Episode 13

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Published on:

26th Jul 2025

Beyond Accessibility: Advocacy in Motion

Join Syya and me for a powerful and purpose-driven episode of The Influencers’ Connection Corner. We’re honored to welcome Michelle Colvard, an ambassador of Abilities Expo in Houston, to the show.

A native Houstonian, Michelle has been a lifelong advocate and leader in disability inclusion. Her story spans decades of impactful service from serving under multiple mayors on Houston’s city commissions to traveling the country as Ms. Wheelchair America. Her work in health, transportation, urban planning, and inclusive recreation speaks to the kind of changemaker our cities need more of.

Join us for a conversation that’s reshaping how we view ability, advocacy, and access and its spotlight on lived experience, systemic change, and what it really means to build accessible futures.

If you believe in advocacy through storytelling, if you work in spaces where inclusion should be more than just a checkbox, or if you're simply ready to learn, this episode is for you.

For more information on Abilities Expo in Houston at NRG Stadium from August 1-3, 2025, please visit: https://www.abilities.com/houston

Learn more about AECorner Community: https://aecornercommunity.com/

SEE YOU THERE!

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About the Podcast

The Influencers' Connection Corner

Have you ever heard of the networking phrase "You're one connection away from changing your life in a positive manner"?

Well, it's true. In this corner, you'll find meaningful networking value where collaborations are encouraged and nurtured. This corner is a safe space where individuals and entities can connect and create magic that can make a difference in the world.

We highlights business entrepreneurs and companies to share valuable golden nuggets for our amazing audience!

Come in and join the fun while getting valuable business done!

About your hosts

Raquel Flores

As a Social Media Director at Brilliant Beam Media, my days are fueled by crafting strategies that not only captivate but also drive results for both B2B and B2C ventures. Fluent in Spanish-speaking and Spanish to English translation, I've had the privilege of bridging cultural gaps and amplifying brand voices across diverse audiences.

Beyond the boardroom, I wear the badges of a Walking Tall Movement Ambassador and a proud member of The Outlier Project with immense pride. These roles aren't just titles; they're opportunities to pay it forward. My heart beats for empowering fellow Latino entrepreneurs, especially the resilient women who navigate through cultural and personal barriers with grace and grit.

Through the intimate avenues of my podcast, coaching sessions, and the pages of my soon-to-be-released book, "Culture Clash," I don't just share stories—I share journeys. My own journey from the tumultuous streets of El Salvador to the corridors of opportunity in the United States serves as a beacon of hope. But more importantly, it's a roadmap for those who dare to dream, guiding them from the realm of possibility to the realm of action.

My mission is simple yet profound: to give voice to the voiceless, to provide platforms for the overlooked, and to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive. And as we continue on this transformative journey together, let's not forget the power of community. On LinkedIn, I've cultivated not just connections but a family—a tribe of diverse souls united by shared dreams and mutual support.

Join me, not just as a spectator, but as a fellow architect of change. Together, let's shatter barriers, rewrite narratives, and pave the way for a future where every dream is not just realized but celebrated.

Syya Yasotornrat

Syya is a tenured tech sales professional with her time at SonicWALL and Hewlett Packard (HPE) with some hospitality at the Walt Disney Company and IT recruitment experience in the mix. She is currently a podcast strategist and consultant, helping others to bring out their voice and legacy through podcasting. She loves to learn and talk about anything, so feel free to reach out!