S1E17 -Vision in Action: Empowering the Blind Community with Victoria Hillard of BPN

Welcome to August!In this powerful and enlightening episode, Vic and Rena sit down with Victoria Hillard , the Executive Director of Blind Professional Network (BPN) , as part of our August spotlight on nonprofit organizations making a difference in our communities.

Since its founding in 2019, Blind Professional Network has grown from a small support group of 40 to a thriving network serving over 500 blind and visually impaired professionals . Victoria shares her personal journey and the organization’s mission to break barriers and build professional success .

Listeners will learn how BPN provides: 🔹 JAWS training for accessible technology 🔹 Mentorship and internship programs 🔹 Career readiness support —even for those not reentering the workforce 🔹 A welcoming, empowering space for growth and skill-building

Victoria also teases BPN’s first-ever four-day conference , coming in 2026 , and shares how the community can get involved as volunteers or become a member— for free! Also, all listeners should notice that all of the services that they offer at BPN are free to you as long as you sign up to become a member for free. Want to connect or support the Blind Professional Network? 📞 Phone: 800-699-8238 📧 Email: [email protected] 🌐 Website: www.BlindProNet.org Here, you can join BPN, explore their programs, access BVI resources, and follow their latest updates.  Stay Connected with Shades of Pride with Vic and Rena 🌈 We’re more than a podcast — we’re a home for LGBTQ+ folks, allies, and the blind & visually impaired community.

📱 Facebook: Shades of Pride with Vic and Rena 📺 YouTube: @shadesofpridewithvicrena 📧 Email: [email protected] 📞 Phone: 682-730-2001

🎧 Be sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review — and stay tuned for more nonprofit spotlights throughout August!

Support The shades of pride with Vic & Rena by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/shades-of-pride

Find out more at https://shades-of-pride.pinecast.co

This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-eb2089 for 40% off for 4 months, and support The shades of pride with Vic & Rena.