Leaders for Inclusive Community

This episode is a unique feature from our Disability and Housing Narrative Change Cohort, a year-long virtual program that brings together disabled leaders from across the country to share and amplify their diverse housing experiences. Facilitated by staff with lived experience, the cohort challenges ableist policies and practices by reshaping dominant narratives through personal storytelling about disability and housing. In this episode, we’re thrilled to present a conversation with one of the most groundbreaking storytellers of our time: Keah Brown. Keah Brown is an activist, journalist, author, actress, and screenwriter. She’s the creator of the viral hashtag #DisabledAndCute and a new member of The Kelsey’s board of directors. Her work has been featured in Teen Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar, and she’s the author of three books: the essay collection The Pretty One, the children’s picture book Sam’s Super Seats, and the young adult novel The Secret Summer Promise, all of which are available wherever books are sold. Keah holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and is a passionate fan of TV and film. You can follow her on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram @Keah_Maria and explore her work at keahbrown.com. To learn more about the Disability and Housing Narrative Change Cohort, visit thekelsey.org/storytellers-for-disability-forward-housing.

In this episode of the Leaders for Inclusive Community podcast, Isaac interviews Brittney Harris, Housing Development Manager at The Kelsey; LaTangela Foster, Housing Director at AIDS Alabama; and Veronica McGee, longtime resident and advocate in Birmingham. The conversation explores the development of The Kelsey Avondale, The Kelsey’s first co-development outside of California. The participants discuss the community's features, local partnerships in Birmingham, and ongoing advocacy efforts for disability-forward housing across Alabama. Learn more about The Kelsey Avondale: https://thekelsey.org/projects/birmingham/ Access the transcript of this conversation at: ⁠thekelsey.org/stories⁠

In this episode of the Leaders for Inclusive Community podcast, host Isaac Haney-Owens interviews Ari Katz, who manages fundraising and operations at The Kelsey. They discuss the importance of donations in creating affordable, accessible, and inclusive housing, the values that drive their fundraising, and the impact of giving. Ari also shares personal anecdotes from their work at The Kelsey, the significance of an abundance mindset in fundraising, and the transformative power of donations in building a supportive community. Donate today to The Kelsey: https://thekelsey.org/donate/ Learn more about The Kelsey: https://thekelsey.org Learn more about Ari : ⁠https://thekelsey.org/ari-katz/

Isaac Haney-Owens interviews Rebecca Cokely of the Ford Foundation. Read the transcript at thekelsey.org/stories

Monday, August 9th, 2021, Isaac interviews colleague Allie Cannington, the Manager of Advocacy and Organizing at the Kelsey and Board Member, Andrea LaVant, President and Chief Inclusion Consultant at LaVant Consulting to celebrate Disability Pride. In this conversation, we'll better understand how intersectional identities can shape pride, learn about barriers holding us back, and the role of allies in co-leading efforts alongside people with disabilities. Read the transcript here. 

In this episode, Isaac interviews Amy Kleine of The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation about funding solutions for accessible, inclusive housing. A full transcription is located here. For more info or to get involved visit www.thekelsey.org

In this episode, Isaac interviews Olya Krasnykh, Assistant Vice President, and Todd Regonini, Chief Development Officer of Sares Regis Group of Northern California about building housing communities for people with and without disabilities. A full transcription is located here. For more info or to get involved visit www.thekelsey.org

In this episode, Isaac interviews SF District 6 Supervisor Matt Haney about advancing policies for disability-forward housing solutions. A full transcription is located here. For more info or to get involved visit www.thekelsey.org

In this episode, Isaac interviews Justin Tsang, Kamila Martin-Proctor, and Russell Rawlings; all of them are Raise the Roof graduates. A full transcription of the episode is located here. For more info or to get involved visit www.thekelsey.org

In this episode, Isaac interviews Graeme Joeck of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) about housing and advocacy. A full transcription of the episode is located here. For more info or to get involved visit www.thekelsey.org