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When Jasmine Adotey first joined Empowered Voices (EV), she was shy. Over time, her confidence grew, her voice strengthened, and she began to see herself differently. As Melissa Skiffen, Coordinator of Advocacy Supported Decision Making, who works closely with EV, observed, Jasmine "embraced herself as a leader in her life and become a strong self-advocate."

EV, an Achieva Advocacy intiative, provides a space where people with disabilities build leadership sklls rooted in lived experience. For Jasmine, that space became transformative. Through EV, she learned that leadership is not about having all the answers - it is about advocating for yourself and helping others do the same. 

As Jasmine puts it, "Being a leader means trying to help other people learn to speak up."

During an EV meeting last year, Jasmine learned about an opportunity to apply for a board position with The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh, an Achieva affiliate. Melissa recalls that Jasmine "took the lead in seeking out the position," connecting with staff for guidance and completing the application herself. 

Today, Jasmine serves as a board member for The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh, bringing her experience, insight, and authenticity to the table. She is eager to learn more about the board and contribute in meaningful ways. Already her attendance is making an impact. Her presence and participation is a learning experience for fellow board members. 

Her role also underscores the value of inclusive leadership at the governance level. As The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh Board Chair Tina Calabro explains, "Inclusive governance makes us a better organization. When people with lived experience help guide our work, our decisions are more grounded, more responsive, and more closely aligned with the people we exist to serve."

For Jasmine, board service is about more than participation - it's about purpose. She wants to be the best leader she can be and believes leadership means helping otheres learn to advocate for themselves. She is passionate about the need for more local programs for people with disabilities and wants Achieva to continue growing and helping as many people as possible.

When asked what advice she would give to others, her message is simple and powerful: "Be yourself, try your best, and advocate for what you want."

Through Empowered Voices, Jasmine has done exactly that - and in doing so, she is helping shape a more inclusive future for Achieva and the people it supports.