Felicia M. Nurmsen
Felicia M. Nurmsen is a visionary leader, consultant, and advocate dedicated to transforming workplaces into environments where disability inclusion and mental health support are not just policies, but lived practices. As Founder and CEO of Inclusion Without Illusion, LLC, she pioneers innovative solutions such as Accompli+, the first AI-powered, human-centered accommodation management system. Felicia’s work empowers employees, managers, and HR professionals to turn accommodations into performance strategies, creating measurable impact through improved retention, reduced legal risk, and enhanced employee experience.
With over 25 years of experience in corporate and nonprofit leadership, Felicia has advised Fortune 500 companies including Toyota, Foot Locker, and Stanley Black & Decker, and served as Chief Content & Development Officer at the National Organization on Disability. Her expertise spans workforce strategy, inclusive leadership, and program design, helping thousands of individuals with disabilities secure competitive employment while proving that inclusion drives business performance. Felicia’s career has been shaped by personal and generational experiences, including her grandmother’s institutionalization, which instilled a lifelong commitment to equity, dignity, and empowerment for all.
Felicia is also an accomplished speaker and corporate trainer, delivering keynote presentations and practical training that reshape organizational culture and leadership perspectives. Through her programs—Power of Perspective™, PeoplePotential™, and Pathways to Performance™—she equips teams to embrace inclusive practices, navigate complex workplace challenges, and unlock the potential of diverse talent. Beyond her professional work, Felicia enjoys traveling, horseback riding with her daughter, and exploring new adventures, bringing the same passion and intentionality to her personal life as she does to her mission of creating workplaces where everyone can succeed.
• Creating Psychological Safety for Diverse Teams
• Supporting the Whole Self at Work, a Diversity and Inclusion Imperative
• Strategic Partnerships
• Confronting Bias: Thriving Across Our Differences
• Commissioners Award
• Veteran Employer of the Year - Massachusetts
• Distinguished Employer Award
• Exemplary Employer Award
• US Center for Advanced Manufacturing
• Youth Transition Works - Transition Planning for Youth with Disabilities
• Massachusetts State Workforce Investment Board
• Quinsigamond Community College
• Adecco Group
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my deep passion for mental health and my commitment to creating meaningful value in everything I do.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from a mentor who told me that it’s often easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. This taught me to take initiative, embrace calculated risks, and trust my judgment when pursuing opportunities.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to be authentic. Stay true to yourself, trust your instincts, and let your unique perspective guide your path. Authenticity builds credibility, resilience, and lasting impact.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is the stigma surrounding people with disabilities. At the same time, this presents a significant opportunity to raise awareness, advocate for inclusivity, and create environments where everyone can thrive.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are truthfulness and authenticity. I strive to be honest in all my interactions and to live and work in a way that reflects my true self.
Locations
Inclusion Without Illusion, LLC.
Winchendon, MA 01475