SWAG- Believing in Inclusion: Aligning Lived Experience with Community Mission

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Believing in Inclusion: Aligning Lived Experience with Community Mission
This presentation explores what it means to grow up as a “sib”—a sibling of an individual with a disability—and how that personal journey shapes empathy, advocacy, and a deep belief in inclusion. The talk highlights the unique experiences of sibs, including their dual-world upbringing, early responsibilities, and the emotional landscape that includes both profound joys and significant challenges.

As sibs move into adulthood, they carry powerful strengths: resilience, communication skills, and a lived understanding of inclusion that naturally leads many into roles of support and leadership. This lived experience creates a strong connection to community organizations like NWSRA.

The presentation transitions into how NWSRA provides essential recreational and social opportunities that support not only individuals with disabilities but also their families—including siblings. It then explores how the Special Leisure Services Foundation (SLSF) strengthens and expands that mission through funding, advocacy, and long-term sustainability.

The overview concludes with reflections on how personal experience aligns with community purpose and how working alongside leaders that represent the intersection of lived experience and professional mission. Ultimately, the message centers on inclusion as both a personal identity and a shared community responsibility.

About our speakers:

• Anne Kiwala, Superintendent of Development, Special Leisure Services Foundation
• Liz Thomas, Manager of Development, Special Leisure Services Foundation

Anne Kiwala serves as the Superintendent of Development for the Special Leisure Services Foundation (SLSF), where she leads fundraising initiatives to support programs and services for children and adults with disabilities. Anne joined SLSF in 2021, bringing a diverse background in the arts, hospitality, and business management.
 
A 2015 graduate of Western Illinois University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance, Anne also pursued graduate studies at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. She later pivoted into hospitality and business, overseeing operations for the highest-grossing fine dining restaurant in Marion County, Indiana, and managing operations, marketing, and community relations for a mortgage lending office.
 
Anne is an active member of the Chicago chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), serves on the board of the Illinois Park and Recreation Foundation, and is a member of the Rotary Club of Buffalo Grove.
 
Shaped by her father’s lifelong interest in native plants and conservation, Anne shares his passion for the environment. Together, they are restoring a prairie in central Illinois, an experience that fostered her love of the outdoors and inspired her belief that people of all abilities should have the opportunity to enjoy recreation in all its forms. This philosophy led her to become involved with park districts and ultimately to support NWSRA through SLSF.

Anne lives in Grayslake with her husband, John, and their two daughters. In her free time, she enjoys attending park district events, playing clarinet in community ensembles, and spending quality time with her family.

Liz Thomas began her career with the Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA) in 1998 as a part-time staff member. Her passion and dedication quickly guided her path, leading her to a full-time role in 2004 as a Program Specialist. Over the years, Liz advanced through several leadership positions, including Special Events and Leisure Education Coordinator, Adult Day Program Coordinator for PURSUIT, and in 2018, Manager of Special Recreation overseeing Collaboratives for NWSRA followed by the Senior Manager of Recreation.

In 2019, Liz transitioned to the foundation side as the Development Manager for the Special Leisure Services Foundation (SLSF), where she continues to champion the mission and elevate community support for NWSRA.

Liz holds a Bachelor of Science in Developmental Neuropsychology and Sociology, with a minor in Intercultural Disabilities Studies and Social Work from Elmhurst University. She focused her academic studies on expanding her skills to support individuals with disabilities, graduating at the top of her class.

With more than 21 years of full-time experience, Liz holds multiple professional certifications and remains actively involved in the community. Her commitment extends beyond work—she serves through Rotary, volunteers extensively, participates in local PTA groups and Chamber Boards, and even fosters dog.

At home, Liz lives in Palatine with her partner, Tom, who keeps her grounded whenever she tries to “save the world in one day.” Together, they are both bio parents and foster parents to ages 3, 10 and 17—reflecting their belief in creating a supportive and inclusive world.

Liz believes deeply that everyone has a purpose—and she has known from a young age that hers was to advocate for people of all abilities. She lives by the philosophy, “Be the change you wish to see.”

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2026 SWAG REBRAND
To eliminate confusion between SBA Women in Business (WIB) events and the SBA Women’s Alliance Group, we are bringing all women-focused programming under one unified brand: SWAG – SBA Women’s Advocacy & Gratitude initiative. Moving forward, the Alliance Group name will be retired, and all activities will be organized under the SWAG umbrella.

MISSION:
SWAG unites, empowers, and elevates women in the Schaumburg Business Association through connection, professional development, gratitude, and community engagement.

WHO WE ARE:
SBA Women’s Advocacy & Gratitude (SWAG) is the unified home for all SBA women-focused events. Our goal is to create an inclusive environment where women professionals and allies can thrive through learning, networking, and shared experiences.

WHAT:
SWAG events will consist of monthly lunches, after-work socials, volunteer opportunities, and more.

2026 LUNCH DETAILS:
Dates: 2nd Thursday of every month, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Sponsorships: Table Sponsors at $275 per event


For sponsorships, contact Kayleigh Endicott at KBurnitz@SchaumburgBusiness.com