Amanda Alvarado

Disability Advocate | Organizational Leader | Entrepreneur | Podcaster

White Plains, New York, United States

About

I am a prominent Disability Advocate, Influencer, and Organization Leader with a deep commitment to advancing disability justice and inclusion. Currently serving as the Director of Accessibility and Disability Services Facilitator at the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, I drive transformative change in agency policies and programs to center disability justice and accessibility. As the founder of Intersectional Access LLC, I provide expert guidance through engaging workshops, thought-provoking presentations, and strategic sessions designed to promote disability justice and enhance organizational accessibility practices. My consultancy reflects a dedication to fostering more inclusive environments through tailored solutions. Drawing from my lived experience as a disabled woman within the LGBTQ+ community, I offer a rich understanding of intersectionality, which informs my advocacy and approach to inclusivity. My perspective enhances my efforts to address the needs of diverse communities and promote equitable practices. Certified in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the Institute for Nonprofit Practice, I previously led Family Beehive as Executive Director, focusing on supporting women and their families in overcoming urgent challenges. I continued to contribute to Family Beehive as a part-time Intern Coordinator, and currently as a consultant. With eight years of leadership at KEEN New York – Kids Enjoy Exercise Now, I championed inclusive fitness and recreational programs for children and young adults with disabilities, ensuring that every child was welcomed, regardless of the severity of their disability. I later served as a Director on the Board. An alumna of the MIT Sloan School of Management’s LEAD20@MIT Leadership in the Digital Age program, I also participated in panels such as the 2020 ReelAbilities Film Festival, discussing Beauty, Self-Advocacy, and Disability. I am certified in Mental Health First Aid and provide crucial support to individuals seeking mental health resources. My motivational podcasts, “Find Your Beautiful: Life Through the Eyes of a Christian Disabled Woman” and "Beyond Beautiful: Disability, Liberation, Love." tackles important issues affecting people with disabilities, offering empathy and encouraging listeners to embrace their personal vision of beauty. Through my diverse roles and impactful initiatives, I continue to be a leading advocate for disability inclusion and justice, driving positive change and fostering a more equitable world.

Experience

  • NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (LIC, NY)
    • Director of Accessibility and Disability Services Facilitator
      Oct 2024 - Present · 1 yr 10 mos

      Engage with members of the public and staff to elevate disability justice throughout the agency.

    • Accessibility Operations Manager
      Nov 2023 - Oct 2024 · 1 yr

      Advocate for and operationalize DOHMH's vision of a more inclusive, equitable agency. Responsible for directly managing aspects of accessibility policy and programming related to operations, policy, culture and practices, and emergency management.

  • Executive Director at Family Beehive
    Sep 2022 - Nov 2023 · 1 yr 3 mos

    Helping women and their intergenerational families in need find solutions to urgent challenges and experiences that enhance their lives.

  • Executive Director at Kids Enjoy Exercise Now - KEEN New York
    Jun 2017 - Jun 2023 · 6 yrs 1 mo

    Empower youth with disabilities by providing free, non-competitive one-to-one programs of exercise, fitness and fun, led by volunteer coaches.

  • Senior Consultant at GOFINITY
    Jun 2022 - May 2023 · 1 yr

    YOUR HEALTHIEST HAIR STARTS WITH A REGIMEN DESIGNED JUST FOR YOU! We don’t believe one size fits all. Hairfinity Elite is designed to adapt to your ever-changing hair and beauty by fueling healthy hair, skin, nails and body from the insideout.

  • Merchandiser at Self-employed
    Oct 2014 - Oct 2017 · 3 yrs 1 mo

    • Maintain Top 20% sales status in Northeast region • Build clientele and provide excellent customer service • Create selling opportunities through vendor events and in-home events • Manage and promote business through social media using innovative content