From St. John’s to Capitol Hill: an Alumna’s Career Focus on Disability Advocacy
Vivian Fridas ’13G, a Public Policy Specialist at the National Industries for the Blind (NIB), recently reflected on her path to becoming a passionate advocate and trailblazer for disability rights. As a Public Policy Specialist, she promotes financial independence for those who are blind and/or visually impaired through AbilityOne, the largest federal employer for those are blind and/or visually impaired in the United States.
“I was really impressed with how St. John’s approached the world,” she reflected. “The University’s mission was evident throughout the curriculum, and there was always an emphasis on service and giving back to others. I really appreciated that because it was something I really wanted to focus on myself and break into.”
“People who are blind can overcome challenges on their own and really advocate for themselves and their community,” she said. “More people need to realize that blind and visually impaired people face more challenges when entering the workforce.”
One of her core responsibilities is to create, sustain, and improve employment opportunities. With Ms. Fridas’s help, the NIB collaborates with engineers to provide agencies with the proper technology needed to accommodate blind or visually impaired individuals to properly perform tasks on the job. It is an individualistic and innovative process to ensure accessibility for all employees in the program. Ms. Fridas also leads advocacy and managerial training for other blind or visually impaired employees interested in continuing this mission of accessibility and inclusion by organizing their own agencies.
Being blind, Ms. Fridas has faced various challenges over the years in the workforce. Although her path was not always easy, she was determined to become an advocate for the blind community in the professional world.
Ms. Fridas began pursuing her degree at St. John’s University in 2012, impressed by the coursework and unique opportunities that the Master of Arts in Government and Politics program offers. As a graduate student, she felt supported by her professors and peers.
“I was glad that I was able to pursue my master’s degree at St. John’s,” she said. “My professors were very understanding and helpful. I knew if I needed something I could go to them.”
After graduating with her master’s degree with a concentration in International Relations, Ms. Fridas moved to Washington, DC, where she obtained fellowships with the United States International Council on Disabilities and the National Democratic Institute. She considers her time at St. John’s University a jumping point into her career of service.
“I was really impressed with how St. John’s approached the world,” she reflected. “The University’s mission was evident throughout the curriculum, and there was always an emphasis on service and giving back to others. I really appreciated that because it was something I really wanted to focus on myself and break into.”
Ms. Fridas’s career history also includes work with the Women’s Refugee Commission and the World Bank Group. She has been in her current role with National Industries for the Blind since January 2020.
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