(Un)Heard Voices: Power of Inclusive Leadership

(un)conversations podcast | S1.E11 - (Un)Heard Voices: Power of Inclusive Leadership

In this powerful episode of (un)conversations, we explore what it truly means to lead, live, and build through what’s (un)common, (un)comfortable, and (un)stoppable. Meet Dylan Rafaty, MADR, CPD (deaf/HOH), who is the President and CEO of the North Texas Disability Chamber—and a powerful voice for disability rights nationwide. With a personal mission to open doors and expand opportunities for all people with disabilities, Dylan brings heart, vision, and action to everything he does.What does it take to challenge the (un)questioned norms and rebuild them in a way that’s more inclusive, equitable, and human-centered?It takes leading with empathy, joining forces across all communities, and committing to real, systemic change—not just performative progress.Dylan isn’t just an advocate—he’s a connector. From corporate social responsibility to workforce development, his work spans education, sports, government, and beyond and has been recognized with the North Texas Commission’s Diversity Champion Award and a spot in D Magazine CEO’s Dallas 500 list of 2025.What You Need to Know::✅ The hidden cost of leading: owning missteps, evolving through discomfort, and learning to lead with vulnerability✅ Mental health and momentum: navigating burnout, intense schedules, and the power of stepping back✅ The story behind the North Texas Disability Chamber: one of only six in the U.S., and the only one centered on housing, healthcare, and transportation✅ How strategic partnerships, equity, and community are reshaping what inclusion really looks like✅ A bold call to redefine disability work — not as charity, but as investment✅ The vision to create the first Chief Accessibility Officer role in professional sports—and what it’ll take to get there✅ A reminder that progress isn’t linear: one day you leap, another you fall back—but the work continues✅ Why collaboration over silos, values over performance, and purpose over perfection are the future of leadership❓ Are you ready to challenge what's been (un)questioned for far too long?Ask yourself:👍 Am I leading with empathy in every room I enter?👍 What does true inclusion look like in my workplace or community?👍 How am I investing—not just performing—when it comes to disability rights?👍 Am I building systems that serve everyone, not just the majority?👍 What would it take for me to become (un)stoppable in creating change?If you felt The (UN)word Effect™, unleash your support. Unsubscribe from silence. Hit that ✅ follow, 💬 drop a like, and ⌨️ leave a comment to keep the (un)conversations going and 🗣️amplifying the voices that are shaping the future:

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Learn more about the ⁠NTXDC⁠: Support equity and inclusion today. Donate to the North Texas Disability Chamber of Commerce. Your donation helps amplify the voices of people with disabilities across Texas and beyond.

Connect with Dylan M. Rafaty, MADR, CDP, President & CEO of North Texas Disability Chamber.

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