Veronica Villalobos, Vice President of the Institute for Strategic Social and Workforce Programs for Highmark Health and Allegheny Health Network

In this episode of Disability Matters, Joyce Bender interviews Veronica Villalobos, Vice President of the Institute for Strategic, Social, and Workforce Programs at Highmark Health and Allegheny Health Network, and the new chair of the American Association for People with Disabilities (AAPD). They discuss Veronica's background, her work at the EEOC and OPM, and Highmark's commitment to hiring and promoting individuals with disabilities. Veronica shares insights on the importance of inclusivity, the value of diverse talent, and the need to address misconceptions about the capabilities of people with disabilities. She also touches on Highmark's efforts to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate healthcare services and her personal experiences with disabilities. The conversation emphasizes the positive impact of hiring people with disabilities on company culture, innovation, and customer connections, while also highlighting the role of leadership in driving diversity and inclusion initiatives.