Biography

Kish Pisani is a Training Support Manager at National Disability Institute, bringing nearly 40 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, organizational development, marketing, public relations, advocacy and storytelling. Kish started at NDI as a Project Coordinator in early 2021 working on various projects including as training support liaison for the Financial Wellness for People with Disabilities initiative in Illinois. Her connection to NDI began as a participant in one of its trainings in early 2020.

In her role at NDI, Kish leads the coordination and growth of learning communities and training networks by fostering collaboration, communication and ongoing engagement among learners, partners and stakeholders. Her work supports program goals, knowledge sharing, long-term community impact and sustainability.

Before joining NDI, Kish served as Executive Director of the Illinois Association of Microboards and Cooperatives, where she helped individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families create circles of support, microboards and cooperatives that facilitate full and inclusive lives within their communities. Kish is a 2019 graduate of Partners in Policymaking, trained in the PATH and MAPS person-centered planning tools and became Illinois’ first certified Charting the LifeCourse Ambassador. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Communication and Public Relations from Marquette University.

Kish lives in Naperville with her family and is active in Special Olympics and other advocacy efforts. She considers her most important role to be that of a parent to her adult son with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who is employed, maintains his benefits, has a healthy ABLE account and leads a full and active life in the community — experiences that have been deeply informed by the resources and support provided through NDI.