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Ivy at the Disability Policy Summit as a LEND Fellow in Washington, DC. The Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Program is a prestigious, interdisciplinary training initiative that prepares professionals to lead healthcare, education, and advocacy for individuals with neurodevelopmental, heard of hearing/deaf, and related disabilities. This program equips fellows with the skills to effect systemic change, fostering a collaborative environment that enhances personal and professional growth. By focusing on leadership, advocacy, and cultural competence, LEND fellows are well-prepared to address complex challenges in diverse communities.
Ivy Vélez is a seasoned exponent, professional, and recently distinguished LEND fellow. With a rich program administration and management background within Deaf and Latine communities, Ivy’s passion for improving access and equity shines through her work. Her journey, shaped by personal experiences and a commitment to advocacy, offers inspiring insights into the transformative power of dedicated leadership. Read on to learn more about Ivy’s impactful career and vision for the future.
What made you interested in human services and then get a master’s degree?
Growing up in a Deaf family and immigrating to America at the age of 5 shaped my path toward human services. As the oldest sibling and a natural advocate for my family’s communication access, I quickly realized the critical need for support and advocacy within the Deaf community. This early role ignited my passion for making a difference in the lives of others, particularly those facing unique challenges like communication barriers. I’ve always been an active leader throughout my life, drawn to roles where I can make meaningful contributions and create positive change.
My undergraduate studies in human services allowed me to delve deeper into understanding the complexities of support systems and advocacy. I actively engaged in leadership roles, which solidified my desire to effect broader change and improve organizational practices. Pursuing a master’s in Organization, Management, and Leadership felt like a natural progression, enabling me to develop the skills needed to lead and innovate effectively within human service organizations.
What inspired you to pursue and advocate for Deaf and Latino communities?
As a Puerto Rican and a citizen of the United States, I’ve been keenly aware of the inequities faced by underserved and underrepresented groups, including both the Deaf and Latino communities. Growing up, I saw firsthand the disparities in access to services and opportunities that affected people like me. It became clear that I couldn’t sit idly by; I needed to take proactive steps to advocate for our rights and improve access to essential services.
Seeing these challenges motivated me to become a vocal advocate, leveraging my personal experiences to drive meaningful change. Whether it’s advocating for better communication access for the Deaf community or fighting for equitable resources and opportunities for affected individuals, I am committed to ensuring that our voices are heard and our needs are met.
What were some roles you took on before the LEND fellowship?
Before joining the LEND fellowship, I had a variety of roles that really shaped my career and prepared me for this opportunity. In terms of organization and management, I developed and implemented programs focused on intercultural competence and diversity. This work helped me understand the complexities of healthcare and advocacy in diverse communities. Managing budgets, policies, and procedures taught me the importance of delivering services efficiently and effectively.
I also spent a lot of time in public speaking and leadership roles. Designing workshops and organizing conferences improved my communication skills and allowed me to lead initiatives promoting cultural sensitivity and inclusivity. These experiences fueled my passion for education and community engagement. Advocating for consumers and navigating different healthcare systems, including vocational rehabilitation and mental health services, highlighted the importance of systemic change and individual empowerment. These roles deepened my commitment to addressing disparities and promoting equity in healthcare and disability services.
These experiences collectively strengthened my leadership, advocacy, and cultural competence skills, paving the way for my path toward the LEND fellowship. They also reinforced my dedication to improving outcomes for individuals with disabilities and their families.
What can you tell us about the LEND Program? What made you a desirable candidate for the program?
The LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities) Program is an incredible interdisciplinary training initiative that prepares professionals to lead in healthcare, education, and advocacy for individuals with neurodevelopmental and related disabilities like autism and intellectual disabilities. I first heard about the LEND Program from a colleague who knew my background in organization, management, public speaking, and systemic advocacy. They suggested it would be a great fit for me, and they were right. The program offers specialized training that matches my career goals of improving systemic advocacy and expanding my network in disability services.
My experiences managing diversity programs, designing educational workshops, and advocating for marginalized communities have really shaped my skill set. These roles have given me leadership and program development skills and taught me how to navigate healthcare systems. All of this made me a strong candidate for the LEND Program, and I’m excited about what I’ll learn and contribute through this amazing opportunity.
As a current fellow, what have been your roles and responsibilities?
As a current fellow in the LEND Program, my roles and responsibilities have allowed me to deepen my knowledge and skills significantly. I collaborate closely with colleagues and esteemed professors, building on my work experience through interdisciplinary learning, research, and practical applications focused on neurodevelopmental disabilities.
My responsibilities include conducting comprehensive assessments, contributing to treatment plans, and advocating for systemic improvements in healthcare and educational settings. I actively participate in workshops and seminars, sharing insights and strategies to enhance inclusivity and the quality of care for individuals with disabilities.
This fellowship has had a huge impact on both my personal and professional development. It has provided incredible networking opportunities and mentorship from leaders in the field. I’ve had the privilege of connecting with experts and peers who are equally committed to advancing disability rights and ensuring equitable access to services. These interactions not only broadened my understanding of best practices but also inspired innovative approaches to address complex challenges.
One of the highlights of the program has been the collaborative projects, where I’ve contributed to impactful initiatives promoting advocacy, research, and policy development. These experiences have reinforced my dedication to creating positive change and empowered me to lead with empathy and expertise in the field of neurodevelopmental disabilities.
Overall, the LEND fellowship is transforming my perspective and capabilities, equipping me to drive meaningful advancements in disability services while fostering personal growth and professional excellence.
Finally, can you share any advice about applying for such fellowships or those interested in similar topics, such as working with the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community?
Applying for fellowships like the LEND Program or working with the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community can be a transformative experience. It’s an opportunity to deepen your understanding and make meaningful contributions. Embracing this journey not only enhances your professional skills but also nurtures empathy and cultural awareness.
For those interested in these fields, I recommend approaching with an open mind and a genuine eagerness to learn. Recognize the uniqueness and diversity within the Deaf community, and embrace American Sign Language and Deaf culture as essential parts of communication and identity.
Overcoming challenges in this field often means breaking down communication barriers and advocating for inclusive practices. It requires persistence, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to amplifying marginalized voices.
Ultimately, pursuing these interests is a positive journey of education and collaboration. It’s about creating inclusive spaces and advancing equity for all individuals, celebrating the richness of diversity in our communities.
Interested in other advocacy fellowships? Check out the ProFellow database and explore additional opportunities like the LEND fellowship!
Ivy Vélez is a seasoned professional with a strong background in program administration and management across diverse Deaf and hard-of-hearing environments. She earned an M.A. in Organization, Management & Leadership from Springfield College (2017) and is pursuing Leadership Education at UMass Chan Medical School (2024). Ivy’s career includes roles such as Statewide Coordinator for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Supports at the Dept. of Developmental Services in Boston, MA. She is deeply engaged in advocacy, public speaking, and organizational leadership within Deaf communities, and she has been honored with multiple awards for her impactful contributions and commitment to fostering positive change.
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