We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jourdan Saunders. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jourdan below.

Hi Jourdan, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

I spent a decade honing my skills as a Speech Language Pathologist, and during that time, I had the privilege of listening to the stories of countless children and adults with different disabilities. Through their words, I came to realize the different ways they felt excluded from the community. As I continued to provide therapy to those in need, I began to recognize the pressing need for greater disability inclusion, both within and beyond the walls of my therapy room.

In today’s digital age, the power of marketing cannot be overstated. It shapes our perceptions of the world, influencing everything from our beliefs to our behaviors. It is in this world that technology has emerged as a crucial tool for promoting greater inclusion and accessibility. And thus, I founded The Resource Key, an organization dedicated to ensuring that individuals with disabilities and older adults are fully included in the digital landscape.

Using the latest technology, The Resource Key strives to create connections, build community, and share invaluable resources that can help change the future of how technology is built and utilized for all. The Resource Key’s inclusive and accessible marketing approach is aimed at unlocking the full potential of those who have traditionally been left behind. Through our work, we hope to help build a future that is truly accessible to all.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Jourdan Saunders is a passionate and experienced Speech Language Pathologist who has dedicated her career to listening to and supporting individuals with disabilities who feel excluded from their communities. Driven by her commitment to promoting greater inclusion and accessibility, Jourdan founded The Resource Key, an organization that aims to ensure that individuals with disabilities and older adults are fully included in the digital landscape.

With her expertise in brand building, inclusive and accessible programs and technology, and trailblazing leadership, Jourdan has developed inclusive gymnastics and reading literacy programs, authored Our Reading Literacy Kitchen, and advises companies and organizations ranging from digital speech therapy to culinary industry technology platforms. Her work and advocacy for equity and inclusion have been featured in numerous publications and earned her several accolades, including being awarded LinkedIn Top Voices 2020: Equity in the Workplace and being selected as one of the top 100 Speech Language Pathologists impacting the field.

Jourdan’s dedication to inclusion and accessibility extends beyond her professional work. She is a member of several organizations dedicated to promoting diversity and equity, including serving as a mentor to future Speech Language Pathologists. Her thought leadership and forward-thinking approach are evident in her work to build out resources for an inclusive and accessible metaverse.

Jourdan is a problem solver, innovator, and a good listener, with a personal touch that makes her clients and colleagues feel valued and respected. Her daily motto is “Inclusion [action] our daily habits,” reflecting her belief that true inclusion requires a conscious effort every day. With her expertise, passion, and dedication, Jourdan is making a difference in the lives of those who have traditionally been left behind, and inspiring others to join her in building a more inclusive and accessible future.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

The biggest way that I build my audience on social media is through my authenticity and featuring other brands. I love sharing content that is unique to how I process information, interesting reads, and stories that are personal to my work. It is easy to use similar content as other brands because it is trending, but the value of my brand comes from what sets it apart. Also I love sharing about the incredible work that other brands are doing in the community. Its not just about me is what keeps me grounded.

Advice for those just starting to build the social media presence:

1. Authenticity is key when building your audience on social media. Sharing unique and personal content that resonates with your audience can set you apart from other brands. It’s easy to get caught up in what’s trending and follow the crowd, but the true value of your brand lies in what sets it apart.

2. Collaborating with other brands can also help build your audience and create meaningful connections in your community. Don’t be afraid to uplift other brands and share their incredible work. It’s not just about you, but about the collective impact we can make together.

3. Building a social media presence takes time. Whether you have one follower or thousands, never underestimate the power of the information you share.

4. Stay true to what makes your brand unique and continue to share content that aligns with your values and resonates with your audience.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

It’s easy for me to get caught up in the daily grind of work, but it’s important for me to remember to take a step back and prioritize my own well-being. For me, that means incorporating meditation videos, podcasts like Quote of the Day by Sean Croxton and How I Built This by Guy Raz, and even sermon videos into my daily routine. These tools provide me with a sense of balance and different perspectives, helping me stay grounded and focused on what truly matters in life. .

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theresourcekey.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jourdan.saunders/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theresourcekey
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jourdansaunders/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/JourdanSaunders
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theresourcekey

Image Credits
Photo 1: [Image Description: Jourdan smiling sitting at her desk in a black and white chair holding a mug with text “Inclusion [action]: our daily habits” mug, wearing her My XXY Chromodiversity Foundation t-shirt and hat with text “Chromodiversity™ It’s In Our DNA.”] Photo 2: [Image Description: Jourdan sitting in chair in conference room holding conference folder with back drop screen with text “2022 State-of-the-Science on Disability Statistics.”] Photo 3: [Image Description: Jourdan holding a poster with different images of program “Design Read Create: Creating Connections and Experiences Through Drawing,” presenting at the The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts VSA Intersection] Photo 4: [Image Description: Side profile of Jourdan with her head turned to side smiling walking wearing a pink beaded headband, long pink coat and glitter heels,] Photo Credit: Jeff at Jazzy Studios Photo 5: [Image Description: Jourdan smiling sitting in front of a blue background in an orange and white geometric chair holding a book she wrote “Our Reading Literacy Kitchen” wearing a teal shirt with gold necklace and earrings.] Photo 6: [Image Description: Jourdan Saunders is smiling looking directly at the camera. She is wearing a blue and black dress with gold buttons with her hair in a high bun. Jourdan is standing behind a white table and she is being professionally interviewed.]