Aligning Your Values and Professional Goals E8
Ken’s gave audience members an example of an organization that has defined DE&I practices… “Let’s assume a business is having a luncheon. Inclusion means that everyone has a seat at a table. Diversity is where the people attending (and invited) correctly reflect the community they are in or society as a whole. Equity is ensuring that the individual needs of everyone are met to enable their full participation. Meaning space for wheelchairs to pull up and fit comfortably alongside the chairs of any table, and others who use some type of mobility device are not corralled to one particular table. It means people’s food needs are met, such as addressing food allergies, or if they are vegetarian or vegan – or someone can only eat Kosher. Equity is doing what is necessary to provide for the individual needs of each person so that they can fully participate.” 
Vitality Career Coaching LLC specializes in executive and career coaching for adults who seek more from their professional lives.
Focused on meeting the individual needs of clients, Certified Professional Coach Ken Meeker utilizes a values driven method of helping clients identify and create an executable plan to reach their professional goals.
In addition to one-on-one coaching, Ken serves as a consultant, advocate, and speaker on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives with special emphasis on why developing equity is often the most challenging, yet most important aspect of any DEI initiative. By focusing primarily on how to integrate DEI within small business, Ken wants to bring the benefits of incorporating DEI to an often overlooked group of business owners.
Ken Meeker is a Certified Professional Coach, owner of Vitality Career Coaching LLC, writer, DEI consultant, disability advocate, and speaker. After a nearly 20 year career in commercial insurance, Ken lost the majority of his sight in 2014 after relocating to Phoenix, Arizona.
After recovering from the illness that led to his vision loss, Ken completed the adult comprehensive vocational rehab program at the Foundation for Blind Children in Phoenix, obtained a Project Management certification, and became a Certified Professional Coach. Prior to launching his own coaching business with Vitality Career Coaching, he worked at the Foundation as the Career Specialist in their adult VR program.
Ken was also chosen as a fellow in the centennial cohort of the American Foundation for the Blind’s National Leadership Development Program. He is also selected as a mentor for the 2022-2023 cohort. Ken is launching a new podcast in August 2022 called “Dissing My Ability” where he will interview individuals living with disability. The podcast’s focus is to remove shame and stigma associated with disability.
Connect with Ken on LinkedIn.
About Your Host
As the manager of Community and Public Relations, David Steinmetz uses his expertise, education, and personal experiences to “change the perception of blindness.”
Diagnosed with RP, a blinding retinal disease, at the age of 19, David uses his personal story to drive change that leads to improved employment outcomes and community integration for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Mr. Steinmetz graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Economics. Additionally, Steinmetz has continued his education by graduating from the Business Management Training (BMT) program provided by Darden Graduate School of Business, University of Virginia.
In 2008, David was the national recipient of the National Industries for the Blind Milton J. Samuelson Career Achievement award. This prestigious award recognized Mr. Steinmetz for his career achievements and community service work.
David Steinmetz is a member of the Governors’ Council on Blindness & Visual Impairments, is a Board Member at the Arizona Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired (ACBVI) and serves his community through the Chandler Lions Club.
Connect with David on LinkedIn and Instagram.
About the Show
Changing the Perception of Blindness; One Conversation at a Time is dedicated to breaking down barriers, de-mystifying blindness and promoting real world solutions that empower people who are blind to live a full and inclusive life.
Host, David Steinmetz connects with organizations, industry professionals and thought leaders who are working to bridge the gap that creates a world accessible for all.
About Arizona Industries for the Blind
Arizona Industries for the Blind is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating employment opportunities for people who are blind. It’s employees, more than half of whom are blind, deliver a variety of products and services, including a full-service Warehousing and Distribution Center, confidential Digital Data Scan (DDS) services for private businesses and government and the operation of Base Supply Centers located at each of Arizona’s three military bases under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Labor’s AbilityOne program.
