launching this chapter is a thrilling and strategic step for Disability Lead,” said Emily Blum, CEO of Disability Lead. “Jess leads with his identity as a person with disability, and he brings a wealth of experience and personal insight, and he truly understands the potential of this region. I look forward to seeing how the Southwestern Pennsylvania region evolves as leaders with disabilities are in positions of power and influence.”
Attendees at the launch included advocates, non-profit partners, business leaders, and funders.
The event was accessible with CART services and American Sign Language interpretation provided to ensure all participants could fully engage.
“While many Americans live with some kind of disability or chronic condition, that is not well represented in community leadership. When people with disabilities are part of decision-making – whether on boards, in government, or in business – the plans that get created are more inclusive and better serve our whole community,” said Kristy Trautmann, executive director of the FISA Foundation. “We’re excited to help fund Disability Lead’s expansion because we believe representation matters.”
With the SWPA chapter officially launched, Disability Lead is now accepting applications for its inaugural Institute, a leadership program for emerging leaders.
About Disability Lead
Disability Lead is a non-profit organization that increases civic engagement and cultivates leadership opportunities for people with disabilities.
Founded in Chicago in 2015 in recognition of the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the organization has built a network of 250+ leaders who serve on boards, commissions, coalitions, and in public office.
In 2023, Disability Lead announced its first regional expansion into Southwestern Pennsylvania.