From College to Career: Advocating for Neurodiversity: Preparing Black Students with Disabilities for Employment
ABOUT THIS SESSION:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for individuals with disabilities is 19%, compared to 66% for those without disabilities (2019). The disparity widens further when considering race: Black graduates with disabilities face higher unemployment rates than their white counterparts. This gap is partly due to the lack of career readiness programs tailored to students who process and take in information differently.
This presentation will highlight the obstacles Black college students with disabilities encounter as they prepare to enter the workforce. Key issues include limited access to tailored career services, insufficient mentorship opportunities, and systemic biases that hinder their job search and career advancement. We will also examine effective strategies institutions can implement to better support these students.
Specific approaches include creating inclusive career readiness programs, fostering partnerships with employers committed to diversity, and providing comprehensive support services that address the unique challenges faced by students with disabilities. By adopting these strategies, institutions can help bridge the employment gap and ensure that all graduates, regardless of race or disability, have equal opportunities to succeed in their chosen careers.
This session aims to provide actionable insights for educators, career counselors, and policymakers to enhance the career prospects of Black students with disabilities, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and inclusive workforce.
PRESENTED BY:
TRINA BRYANT, Ed.D. (Read Trina’s Bio)
Director of the Center for Community Engagement (CCE) at Suffolk University
KESHARD CHÉRY (Read Keshard’s Bio)
ABOUT TRINA:
Trina Bryant, Ed.D., is a dedicated educator with over a decade of experience in secondary and higher education, specializing in curriculum design, mentoring, and experiential learning. As a former public school Humanities teacher, she launched Model United Nations programs in two Boston Public Schools. At Northeastern University, she collaborated on the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy Foundation Professional Development Project.
Dr. Bryant currently serves as the Director of the Center for Community Engagement at Suffolk University, where she leads a team dedicated to service learning, Alternative Break service trips, and building partnerships that foster active and globally responsible citizenship. Previously, she was the Executive Director of the Center for Student Enrichment at Eastern Nazarene College, overseeing areas such as Academic Support, Accessibility Services, and Career Development.
A Fulbright-Hays Scholar in Mexico and Taiwan, Dr. Bryant earned her Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership from Regis College, focusing her research on mindfulness, resilience training, and academic success. Her work emphasizes advancing global education and creating impactful student experiences through transformational learning opportunities.
ABOUT KESHARD:
Keshard Chery is a passionate disability advocate and HR professional with a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management from Northeastern University. She is dedicated to promoting neurodiversity and fostering an inclusive workplace culture. At her current company, Keshard leads initiatives that enhance employee engagement and awareness around neurodiversity and disability, including developing and facilitating Learning & Development sessions. She is also actively involved in launching an Employee Resource Group for people with disabilities and their allies.
Keshard was selected as a NextGen Leader by Disability in 2022 and 2023, highlighting her commitment to advancing disability inclusion in the workplace. She has co-authored a chapter in a book focused on the transition from higher education to the workforce for people of color with disabilities and neurodiverse identities.
In her free time, Keshard enjoys spending quality time with her family and her beloved dog and cat. She is dedicated to creating impactful change and championing the voices of underrepresented communities in both her professional and personal life.