Vicki Stewart
Vicki Stewart is the Executive Director of Employment Disability Resources, where she has led statewide efforts to advance disability inclusion since 2016. A seasoned and respected advocate, Vicki brings more than two decades of leadership experience focused on ensuring individuals with disabilities have equitable access to employment, community engagement, and opportunities to thrive. Her work is rooted in a deep commitment to elevating lived experiences, strengthening employer partnerships, and shaping policies and practices that remove barriers and promote belonging across all sectors of society.
Before joining Employment Disability Resources, Vicki served for nearly ten years as the Director of Independent Living Services at Independent Living Choices, where she guided programs that supported individuals in maximizing their independence, employment readiness, and self-advocacy. She also brings extensive experience in community leadership through her volunteer work with organizations such as the Sioux Empire United Way and Independent Living Choices, where she provided one-on-one peer support to individuals navigating disability-related challenges. Vicki’s leadership and advocacy have been recognized through notable honors, including the South Dakota Governor's Outstanding Employee with a Disability Award and the title of Ms. Wheelchair South Dakota, reflecting her longstanding dedication to empowering others.
Vicki is known for her strengths in management, strategic leadership, marketing, public speaking, and project management. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Religion/Religious Studies from Augustana University (SD), an academic foundation that informs her values-driven approach to leadership and inclusion. Certified in the Windmills Employment Disability Inclusion Program, she continues to speak, train, and lead initiatives that help organizations understand the business, cultural, and human impact of disability inclusion. With more than 500 professional connections and an active presence in statewide disability advocacy, Vicki remains a powerful voice working to create communities where every individual is seen, respected, and empowered to contribute.
• Windmills Certified Training
• Augustana University - B.A. Religion/Religious Studies
• South Dakota Governor's Outstanding Employee with a Disability Award
• Ms. Wheelchair South Dakota
• Downtown Rotary Club
• Levitt at the Falls board
• Disability Impact Team Member -
Sioux Empire United Way
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to passion, persistence, and my ability to be a strong self-advocate. My lived experience, empathy, and commitment to educating others have shaped the leader I’ve become in the disability community. I’ve worked in disability services for 33 years, and my career was inspired early on by recognizing how often disability representation was overlooked and by mentors who encouraged me to use my own experience living with a disability to create meaningful change. Those early influences led me into advocacy, training, and ultimately into my current role as Executive Director.
My main area of expertise is disability employment advocacy. I specialize in educating employers, building inclusive workplaces, and helping people with disabilities access meaningful, sustainable employment opportunities through community engagement, training, and outreach. I believe deeply in the power of inclusion—not just as a policy, but as a practice that transforms workplaces and communities.
Among my proudest achievements are being named Remarkable Woman of the Year by Nexstar Media and receiving the South Dakota Governor’s Award for Outstanding Employee with a Disability. I also consider my statewide and national advocacy efforts, including my experience as Ms. Wheelchair South Dakota, to be meaningful milestones in my ongoing work to elevate disability voices and advance equal opportunity for all.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from two important influences in my life. The first was a non-traditional graduate student who also used a wheelchair and showed me what true leadership looks like—leading with strength, authenticity, and confidence. The second was my first boss, who taught me the importance of sharing my personal story to inspire and connect with others. Their guidance helped shape my approach to leadership and advocacy, reminding me that lived experience is not only valuable—it’s powerful.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to stay motivated, challenge stigma whenever you see it, and never be afraid to ask questions. Speak boldly, keep learning, and trust your voice—even when you’re the only one in the room using it. And above all, remember that disability is a natural part of the human experience, not a limitation. When you embrace that truth, you help others embrace it too.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Right now, the biggest challenge I see in my field is breaking the persistent myths surrounding the hiring of people with disabilities and helping employers truly recognize the value these individuals bring to the workplace. At the same time, the greatest opportunity lies in shifting public perception through education, increased visibility, and the adoption of inclusive workplace practices. These changes have the power to transform not only employment outcomes, but entire communities.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me—in both my work and my personal life—are authenticity, empowerment, inclusion, and compassion. I believe people should feel comfortable sharing their stories, speaking up for themselves, and embracing differences. Whether in the workplace or everyday life, I strive to create spaces where everyone feels respected, heard, and valued for who they are.