Subject: BPN August Newsletter: July was for building. Now, we execute.
Welcome Back: We’re Resetting the Standard
If you noticed a quiet July, it wasn’t because we slowed down—it was because we were building.
We took a step back from the noise last month with one singular focus: You.
A network is only as powerful as the connections within it, and true community isn't built on passive membership—it’s built on active, unstoppable engagement. During our hiatus, the BPN team was working relentlessly behind the scenes to engineer new initiatives, dismantle barriers, and design high-impact opportunities crafted to elevate your network, your career, and your purpose. No matter where you are on your professional journey, there is something for you!
We aren't just coming back; we are stepping up.
This next chapter of BPN is designed to move you from the sidelines to the center of the movement. Read on to discover what’s new, how to get involved, and how we’re taking member engagement to an entirely new level.
Welcome back. Let’s get to work.
To help you navigate this month’s updates, we have organized the newsletter into clear sections. Below is a list of what is featured in this issue. Use headings to jump to the initiatives and resources most relevant to you.
- BPN August Announcements
- Support BPN Every Time You Shop at Walmart!
- August BPN Virtual Training Courses: Registration Open
- New BPN Initiatives
- BPN Member of the Month
- New BPN Peer Support Groups
- My Advocacy Space: A Virtual Peer Support & Resource Group
- The BPN Bridge: Re-Entering the Workforce Together
- BPN Elevate: A Forum for advanced Blind Professionals
- BPN Off the Clock
- The AT Advantage: New monthly publication
- BPN Monthly Programming and Scheduled Events:
- New Member Orientation & Community Refresher, Tuesday, August 4th, 7:00 PM CT
- Professional Empowerment Wednesday (PEW), Wednesday, August 19th, 7:00 PM CT
- Empower To Thrive Workshops
- Part 1: The Art of Auditory Precision (Tuesday, August 11th, 7:00 PM CT)
- Part 2: The Architecture of Vocal Presence (Tuesday, August 25th, 7:00 PM CT)
- BPN Virtual Peer Support Groups and Networking Events
- BPN Connect Peer Support Group, Wednesday, August 5th, 7:00 PM CT
- BPN My Advocacy Space, Thursday, August 6th 7:00 PM CT
- State-by-State Connections Virtual Networking Mixer Friday, August 14th, 7:00 PM CT
- BPN Elevate, Thursday, August 20th, 7:00 PM CT
- The BPN Bridge, Thursday, August 27th, 7:00 PM CT
- Career Connections Networking Mixer Friday, August 28, 7:00 PM CT
- BPN Off the Clock, Saturday, August 22nd, 7:00 PM CT Saturday,
- BPN on Clubhouse
- Monday Momentum: Purpose, Energy & Success (Mondays at 6:00 PM CT)
- BPN Tech Talk and Tools: Innovation to thrive! (Tuesdays 6:00 PM CT)
- Friday Fitness : Stay empowered, Stay Active! (Fridays 6:00 AM CT)
- Friday Finish: Reflect, Empower& Unwind with BPN (Fridays 8:00 AM CT)
BPN August Announcements
Small Change, Big Impact: Support BPN Every Time You Shop at Walmart!
Did you know that you can support Blind Professionals Network every single time you shop online, without spending more than a few extra pennies?
Through Walmart’s Spark Good Round Up program, you can choose to round up your purchase total to the nearest dollar at checkout and donate those exact cents directly to BPN.
Every single cent counts. When our entire network participates, those spare dimes and quarters add up quickly, directly funding our community initiatives, professional development programs, and advocacy work. It’s an effortless way to keep investing in our community while you take care of your regular shopping.
How to Select BPN as Your Preferred Charity
Setting this up takes less than two minutes, and once you do, Walmart will automatically give you the option to round up every time you check out online or in the app.
Option 1: Through Your Walmart Account Settings
- Log into your account on Walmart.com or open the Walmart app.
- Navigate to your Account settings.
- Scroll down and click on Giving & Impact.
- Search for Blind Professionals Network and click Select this charity.
Option 2: Direct Search via Spark Good
- Visit walmart.com/sparkgood.
- In the search bar, type Blind Professionals Network.
- Select our organization profile from the search results and click Select this charity or Update my preferred charity.
Pro Tip: Make sure you have a default credit or debit card saved in your Walmart account preferences. The "Round Up" checkbox will seamlessly appear on your "Review Order" screen right before you finish checking out.
Thank you for your continued dedication to building a stronger, more inclusive professional landscape. Let's make our change count!
August BPN Virtual Training Courses
Registration is now open for our next Virtual Jaws training Courses starting in August:
- Beginner JAWS: Mondays , (8 weeks) Starting August 17th, from 7:00 PM CST. to 8:00 PM CST.
- Outlook with JAWS: Thursdays (8 weeks) starting August 20th from 7:00 PM CST. to 8:00 PM CST
- Intermediate JAWS: Thursdays, (8 weeks) Starting August 27th from 7:00 PM CST. to 8:00 PM CST.
New BPN Initiatives
BPN Member of the Month
Big News: Introducing the BPN Member of the Month!
At Blind Professionals Network, our greatest asset is you—our brilliant, resilient, and trailblazing community. That’s why we are thrilled to officially launch our brand-new BPN Member of the Month spotlight!
Each month, we’ll be putting the spotlight on an extraordinary individual within our network. From tech innovators and corporate leaders to dedicated volunteers and creative pioneers, this initiative is dedicated to celebrating your achievements, sharing your leadership, and showcasing the immense talent that defines our community.
Be on the lookout for August!
Get ready—our very first member spotlight is coming soon! Check your inbox and our social media channels later this month as we reveal our August Member of the Month and dive into their inspiring journey.
Know Someone Extraordinary? Nominate Them Today!
Inspiration lives all around us, and we need your help to shine a light on it.
- Nominate a BPN Member: Do you know a fellow member making an impact, breaking barriers, or lifting others up? Give them the recognition they deserve!
- Know Someone Outside BPN? If you have a blind or visually impaired colleague, friend, or mentor who isn't a BPN member yet, nominate them anyway! We would be honored to spotlight their achievements and warmly welcome them into our growing community.
Click Here to Nominate Our Next Member of the Month
Let’s celebrate the power, leadership, and diverse talent of our community—together.
My Advocacy Space: A Virtual Peer Support & Resource Group
My Advocacy Space: A Virtual Peer Support & Resource Group
My Advocacy Space is a structured, collaborative peer support group designed to empower blind and visually impaired individuals in self-advocacy, resource navigation, and burn-out prevention. This group offers a safe, candid space to share lived experiences, swap practical solutions, and build sustainable advocacy strategies together.
- Date: Every 1st Thursday of the Month
- Time: 7:00 PM CT
- Location: BPN Virtual Zoom Room
The BPN Bridge: Re-Entering the Workforce Together
Your Career Doesn't End Here: Employment Is Possible After Vision Loss
When vision loss happens, the world can suddenly feel full of barriers. If you have been blind or visually impaired for five years or less, it’s completely natural to feel overwhelmed or even wonder: Is my career over? Can someone who is blind really still work?
If you’ve caught yourself thinking that employment is no longer an option for you, we are here to tell you clearly and confidently: It is entirely possible, and your professional journey is far from over.
Countless blind and visually impaired individuals thrive in every industry imaginable—as managers, analysts, customer service professionals, programmers, teachers, entrepreneurs, and beyond. You don't have to give up on your financial independence or professional ambitions. You just need the right tools, knowledge, and community to show you the way.
About Our Group
This peer support group is tailored specifically for individuals in their first five years of vision loss who are ready—or just beginning to realize it’s possible—to return to work.
Many people simply don't know how work happens without sight. Our group bridges that gap. We create a welcoming, uplifting space where you can ask questions, break through doubts, and discover the practical reality of working with vision loss at any stage of your journey.
What You Will Discover & Build
- A New Perspective on What's Possible: Uncover the truth about working with vision loss and dismantle the myth that blindness means the end of your career.
- The Tools of the Trade: Get introduced to modern assistive technology, screen readers, adaptive software, and workplace accommodations that make doing your job seamless.
- Confidence & Self-Advocacy: Learn how to talk to potential employers about your abilities, request reasonable accommodations, and showcase your true professional value.
- Firsthand Success Stories: Connect with peers who have walked in your shoes, overcome the exact same uncertainty, and successfully re-entered the workforce.
- Step-by-Step Support: Whether you're exploring what jobs exist, updating a resume, adapting your former career, or preparing for interviews, you’ll get supportive guidance every step of the way.
The Bottom Line: Sight loss changes how you do your job, not your capacity to lead, create, and succeed. Your skills, experience, and potential are still right here inside you.
Group Details
- Date: Every 4th Thursday of the Month
- Time: 7:00 PM CT
- Location: BPN Virtual Zoom Room
BPN Elevate: A Forum for advanced Blind Professionals
You’ve built your foundation, landed the role, and established your expertise. But as a seasoned blind professional, the challenges you face today look different than they did at the start of your journey. You aren't just looking for a seat at the table anymore—you are managing teams, navigating corporate politics, and scaling the ladder.
BPN Elevate is an exclusive, monthly open forum designed by Blind Professionals Network specifically for our members who are established in their careers or advanced in their employment journey.
Group Details
- Date: Every 3rd Thursday of the Month
- Time: 7:00 PM CT
- Location: BPN Virtual Zoom Room
BPN Off the Clock
Fun, Friends, & Connections
Because professionals need to have fun, too!
Leave the resumes at the door and step into BPN Off the Clock—your go-to space for lighthearted unwinding, genuine connections, and pure entertainment with your favorite community.
What It's All About
Networking doesn't always have to be about elevator pitches and business cards. BPN Off the Clock is designed to help you recharge, kick back, and build authentic friendships beyond the 9-to-5. Whether we’re hosting lively game nights, virtual hangouts, or casual social hours, this is your permission to relax and just enjoy the vibe.
What to Expect:
- Casual Game Nights: Test your trivia, board game skills, and friendly competitiveness.
- Virtual Entertainment: Fun, low-pressure hangouts from the comfort of your couch.
- Real Connections: Meet incredible peers, share laughs, and bond over shared interests—no work talk required.
Ditch the agenda, bring your good energy, and come hang out!
- Date: Every 4th Saturday of the Month
- Time: 7:00 PM CT
- Location: BPN Virtual Zoom Room
The AT Advantage: New monthly publication
Keep your eyes on your inbox! The Assistive Technology Department is launching The AT Advantage—a new monthly publication built specifically for our community. Whether you're looking to master AI screen reader shortcuts, navigate enterprise software accessibly, or get inspired by fellow members’ tech workflows, this newsletter has you covered.
BPN Monthly Programming and Scheduled Events:
Please Note: All BPN scheduled events can be found on our BPN Events Calendar, which includes event details and Zoom meeting links
New Member Orientation & Community Refresher
Tuesday, August 4th, 7:00 PM CT
Whether you just joined Blind Professionals Network today or you’ve been a part of our community for years, we want to make sure you’re getting the most out of your membership!
To help our new members get started—and to keep our long-standing members up to speed—we host our Member Orientation & Refresher every first Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM CT.
This isn’t just a "welcome" meeting—it’s a strategy session for your professional development. We strongly encourage both new faces and long-standing members to attend and see what’s new!
Professional Empowerment Wednesday (PEW) Virtual Presentation
Wednesday, August 19th, 7:00 PM CT
Thriving Blind Academy with Kristin Smedley
Seeing What's Possible: The Mindset That Changes Everything
What if the biggest limitation isn't blindness... but the story we've learned to believe about what's possible?
Join TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and Thriving Blind Academy founder Kristin Smedley for a conversation that goes beyond motivation and into transformation. Through powerful stories and practical insights, Kristin will explore how the way we see ourselves—and the expectations we place on our own lives—shapes our careers, relationships, confidence, and future.
You'll also get an inside look at the philosophy behind Thriving Blind Academy, an international community where blind and low vision individuals—and the parents raising the next generation—come together each week to build the mindset, skills, and relationships that help people thrive in every area of life.
This session is for professionals who are ready to move beyond surviving, challenge limiting beliefs, and surround themselves with people who believe that growth, contribution, leadership, and thriving are possible—regardless of vision.
If you're ready to think differently about what's possible for your life and career, this conversation is for you. This will be a presentation followed by an interactive conversation with Kristin.
Click here to join on Wednesday, August 19th, 7:00 PM CT
Empower To Thrive Workshops
Unlock the Power of Strategic Listening and Commanding Vocal Presence
In modern professional settings, communication is moving faster than ever. For blind and visually impaired professionals, mastering both sides of the auditory coin—how you process information and how you project your voice—is one of the most effective ways to stand out, build rapport, and lead with authority.
Blind Professionals Network is excited to announce a 2-part interactive masterclass series designed to elevate your career from passive listening to high-impact communication.
The Series at a Glance
Part 1: The Art of Auditory Precision (Tuesday, August 11th, 7:00 PM CT)
- Focus: Strategic Listening & Information Processing
- What You’ll Gain: Train yourself to move beyond passive hearing. Learn to pick up on "verbal italics" and emotional subtext, filter out chaotic background noise in meetings, and adopt high-efficiency note-taking workflows using Braille and audio bookmarking tools.
Part 2: The Architecture of Vocal Presence (Tuesday, August 25th, 7:00 PM CT)
- Focus: Speaking to Influence & Room Control
- What You’ll Gain: Turn your voice into your primary professional brand. Master vocal cadence, tone, and strategic pauses to command meetings, reclaim the floor during virtual interruptions, and deliver screen-reader-assisted presentations flawlessly.
Why Attend Both?
Listening and speaking are two sides of the same strategy. Part 1 teaches you to read the subtle auditory signals others leave behind; Part 2 gives you the tools to intentionally deploy those same dynamics to persuade, present, and lead.
Ready to level up your professional presence?
Click here on Tuesday, august 11th and Tuesday, August 25th, at 7:00 PM CT to join us!
BPN Virtual Peer Support Groups and Networking Events
Build your circle at BPN. Our monthly peer support and networking groups are here to help you thrive! Designed to foster genuine connection and mutual empowerment, these sessions are the perfect place to grow.
- BPN Connect Peer Support Group, Wednesday, August 5th, 7:00 PM CT
- BPN My Advocacy Space, Thursday, August 6th 7:00 PM CT
- State-by-State Connections Virtual Networking Mixer Friday, August 14th, 7:00 PM CT
- BPN Elevate, Thursday, August 20th, 7:00 PM CT
- The BPN Bridge, Thursday, August 27th, 7:00 PM CT
- Career Connections Networking Mixer Friday, August 28, 7:00 PM CT
- BPN Off the Clock, Saturday, August 22nd, 7:00 PM CT Saturday,
Connect with us weekly on Clubhouse:
Monday Momentum: Purpose, Energy & Success (Mondays at 6:00 PM CT)
BPN Tech Talk and Tools: Innovation to thrive! (Tuesdays 6:00 PM CT)
Friday Fitness : Stay empowered, Stay Active! (Fridays 6:00 AM CT)
Friday Finish: Reflect, Empower& Unwind with BPN (Fridays 8:00 AM CT)
The Future is Interactive—And It Starts With You
We didn't recalibrate just to keep things business-as-usual. Every new initiative, event, and platform feature we’re rolling out exists for one reason: to unlock your full potential and amplify our collective power.
But here’s the truth: the vision only works if you do.
Your voice, your expertise, and your energy are the engine of this community. Don't just read the updates—claim your space. Dive into the new initiatives, show up to the upcoming sessions, and connect with a fellow member today.
July was for building the foundation. August and beyond? That’s for our execution.
In solidarity and power,
The BPN Team
Lead. Connect. Empower.