Meet Lia!
Lia wears many hats! She is a dynamic individual who seamlessly juggles the roles of a devoted mother, avid traveler, and an optimist with a glass-half-full perspective. Lia's diverse background, being half Greek and half Canadian, has found a home in Switzerland for the past 15 years, near Basel.
She is the founder of Disability Writer, a unique content writing boutique that empowers inclusivity through business blogging services and social media accessibility training.
With a rich history that includes roles as an educational management consultant, teacher for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, and orientation and mobility expert, Lia's journey has been marked by a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Recently joining the Women in Digital Switzerland (WDS) community, Lia discovered a sense of belonging that resonated with her values. Drawn to the WDS for its emphasis on empowering diversity and inclusion in the Swiss digital economy, Lia sees the community as a platform to share her knowledge and support women in the digital space to become more disability-inclusive.
Keep reading and you might find out also about Lia's adventures with sailing and courgette balls!
What inspired me to join the WDS is the community. The rejuvenating feeling of belonging to a group of women who share the same values and beliefs– empowering diversity and inclusion in the Swiss digital economy.
Tell us about yourself!
Hi! I'm Lia. I'm half Greek, half Canadian and I've been living in Switzerland for the past 15 years, always near Basel. I'm the founder of Disability Writer. A content writing boutique empowering inclusive founders with content writing and business blogging services. I also offer social media accessibility training. And co-founder of Lara Guide Dog School in Athens, Greece.
I've worn many hats including educational management consulting, teaching for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TVI), I am a GDMI (Guide Dog Mobility Instructor), and an orientation and mobility expert for guide dog schools in Europe.
How long have you been a member of WDS?
I've been a member of WDS for a little over 2 months now. I came across it looking for a woman's network focusing on inclusion.
What was your first interaction with WDS and how was it for you?
My first interaction with WDS was with Andrea Rubik and what a heartfelt welcome it was! I'm excited about the in-person meetings and the chance to get to know the community better.
What was the reason you joined WDS?
I'm excited to be part of the WDS. I'm hoping it'll give me the opportunity to share my knowledge and support women in the digital space to become more disability-inclusive.
Also being part of a network that shares the same values and beliefs is the perfect way to build heartfelt relationships that help you grow personally and professionally.
Tell us something about you that might surprise us
I worked as a hostess on a sailing yacht in Greece. One sparkling summer day we stopped on a deserted island for a late afternoon picnic. After basking in the evening sun, gobbling up a heart-warming meal of pasta, courgette balls, and feta sprinkled with olive oil and oregano, we opened a chilled bottle of Santo Santorini (compliments of friends on board).
Soon the weight of the siesta hit us and we dozed off. At some point, everyone returned on board and sailed off. I woke up and though initially flabbergasted, I was happy the courgette balls and wine were still with me! 20 minutes later they returned–stunned at what had happened.
Of which professional achievement are you especially proud of?
Three years ago, I decided it was time for other young and passionate people to do the work. I wished to take my passion for writing and use it to empower disability awareness, accessibility, and inclusion in the workplace. And, I'll be straight up with you. I didn't think people would pay me to write for them!
Soon after, guide dog schools became my first clients. Then, clients from other areas of the disability sector reached out. Now, I spend my time doing what I love most, writing. Helping your businesses create content empowering accessibility and inclusion in the workplace.
Are there many women in your industry? Why is that or why not?
I'm not sure. I haven't met any women who write about disability inclusion. We need more disabled female representation but we also need to cultivate the culture for it.
Which aspect of your industry might interest other women to start work in this field?
By bringing women to the center of accessible and inclusive digital solutions we can erase the gender digital divide and create equal access to technology. We can empower women to use digital tools so they can learn, grow, and advocate for their rights.
Which future trend is the most interesting in your opinion?
Accessible AI. Digital accessibility. Participation and social responsibility for digital accessibility and inclusion.
Do you want to connect with Lia and learn more about how she can help your organization's content disability-inclusive? You can find her on LinkedIn.
Would you like to be featured as a WDS member of the month?
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