Jenna Udenberg on Stories of Strength and Spokes: Championing Disability Advocacy

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

“What if the challenges you face become the very platform that amplifies your purpose?”

In this powerful episode of the Find Your Leadership Confidence Podcast, host Vicki Noethling welcomes back Jenna Udenberg—author, disability advocate, accessibility educator, and 2020 Bush Fellow—for a deeply moving and eye-opening conversation about resilience, inclusion, and the true meaning of advocacy.

Diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis at just seven years old, Jenna learned early what it means to navigate a world not always designed with accessibility in mind. Rather than shrinking from the struggle, she chose to rise through it. Through her memoir, Within My Spokes, Jenna shares honest reflections about perseverance, healing, and the relationships that shaped her journey.

In this conversation, Jenna challenges us to rethink language and labels—reminding us that disability is not a bad word. It is a lived experience, a community, and an identity deserving of respect. She also explains why simply meeting ADA compliance is not enough. Accessibility is not a checklist—it is a mindset. True inclusion requires intention, empathy, and a willingness to go above and beyond.

Through her nonprofit, Above & Beyond With U, Jenna is creating more inclusive spaces and empowering others to advocate boldly for themselves and their communities. Her story is a reminder that leadership is not defined by physical ability — it is defined by courage, voice, and action.

This episode will inspire you to:

• Embrace resilience in the face of adversity
  • Shift from compliance thinking to inclusion thinking
  • Understand why accessibility benefits everyone
  • Lead with empathy and intentional impact

If you believe leadership begins with heart and expands through action, this conversation will move you—and challenge you—to build a world where everyone belongs.

To get more information and to connect with Jenna and follow her non-profit Above & Beyond with U on our website or social media!

https://www.aboveandbeyondwithu.org/

Website: https://www.aboveandbeyondwithu.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091881005060

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/above-beyond-with-u/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aboveandbeyondwithu/