Ellie Moore

I attribute my success to a mix of curiosity, creativity, and a genuine belief in people. I have always believed that when you take time to listen, collaborate, and see the strengths in others, incredible things can happen. The work I do is not something that happens alone. It is built through relationships, shared vision, and communities that care deeply about making the world a little more inclusive.

I also believe success comes from being willing to try new ideas, even if they feel a little unconventional at first. Some of the most meaningful moments in my career have come from thinking outside the box and trusting that creativity can open doors that strategy alone cannot.

Most importantly, I attribute my success to the people around me. The individuals we support at DSI constantly remind me what resilience, joy, and determination look like. Their stories keep me grounded and inspired, and they are the reason I continue to push forward and grow in this work every day. 

The best career advice I ever received came from my first boss after graduating: “Ask for forgiveness, not permission.” Of course, it’s not about breaking rules or crossing lines—but about giving yourself permission to try new ideas, take chances, and show impact rather than just pitching a plan. If you demonstrate results, even with something unconventional, you can accomplish a lot and open doors that hesitation might have kept closed.

My advice to young women entering this field is to embrace boldness, curiosity, and your unique perspective. Don’t be afraid to try unconventional ideas, speak up, and take risks—even small ones—as these are often the moments that lead to the biggest growth. Build relationships, listen deeply, and celebrate the strengths of others; leadership is as much about lifting people up as it is about achieving goals.

Above all, trust your instincts and the value you bring. Your ideas, energy, and passion can create change that extends far beyond your own role—and the communities you serve will notice and thrive because of it.

One of the biggest challenges in our field is breaking down barriers—both societal and systemic—that prevent individuals with disabilities from fully participating in their communities. It requires creativity, persistence, and collaboration to ensure programs, services, and opportunities are accessible and inclusive for everyone.

At the same time, these challenges create incredible opportunities. There’s growing awareness and momentum around inclusion, community engagement, and advocacy, which allows us to innovate and create programs that truly empower individuals. The chance to show what people can do, rather than what they can’t, and to change perceptions on a broad scale, is what makes this work so inspiring and rewarding.

The values that guide me in both work and life are empathy, integrity, and creativity. I believe in truly seeing and listening to people—understanding their strengths, challenges, and perspectives—because connection is at the heart of meaningful impact. Integrity ensures that every action, decision, and initiative aligns with my principles, building trust with the people I serve and work alongside.

Creativity keeps me inspired and allows me to find new ways to solve problems, celebrate abilities, and bring people together. Whether it’s through community programs, arts initiatives, or rescuing the tiniest animals at home, I strive to live and work in ways that honor kindness, curiosity, and the power of possibility.