WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 20, 2021)—Greg Young of Spokane, WA, graduated from the Blind Leaders Development Program at the American Foundation for the Blind’s (AFB) virtual commencement ceremony on April 20, 2021.

Launched in 2020, the Blind Leaders Development Program was created by AFB to increase upward mobility and create meaningful leadership experiences for individuals who are blind or low vision, who are already employed and in the beginning stages of their careers.

While in the program, Greg and his fellow graduates received extensive training in leadership, networking, communication, and other key skills for advancing in their careers and improving their effectiveness as they achieve higher levels of authority and influence. Other facets of the program included following the Leadership Challenge curriculum, attending a series of webinars, and being paired with a successful blind or low vision mentor who could provide honest advice and feedback about what it takes to succeed in the workforce. That Greg successfully completed this rigorous program during the height of the coronavirus pandemic only makes his accomplishment all the more noteworthy.

Greg is currently Product Owner for the Customer Experience Platform at Avista Utilities, a regional utility company. He has two decades of experience in information technology, including roles in technical support, web application development, project management, program management and agile/scrum team facilitation (scrum master, product owner). His primary focus on delivering valuable customer solutions has allowed him to be successful in multiple organizations. Greg obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Management Information Systems from Eastern Washington University in 2002. He also holds certifications as a Project Management Professional (PMP) and a Certified Scrum Master (CSM).

“These fifteen professionals, including Greg, have honed their knowledge and skills to take on greater authority and responsibilities in their professional fields,” said Kirk Adams, Ph.D., AFB president and CEO. “Thanks to their hard work and the work of their mentors, for whom we are all grateful, Greg and his fellow graduates now have the imperative to create and sustain a more inclusive workforce. Their accomplishments augur well for both their own careers and the world at large.”

For more information, visit AFB.org/BLDP.