VUnited Inclusive Employment Symposium Celebrates Neurodiversity and Accessibility in the Workplace
This March marked the inaugural VUnited Inclusive Employment Symposium, an event championing neuroinclusion in the workforce. Created in conjunction with Villanova’s VUnited Scholars, a two-year residential certificate program serving neurodiverse college students, the symposium welcomed lawmakers, employers, educators, students, and guests to discuss inclusive hiring practices. Presenters included Pennsylvania First Lady Lori Shapiro, State Representative Joe Hohenstein, former Associate Director in the White House Office of Public Engagement Emily Voorde, NYSID President and CEO Maureen O'Brien and speakers from KPMG, Comcast, the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Wawa and the VUnited Scholars Program.
Attendees were welcomed to the symposium by University leadership, Provost Patrick G. Maggitti, PhD and Dean of the College of Professional Studies Christine Kelleher Palus, PhD.
“Thank you for giving us this platform today to support the programs and people making a difference in their communities,” Provost Maggitti stated.
First Lady Shapiro spoke to the continued efforts of the Governor’s administration to work towards more inclusive hiring practices.
“I want to thank Villanova University for bringing us here today and for their commitment to building an inclusive society by uplifting and empowering their students with disabilities,” First Lady Shapiro shared. “I know that the students here today have worked really hard to get where they are and it’s my hope that we continue to work together to help pave a pathway forward.”
The afternoon continued with a series of panels and discussions, each looking at the many benefits of inclusive employment. Guests were also able to hear from VUnited Scholars, with Jackson Heller presenting and Jake Keller serving as the event’s master of ceremonies.
A keynote address from Rachel Grace, highlighting her journey to employment at Villanova in Dining Services and with the women’s basketball team, was well received, with her teammates in attendance cheering her presentation.
Rachel Grace, Women’s Basketball Manager and Dougherty Hall Dining Services Associate, Villanova University
The program concluded with Villanova Athletics being presented the VUnited Champion of Inclusion Award, for its many years of supporting, employing and empowering VUnited Scholars. Villanova’s Thomas and Diane Treacy Endowed Football Head Coach Mark Ferrante accepted the award, sharing a moving video that showcased the many connections between VUnited Scholars and Athletics.
An inside look at a special relationship between Villanova Athletics and the VUnited Scholars program
The symposium also provided ample opportunities for employers, both those currently working with VUnited students and those looking to do so, to network with current students and alumni, with representatives from the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation on hand to market their services in assisting with inclusive hiring.
The event was sponsored by Holt Logistics, Wawa and NYSID, as well as Villanova’s Office of the Provost, Office of Career Management, Office of Human Resources, and College of Professional Studies. Partners included State Representative Hohenstein’s office, Comcast, KPMG, the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, INTO Strategies and 260 Bridge Cafe.
“Villanova has been forever transformed by the gifts that our students have given this community,” Dean Palus shared, reflecting on not just the events of this Symposium but the impact felt by the VUnited Scholars program in the past several years.
Videos of every presentation and panel from the Symposium can be found on YouTube at the link below: