Disability:IN Connecticut Board

Our Executive Director

Sharon Denson, JD, Executive Director

Sharon Denson has served as Executive Director since 2015. She is renowned for her work as a disability advocate and expert in employment related disability issues. She holds a Master of Education degree from the University of Illinois and a Juris Doctor degree from Quinnipiac University School of Law.

She has held appointments from the Governor of the State of Connecticut to the State Rehabilitation Council (federally mandated oversight council for the Department of Rehabilitation Services) and the State Independent Living Council. She was appointed by the State of Connecticut Commissioner of the Department of Social Services to serve as Co-Chair of the Connecticut Council of Persons with Disabilities. She serves on the Board of the Americans with Disabilities Act Coalition of Connecticut (ADACC) and is a member of their Training Committee. She serves on the Board of Directors of Independence Unlimited. Sharon also served as Chair of the West Hartford Advisory Commission on Persons with Disabilities.

She has worked tirelessly for the Disability:IN Connecticut / Connecticut Business Leadership Network since 2009. In her role as their Director of Business Partnership and Outreach, she recruited new members, advised members on disability related employment issues, and trained members on disability etiquette and compliance with Section 503. She worked on creating the then-new Disability:IN Connecticut website, and helped to initiate the new dues structure with the assistance of the board of directors. In addition, Sharon helped put Disability:IN Connecticut on the map and in the news through a highly successful Employer Conference and Career Fair in 2013 which included Connecticut’s Governor Dannel P. Malloy as the opening speaker and Jim Wise from United Spinal as the keynote speaker. The Governor wrote a proclamation naming the date of the Career Fair as Connecticut Business Leadership Network Day. Sharon has done amazing things for the our organization and we would not be where we are today without her dedication and tireless efforts.

As Executive Director of Disability:IN Connecticut Sharon has grown Disability:IN Connecticut to be the premier organization of its kind in Connecticut, offering its members the support they need to bring diversity full circle to include people with disabilities as part of their workforce.

Our Executive Board

Joe Wendover is the Founder and Principal Consultant of JDW Consulting, where he helps organizations build inclusive workplaces through strategic Human Resources and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives. With more than 20 years of experience across corporate, nonprofit, and academic sectors, Joe partners with organizations to strengthen culture, align HR and DEIB strategies, and embed equity into every aspect of the employee experience.

At the heart of Joe’s work is disability inclusion—a passion that has shaped his career and consulting practice. Through JDW Consulting, he collaborates with national and global partners to advance equitable hiring, develop inclusive workforce policies, and build sustainable pipelines connecting people with disabilities to meaningful employment.

Previously, Joe served as Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at BAYADA Home Health Care, where he established and led the company’s first DEIB office. He launched six enterprise-wide Employee Resource Councils, built a data-informed DEIB framework that guided organizational priorities, and infused inclusive leadership and accountability into core business and people strategies.

Earlier in his career, Joe held leadership roles as Chief Diversity Officer at Deb Russell Inc. and Corporate Field Inclusion Manager at Walgreens Boots Alliance, where he led national disability hiring initiatives and built award-winning inclusion models replicated across the U.S.

Joe holds a master’s degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and currently serves as President of Disability:IN Connecticut and Vice Chair of the Connecticut State Rehabilitation Council. Joe’s professional passions include equity and accessibility, employee engagement, inclusive leadership, and building cultures of belonging.

 Marc Senia (Vice-President), Manager of Corporate Field Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Walgreens

Marc Senia is a passionate and experienced diversity and inclusion leader with more than 15 years of experience driving equitable hiring practices, inclusive workplace culture, and community engagement. He currently serves as a Corporate Field Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Manager at Walgreens Boots Alliance, where he leads inclusive hiring strategies, advises on accommodations, and develops programs that support veterans, people with disabilities, and underrepresented communities across the supply chain and corporate environments.

Marc has been instrumental in designing and launching national programs such as Walgreens’ disability hiring initiative, the “This Is Me” self-ID campaign, veteran shadowing efforts, and intern programs centered around disability inclusion. His leadership extends beyond the workplace—he serves on the boards of Disability:IN Connecticut, the Tolland Fund, and the Miracle League of Connecticut, organizations dedicated to expanding opportunity and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.

With a background in special education and behavioral support, Marc brings a people-centered approach to DEI strategy, blending advocacy with action and policy with heart.

  Kate LaPoint (Secretary), Head of Talent Acquisition for Americas Advisory, Real Estate Investments, and Corporate Functions at CBRE

Kate LaPoint is a seasoned talent acquisition executive with more than 15 years of experience leading high-impact recruitment strategies across corporate, investment, healthcare, and tech sectors. She currently serves as Head of Talent Acquisition for Americas Advisory, Real Estate Investments, and Corporate Functions at CBRE, where she drives enterprise hiring initiatives, builds high-performing teams, and aligns recruitment with long-term business strategy and culture.

Before joining CBRE, Kate held leadership roles at Aternity, Numotion, and Prudential Financial, where she developed and scaled global and national talent acquisition functions. She has led everything from complex recruiting operations and employer branding to diversity hiring efforts and team transformation projects. Kate began her career in staffing with Robert Half, where she rose through the ranks to lead high-volume recruitment and sales teams, demonstrating early her strong leadership, strategic thinking, and people-first approach.

Known for her ability to build inclusive and scalable recruitment programs, Kate brings energy, insight, and a deep understanding of workforce dynamics to every role she takes on. She is passionate about developing talent, empowering hiring leaders, and building meaningful career pathways for candidates at every level.

Our Board

Uma Bhan, Director of Residential and Employment Services (Retired) at Mental  Health Association of CT/

Mrs. Uma Bhan served as the Director of Residential and Employment Services of the Mental  Health Connecticut (MHC) for over 25 years. During her tenure, Uma had the opportunity to commence, expand and oversee several programs focused on individuals with psychiatric disabilities. In 1988, Uma started the first employment services program, Choices, for the MHC. She subsequently grew the program by 300% until her retirement in 2013. Uma then expanded her responsibilities with the MHC program to include the Residential support services. As the Director for the Residential program, Uma was responsible for the management of the day-to-day operations while striving for the goal of helping adults with mental health conditions to achieve long term health and wellness.

Uma was instrumental in supporting and winning a rigorous RFP process set forth by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services of CT (DHMAS) for a pilot program for the deaf and hard of hearing with psychiatric disabilities. Following the success of the pilot program, a permanent service program was established and funded by DHMAS.

As a testament to Uma’s leadership style, she mentored and developed a strong team of individuals that are carrying forward the mission and vision of MHC, by leading across various programs today.

Working closely with the regional Chamber of Commerce, Uma developed and maintained a strong and supportive network with the community employers.  Among other awards, she was also the recipient of the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige Award from the Waterbury Regional Chamber of Commerce for her volunteer work.

Uma currently serves on the Disability: IN Connecticut board and also actively volunteers with the Danbury Educational Student Mentoring program.

Prior to her appointment at MHC, Uma served as a teacher for 6 years at a prestigious institution in India. Uma received her Masters in Political Science from Jammu and Kashmir University and her Masters in Instrumental Music from Allahabad University in India.

Uma lives in Danbury, CT with her husband. She enjoys spending time with her children, grandchildren and friends. Uma enjoys reading, music, hiking, mahjong and cooking Indian food.

   Steve Dean, Safilo

Steve Dean comes with more than 15 years Supply Chain Management experience at Fortune 500 companies and several private equity firms. Steve’s focus is leading change management and culture transformation initiatives to drive market availability. He does this through employee engagement, cross-generational motivational tactics, safety, and performance initiatives.  Steve is known in the Northeast for spearheading “Operation Inclusion;” the initiative to hire people with disabilities at J. Polep Distribution Services (A Division of National Convenience Distributors). Steve’s concept for Operation Inclusion evolved from his experience working at Walgreens and the positive impact he saw on people’s lives and their families.

During his career Steve has spearheaded two large scale disability hiring programs and strengthened community partnerships to increase access for all. He has been recognized by the State of Massachusetts and the State of Connecticut as a Champion of inclusive hiring practices and a strong partner. Through Steve’s efforts and unwavering commitment to disability inclusion, the companies have been recognized by the Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Non-profit organizations, the Mayor’s office, the Governor’s Office and the U.S. Senate.

Additionally, Steve serves as the Chair of the Transportation/Distribution & Logistics Sector Partnership for Capital Workforce Partners, Vice Chairman of the Board for Viability, Chair of the National Business Advisory Board- Viability and a keynote speaker for the 2021 MRC Employer awards ceremony and a keynote for Disability IN Connecticut’s 2022 Annual Meeting.

Dr. Ed Goldberg, Mgr. (Retired),  Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery and Threat Assessment at Eversource

Ed served as Senior IT Manager for Northeast Utilities’ (now Eversource) and subsequently Dominion’s Millstone Nuclear Power Station for 10 years. He then served 17 years leading the company’s business continuity, disaster recovery and threat assessment program until his retirement in 2020. He served for many years as the chair of the Northeast Utilities Diversity Council, during which time he became involved supporting CTBLN, now Disability:IN Connecticut

Ed taught graduate and undergraduate business and IT courses for Albertus Magnus College for 11 years, and served 14 years as both adjunct and core/full time faculty for Capella University’s School of Business and Technology PhD program. He chaired dozens of doctoral research/dissertation committees, created course content and facilitated doctoral residencies, etc.

Ed chaired the Edison Electric Institute’s (EEI) Business Continuity Committee.  He currently serves as an advisor to the national board for ACP, the Association of Continuity Professionals, and served as its Treasurer. He has a similar advisory role on the board of the Connecticut chapter where he served 4 terms as its President. Ed is a past President and  currently serves on the boards of the FBI New Haven Citizens Academy Alumni Association and Connecticut Infragard Members Alliance, a public-private partnership to protect critical infrastructure with the FBI..

Ed has a BS in electrical engineering and an MBA concentrated in Computer Information Systems, an advanced Graduate Certificate in Computer Communication Networks and a Doctorate in Management and Organizational Leadership. He was first licensed as a Professional Engineer in 1986, and is a Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP / retired) with more than 30 years of IT and technical management experience.  Ed is an expert on safety-conscious work environments and the creation and maintenance of such culture in nuclear and other industrial settings. He has a varied background in industrial computer control design.  He has designed military computer systems, fire alarm and security control panels, web offset printing press accessories, and electrofinishing/plating control equipment.  He has a patent for a sub-ambient fluid circulation system used in the printing industry. He obtained his amateur “ham” radio license in 1976.

Ed lives in Waterford, CT with his wife, Judi. He has 3 adult children, 5 grandchildren, enjoys traveling, hiking and bicycling.

Laurie Shuckerow, Talent Acquisition Team Lead at Eversource

Laurie Shuckerow is a team lead overseeing Talent Acquisition supporting the Operations organization at Eversource Energy; Laurie is passionate about diversity recruiting, analytics and process improvement.  Laurie has been at Eversource her entire career which spans over 35 years.  Laurie has held roles as an HR Business Partner, HR Generalist, and College Recruiter, and Senior Staffing Specialist .  Laurie resides in Cromwell with her husband Jim and enjoys spending time with her two adult children, traveling, cooking and taking walks.  Laurie served as past President of the Central CT Community Women’s Club, a group dedicated to philanthropy in the Cromwell/Middletown area.

Mark Soycher, Counsel, Human Resources Services (Retired) at CBIA

Mark Soycher has over 30 years experience guiding Connecticut employers and employees through the maze of laws and regulations affecting their workplace, providing legal assistance with all workplace problems from hiring to firing, and on how best to plan and apply workplace strategies that anticipate and avoid legal disputes.

Before retiring in December, 2020 as HR Counsel at CBIA, the state’s largest business organization, Soycher responded to thousands of personnel-related inquires annually from member companies, and conducted training sessions for thousands of Connecticut workers on a wide range of topics, including Sexual Harassment Prevention, Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention, Employment Law for Managers, Workplace Discrimination, ADA and Ethics Compliance.  Prior to his time at CBIA, Soycher was in private law practice for a dozen years, representing and counseling both employers and individuals in employment matters.  Before that, he was general counsel and lobbyist for the Associated General Contractors of Connecticut, a construction industry trade association.

Soycher has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Rutgers University, a master’s degree in special education from William Paterson College, and a law degree from New York Law School.  During his years of practicing law he was a member of the Connecticut Bar Association, and served on the executive committee of the Connecticut Bar Association’s labor and employment law section.  He has been a longstanding member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), and previously served as Director of Legislative Affairs on the SHRM-CT HR Council. He has continued in retirement to serve as a volunteer board member of Disability:IN Connecticut, a coalition of CT employers working to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

    Spencer Hart-Thompson, DEIB Specialist at Bayada

Spencer Hart-Thompson is a recent graduate of Boston University with a degree in music composition. After witnessing inequities and barriers to access in music education firsthand, Spencer designed two university-funded research projects under the title Music Through the Scope of Disability. The first project focused on developing academic accommodations, while the second explored more inclusive pedagogical approaches for teaching students with disabilities. Both studies in the Music Through the Scope of Disability anthology tested their findings alongside the creation of Spencer’s debut album of the same name. Spencer presented this work through a live performance of the album, integrating discussions of accessibility, pedagogy, and lived experience as a disabled musician. This interdisciplinary approach bridged academic research, artistic practice, and advocacy, highlighting new possibilities for inclusive music education.

Spencer’s work in disability inclusion led to an internship with BAYADA, where he continued his career after graduation as a contracted coordinator with the DEIB Office. In this role, Spencer helped foster inclusion through initiatives that impacted the broader BAYADA community. His contributions included the development of BAYADA’s first DEIB training platform, a first-of-its-kind Employee Resource Council (ERC) Newsletter, and a Talent Acquisition/DEIB committee aimed at increasing representation through equitable hiring practices. Spencer currently serves as a DEIB Specialist at BAYADA, where he drives inclusion and accessibility efforts across the organization. He leads BAYADA’s Employee Resource Council (ERC) Program, supporting a network of over 700 employees, and developed the DEIB strategy for the office, setting and tracking quarterly goals and KPIs. With a background in music composition and a deep commitment to accessibility—particularly for people with disabilities—Spencer blends creativity with strategy to strengthen the sustainability of DEIB initiatives and uplift marginalized voices.