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Today (3rd Dec 2024), 50 extraordinary global leaders who are championing inclusion for disability, neurodiversity and mental health in workplaces across industries and sectors are celebrated on the 2024 Enable Role Model List sponsored by Dow. The List is spearheaded by talent, diversity and inclusion consultancy INvolve.
This List celebrates a diverse group of trailblazers who bring a wealth of expertise, achievements and lived experiences to their efforts for inclusion. From breaking barriers in accessibility to fostering environments of belonging, these individuals from organisations ranging from ITV to NatWest to WPP are driving meaningful, systemic change, with 26 Role Models recognised from the UK.
The launch of this new initiative coincides with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3rd December, with this year’s theme being “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future”.
Top 3 Enable Role Models 2024
A consulting partner and para triathlete redefining disability inclusion, a Filipina editor advancing accessibility in the Global South, and a lawyer championing neurodivergence in the UK are named the top 3 role models
Disability: Hillary Wool, Partner, Boston Consulting Group, US
A Partner at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Hillary Wool is also a co-founder of BCG’s AccessAbility@BCG Network, which now has over 1,700 members globally, advancing disability, chronic illness, mental health, and neurodiversity inclusion.
She has presented insights at global forums like the Disability: IN Conference, authored BCG’s 2023 disability inclusion report, and advocated for representation through adaptive sports and even models for major brands.
Mental Health: April Paulyn Pascual, Lead Edtor, Design & Publishing, S&P Global, Philippines
April Paulyn Pascual, Lead Editor at S&P Global, co-founded REACH Philippines to advance workplace inclusion for employees with disabilities.
Her efforts include launching disability sensitivity training, workplace accessibility initiatives, and collaborations with national organisations, championing DEI as a Filipina with lived experience of mental health challenges.
Neurodiversity: Jonathan Andrews, Associate, Reed Smith, UK
Jonathan Andrews is an Associate at Reed Smith in the UK. He has led neurodiversity inclusion initiatives reaching 30,000+ people and creating job opportunities for hundreds through Ambitious About Autism.
Recognised consistently as one of the UK’s most influential disabled individuals, he advises on disability employment and promotes supportive environments for neurodivergent talent.
Jonathan said: “As someone whose work in this area all started from a desire to increase the visibility of neurodiversity in the workplace, it is a true honour to be recognised by the Enable List as its Top Role Model for Neurodiversity.
“I hope that the list, and the stories and experiences of those spotlighted, help demonstrate to those thinking of a career in law or any other profession that they can succeed – and the advantages to businesses of hiring neurodivergent people.”
Recognising the impact of inclusive leadership on disability inclusion
Founder and CEO of INvolve, Suki Sandhu OBE, said: “These three individuals represent the incredible calibre of individuals honoured. We are so excited to be unveiling this List of 50 exceptional, global role models in business who are going above and beyond to drive inclusion within the disability, neurodiversity and mental health spaces.
“It’s so vital to have trailblazing role models who we can all look towards for inspiration and guidance, and this year’s Role Models are working hard to dismantle barriers that impede progression and equality within business and beyond.
“Our Enable Role Models provide valuable insights and tools gained from their vast personal and professional experiences that business leaders across the world can use when implementing their own ambitious goals for change.”
“More than one billion people around the world live with a disability. It is a part of the human experience. Disability traverses age, ethnicity, gender, race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and religion,” said Louis Vega, president of Dow North America and vice president of Government Affairs and Advocacy at Dow.
“At Dow, we recognise that team members with disabilities drive value and propel our company forward. Their contributions and diverse perspectives enable the innovative thinking we need to create tomorrow’s solutions. We work to ensure that individuals of every ability thrive and contribute to our collective progress. Disability inclusion is not just a policy; it’s a vital part of who we are and how we operate.”
The Enable Role Model List demonstrates the powerful impact of inclusive leadership in driving innovation, improving employee wellbeing, and fostering cultures where everyone can succeed.
Findings released by INvolve last year show that so much more work needs to be done to ensure people with disabilities can thrive in the workplace. These findings include stark statistics that highlight how much more work needs to be done. Findings included:
- More than 2 in 3 of those surveyed reported that it’s left up to them to get the support and reasonable adjustments they need, and 38% say it’s down to budget cuts
- Over half say invisible disabilities aren’t prioritised as much as other conditions
- 37% haven’t yet disclosed their disability at work – concerns about discrimination and lack of support cited
The full list is available to view at enable.involverolemodels.org.