I recently enjoyed two special nights in the Bay Area, each focused on boosting awareness for the 2020 No Barriers Summit happening in San Francisco on September 18th. The SF community is committed to the innovative No Barriers mindset and this setting is a perfect fit for our annual Summit.
First, Fenwick & West, and Partner Emeritus, Walt Raineri, hosted a heartfelt one-night event at their offices in Silicon Valley. Before I spoke, everyone was invited to participate in 7 mini-challenge stations designed by Walt; each station corresponding with the 7 No Barriers Elements. These were a great and interactive way to experience No Barriers and to give everyone a sample of the Summit experience. Thanks, Walt!
The next night we went to the Wells Fargo building in downtown SF. Wells Fargo has been a No Barriers Summit sponsor and No Barriers supporter for years, and I was excited to spend time with their team. Wells Fargo SVP of Disability / Accessibility Strategy, Kathy Martinez, who is also blind, attended both receptions and shared her perspective. I was also grateful for all the friendly faces in the crowd. Recent podcast guest, Laurent Roffé from Tapooz Travel, showed up to give his support, as did folks from Jackson National Life Insurance and the Executive Director of Environmental Traveling Companions, Diane Poslosky, to name just a few.
During the trip, I was graciously hosted by Jim and Connie Goldsmith and was lucky to visit with Dick and Betty Peters. Both couples have been instrumental in the success of No Barriers since its inception, and it was special to spend quality time with them. Jim and Connie helped organize the first No Barriers Summit in 2004 (!) and Dick and Betty were two of the organization’s earliest supporters and donors. We shared memories, celebrated the growth of No Barriers, and dreamt about its future. It felt very full circle and I truly can’t wait to bring the 2020 Summit to their hometown.
San Francisco, let’s do this!
Join me and more than 5,000 other people all on a quest to contribute their best to the world. Learn more about the 2020 No Barriers Summit and sign up today: https://nobarriersusa.org/2020-summit/
2020 No Barriers Summit
September 18th
San Francisco, CA at Oracle Park
