Spotlight on Ali Ingersoll: Advocate, Strategist, and the Energizer Bunny on Wheels
At Next Step Foundation, we are fortunate to have Ali Ingersoll as a member of our Board of Advisors. Ali’s resume reads like a masterclass in resilience, determination, and impact: TEDx Speaker, Corporate Disability Consultant, Keynote Speaker, Ms. Wheelchair America, Social Impact Strategist, and champion for global inclusion.
Ali describes herself as the ‘Energizer Bunny on Wheels 2.0,’ and to those who know her the moniker is no exaggeration: her energy, passion, and drive is unparalleled. She wakes up each day with a singular mission: to help other human beings.
In 2010, a shallow water diving accident left Ali a C6 quadriplegic. This life-altering event did not stop her; it fueled her. Over the next seven years, she faced unimaginable challenges, including extended hospital stays and traveling to China to receive life-saving spinal surgery. Through it all, she emerged stronger, more determined, and ready to make a difference.
Ali’s mantra, Adversity IS your superpower, forms the foundation of her work whether with individuals, audiences, or corporations. She deftly combines psychology and neuroscience to help those she works with reframe happiness, success, and the power of taking 100% responsibility for one’s life.
As a disability inclusion consultant, Ali partners with corporations to create accessible, equitable spaces. Her keynote talks inspire global audiences, challenging them to reframe and see challenges as opportunities. In 2024, Ali took the stage as a TEDx Speaker, sharing her transformative insights on embracing adversity and fostering inclusion.
Ali has also been instrumental in advocating for landmark legislative changes with Medicare, amplifying the voices of Individuals with Disabilities and fighting to ensure their rights are upheld.
Ali’s commitment to inclusion aligns with our mission to shift narratives and create opportunities for Persons with Disabilities. Her lived experience, advocacy, and actionable insights have guided us in developing programs (PROGRAMS IS NOT THE WORD.) that equip Youth with Disabilities to unlock their full potential. Her philosophy of transforming adversity into strength mirrors our belief inclusion begins with fostering self-confidence. Through her advice and support, she helps us amplify our impact, ensuring all our Participants feel seen, valued, and capable.
Ali is currently writing her first book, a deeply personal yet practical guide that captures her life and the strategies she’s developed to overcome the biggest challenges. The memoir will be a mindset shifter for anyone looking to adapt, overcome, and thrive no matter the circumstances.
From wilderness survival trips in Australia to navigating China alone at 16, Ali has always embraced life’s adventures. When she’s not working, she’s giving back to the community, serving on multiple nonprofit boards, and empowering Persons with Disabilities to create and live their own rock-star lives.
We are continuously grateful for Ali’s contributions, not just as a member of our board but as a tireless advocate in the global movement for disability inclusion. Her story reminds us of all of the power of curiosity, and relentless determination to shift and create change.
Learn more about Ali and her work at AliIngersoll.com
