Join us for a special birthday weekend episode of The Shades of Pride with Vic and Rena as we shine the spotlight on our queen, Rena. She opens up about her incredible career journey—sharing the obstacles she’s faced and the victories she’s claimed as a blind woman determined to thrive.

This laid-back, music-filled conversation is packed with inspiration, practical tips, and real talk about overcoming challenges and discovering your next career move. Come celebrate Rena’s brilliance with us, and don’t forget to send her some love! Drop a shout-out on our Facebook page or email your birthday wishes to keep the celebration going.

Press play, get inspired, and vibe with us as we honor the unstoppable Rena. Face book: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575048897727 You tube: https://youtube.com/@shadesofpridewithvicrena?si=U6pNEpgxZ8k1uNHr Email: shadesofpridepod@gmail.com Text or voice mail: 682-730-2001

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In this final August installment of Shades of Pride with Vic and Rena , we are joined by the wonderful and amazing Laurel Wheeler , founder of the Laurel Wheeler Foundation . Laurel shares her journey from her love of football and traveling the world, to her deep passion for giving back to the blind and visually impaired community.

The Laurel Wheeler Foundation , founded in 2017 , exists to provide international relief for the blind and visually impaired through the gift of technology, training, and other resources. Laurel has traveled to places like Russia, Finland, and many other countries to ensure others have access to life-changing technology such as Braille displays, white canes, and training. The foundation is also expanding locally, making a difference right here in our own community.

In this episode, we chat about: • Laurel’s love for college and NFL football (don’t miss the fun bet between Vic and Laurel on the Texas Red River Showdown!) • Her passion for traveling, both for business and leisure • Favorite fall vibes—including her go-to drink, the pumpkin spice latte • How the foundation is growing globally and locally • Ways you can get involved: donating unused assistive technology, volunteering, or spreading the word The Laurel Wheeler Foundation is more than a nonprofit—it’s a movement to empower the blind and visually impaired through technology and community support. If you or someone you know could use their services, or if you’re looking for a way to contribute, information will be provided below.

We also want to hear from you! Comment on any platform or follow us on Facebook—let us know what football team you’re cheering for this season, whether college or NFL. Between Vic, Laurel, and Rena (our cheerleader extraordinaire), we’ve got all the football energy you need this fall! Learn more about the Laurel Wheeler Foundation: • Website: Laurel Wheeler Foundation on Facebook • X (Twitter): @LaurelWFndn You’re in for a treat—tune in now to be inspired, laugh with us, and maybe even get hungry for a pumpkin spice latte! You will also find information about the DFW virtual Lions Club, which Laurel is the president of as well. Website: www.laurelwheelerfoundation.org Email: laurelwheelerfoundation@gmail.com

DFW Virtual Blind and Person with Disabilities Lions Club.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576355351659 To follow the shades of pride with Vic and Rena podcast go to Https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575048897727 Email shadesofpridepod@gmail.com

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Welcome to August!In this powerful and enlightening episode, Vic and Rena sit down with Victoria Hillard , the Executive Director of Blind Professional Network (BPN) , as part of our August spotlight on nonprofit organizations making a difference in our communities.

Since its founding in 2019, Blind Professional Network has grown from a small support group of 40 to a thriving network serving over 500 blind and visually impaired professionals . Victoria shares her personal journey and the organization’s mission to break barriers and build professional success .

Listeners will learn how BPN provides: 🔹 JAWS training for accessible technology 🔹 Mentorship and internship programs 🔹 Career readiness support —even for those not reentering the workforce 🔹 A welcoming, empowering space for growth and skill-building

Victoria also teases BPN’s first-ever four-day conference , coming in 2026 , and shares how the community can get involved as volunteers or become a member— for free! Also, all listeners should notice that all of the services that they offer at BPN are free to you as long as you sign up to become a member for free. Want to connect or support the Blind Professional Network? 📞 Phone: 800-699-8238 📧 Email: info@BlindProNet.org 🌐 Website: www.BlindProNet.org Here, you can join BPN, explore their programs, access BVI resources, and follow their latest updates.  Stay Connected with Shades of Pride with Vic and Rena 🌈 We’re more than a podcast — we’re a home for LGBTQ+ folks, allies, and the blind & visually impaired community.

📱 Facebook: Shades of Pride with Vic and Rena 📺 YouTube: @shadesofpridewithvicrena 📧 Email: shadesofpridepod@gmail.com 📞 Phone: 682-730-2001

🎧 Be sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review — and stay tuned for more nonprofit spotlights throughout August!

Support The shades of pride with Vic & Rena by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/shades-of-pride

Find out more at https://shades-of-pride.pinecast.co

This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-eb2089 for 40% off for 4 months, and support The shades of pride with Vic & Rena.