An Agent of Change at Wachovia
Interview of Beth Butler by Sarah Vazquez
Beth Butler (right) speaks with conference goers following the "Successful Solutions in the Workplace" workshop. |
"We are agents of change," said Kathy Martinez, Executive Director of the World Institute on Disability, referring to the attendees of the Bridges to Employment Conference. One of the most important elements of being an "agent of change" is assuring that the words a person speaks match the actions they take.
Often times people "talk the talk" but do not "walk the walk." Yet, there have been people who have "stepped up to the plate" and paved the way by speaking up and taking action. Effecting change usually begins with bringing attention to inequalities that exist, such as when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on the bus in 1955 in Montgomery, AL. In order to make change happen, individuals first must generate awareness that the status quo is not acceptable.
Vice president of employment compliance
Beth Butler is an agent of change. As Vice President of Employment Compliance at Wachovia Corporation, Beth manages employment discrimination charges for all lines of business at the bank.
Butler has been legally blind since birth, so she can identify with the difficulties that people with disabilities face in the world of employment. At Wachovia, Butler uses her position as senior litigation consultant and as a person with a disability to foster awareness among coworkers that individuals with disabilities can be just as qualified to work as their non-disabled counterparts. In the office she constantly advocates for people with disabilities to be a part of the workforce. Butler speaks openly about the discrimination people with disabilities face in the workplace. In addition, she works hard to make Wachovia's services as accessible as possible to people with disabilities.
Butler's efforts earn award
Butler's efforts to increase employment for people with disabilities have been honored by a leadership award presented by the Council of the State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation. The Washington, DC ceremony was attended by Congressional leaders and representatives from 80 vocational rehabilitation agencies across the country.
Butler believes that individuals with disabilities are essential and vital to the workforce, and she provides leadership through example, bringing society a step closer to inclusive workplaces.
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