By Pam Owens, National Disability Board Chair and Senior Vice President, People and Organizational Development, Inclusiv
I first became acquainted with National Disability Institute (NDI) 19 years ago during a conversation about community impact. The then President/CEO (Cliff Rosenthal) of my credit union organization (Inclusiv) told me about this new organization that had formed to advance financial inclusion for people with disabilities. I was intrigued, as many disability organizations focused on a specific disability, while NDI took a broader, more inclusive approach. This was unique. At that time, I was new to credit unions and cooperative finance. My background was in education, and I was interested in nonprofits and their impact on communities. I had just finished a master’s degree in adult education and wanted to move beyond academia to engage directly with the people whose experiences we study and discuss but too often do not fully understand firsthand.
I connected with NDI founders Michael Morris and Johnette Hartnett at a meeting a few months later. I was inspired by their commitment and determination. Launching a new organization requires strong connections, perseverance, dedication, energy, enthusiasm, time, patience and a bit of luck. I draw energy from others and their passion was contagious. I learned so much from that meeting that, when I returned to my organization, I asked to work on any joint project with NDI. Almost two decades and many projects later, I remain just as engaged and committed.
NDI has influenced me both professionally and personally. As a cooperative finance professional, I believe in the power of collaboration and ensuring equitable access for all. Through my work with NDI, I’ve seen that the disability community is often left out of these opportunities. I once read an article about breaking the “glass ceiling” for women and historically marginalized groups. As a Black woman, I understand the challenges of systemic barriers, and I also recognize that people with disabilities face some of the most persistent obstacles to economic opportunity. The employment rate for people with disabilities remains significantly lower than that of nondisabled individuals. NDI works to change that by fostering inclusive employment, financial empowerment and pathways to economic independence.
NDI has also impacted me on a personal level. My niece has Down syndrome. In the past, outdated and harmful views about disability shaped societal attitudes, including within my own family. Older relatives initially reacted to her diagnosis with uncertainty, wondering what it meant for her future. But as our understanding evolved, so did our perspective. We quickly realized that she, like anyone else, has limitless potential. Our role is not to protect her from the world, but to support her in navigating it on her own terms. Through my engagement with NDI, I’ve seen firsthand how people with disabilities can thrive when given access to opportunities and the right supports. My niece is fully capable of holding a job, managing her own life and achieving her own version of success. This understanding has transformed not only me but my entire family. As I navigate my own health journey, I have an even deeper appreciation for NDI’s advocacy and its role in ensuring that all people have the tools they need to live with dignity and independence.
I am honored to kick-start NDI’s 20th-anniversary celebration and extend a heartfelt “THANK YOU” to NDI for ensuring that the disability community is not just included in financial conversations but leading them. As a returning board member (Yes, this is my second time on the Board), I am excited to continue championing NDI’s mission for the next 20 years and beyond.

Pamela Owens has over 20 years of experience supporting community development credit unions’ delivery of products and services to underserved communities. Ms. Owens has accomplished this with special attention to innovative product development, training, and technical assistance. Ms. Owens currently serves as Senior Vice President, People and Organizational Development, and heads the human resources department for Inclusiv. She holds a Master of Science in Adult Education and Human Resource Development and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Fordham University.