Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Chassman Browne

Hi Jennifer, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

My road has been circuitous. I was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis when I was 6 years old. My diagnosis was a challenge for my whole family, as I was raised by a single mother and had 2 siblings.
I made efforts to hide that I had arthritis as I didn’t want to appear different. Mostly, my arthritis wasn’t obvious to those outside of my family.

When I was young, I was fairly shy and awkward, though I enjoyed sports. Thus, in spite of my medical diagnosis, I loved being outside and playing with my brother and friends. As a child, teenager, and young woman, I played soccer, basketball, and softball. I always enjoyed reading and writing, and have continued to use writing as a way to tell my story and to connect with others.

I had never planned on becoming a teacher and going into education, but as a graduate student in Philosophy and Medical Ethics at the University of Tennessee (Go VOLS!) I started teaching and loved being in the classroom. I thought back to my own high school days and really appreciated having teachers who were my coaches and advisors as well, so I began teaching high school. After teaching for 15 years, I moved into school leadership, where I worked as an Assistant Head and curriculum director for the next 10 years.

In my work I began to see that students needed more than just an academic education, they needed to feel that they were valued and belonged. Actually, this is often true for the adults as well. And thus, I made the transition to independent consulting where I supported teachers and helped schools to develop programs of equity and inclusion.

As I have grown older, my arthritis has been more limiting and become more visible, and so I move about the world facing challenges that I hadn’t faced before. Other than physical challenges, I am faced with ableist comments from those around me, and I have had to learn to navigate those. It’s so rewarding for me to support others who face this as well.
Perhaps I was thrust into the role of a disability advocate as a result, though I have embraced that role. Indeed, most recently, I have narrowed my work to disability education, training, and advocacy, as I have lived experience that I can bring to this work.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

None of the roads that I’ve been on have been smooth. Managing how I engage with the world comes with a variety of challenges. Most recently, leaving a steady job and starting my own business has been a challenge. The most challenging parts have been selling myself, and determining what my services are worth, in terms of determining my fees.
I certainly was never taught how to market my services, as I had been working in schools, where job duties are outlined and salaries are set. Consulting others who are doing consulting work and researching marketing strategies has been immensely helpful in these areas.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

My business focuses on developing and delivering unique, tailored training sessions and keynote speaking related to disability history, access and inclusion, and advocacy. The goal of my work is to help people understand the lived experiences of people with disabilities, to understand the history of the treatment of people with disabilities, and to learn how to create inclusive spaces in which all experience a sense of belonging. All of my work is tailored to fit and meet the needs of each client. I relish the opportunity to engage in conversations about disability access and inclusion, especially with those who haven’t had such conversations before.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?

My best advice is to reach out to others, to do your research, and then really just to trust your gut in making the best decisions for your own endeavor. Find what makes you unique and use that as your driving force.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://newground.us/index.html
• Other: https://morethanatshirtco.com/