Relay Resources is proud to share a leadership update as Vice President of Disability Inclusion Nadja Sailesman is elected to the National Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) Board of Directors.
This milestone reflects the growing impact of Oregon’s leadership in advancing employment equity for people with disabilities and highlights the importance of national collaboration in strengthening the Employment First movement.
We’re proud to share that Nadja Sailesman, vice president of disability inclusion at Relay Resources, has been elected to the National Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) Board of Directors.
APSE is a national organization focused exclusively on advancing employment equity for people with disabilities. Nadja’s election brings Oregon’s leadership and perspective to the national stage at a pivotal moment for the Employment First movement. Employment First is a policy approach and movement focused on ensuring people with disabilities have access to competitive integrated employment.
“We’re grateful to see Nadja’s leadership recognized in this way and are excited to support her in this role,” said Dr. Jennifer Camota Luebke, CEO and chief disability inclusion officer of Relay Resources. “On the National APSE Board, we look forward to seeing Nadja contribute her expertise in disability inclusion to national Employment First efforts and help shape more inclusive and equitable workplaces.”
At Relay, Nadja leads our disability inclusion strategy and workforce initiatives, advancing accessible, equitable employment opportunities and expanding programs like Competitive Integrated Employment and abilIT. AbilIT is a 14-week program which prepares neurodivergent adults for careers in technology and cybersecurity. Her work centers on building systems, environments, and culture where disabled people are not only included but supported to thrive in their workplace.
Nadja brings more than two decades of leadership across education, workforce development, and nonprofit management. Prior to joining Relay, she served as CEO of Exceed Enterprises, where she supported adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in securing competitive employment.
This work is also personal for Nadja. With family members with intellectual and developmental disabilities, she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her leadership, grounding her advocacy in the importance of dignity and opportunity.
“I’m honored to serve on the National APSE Board and to be part of advancing Employment First efforts alongside leaders across the country,” said Nadja Sailesman. “This work is deeply personal to me, and it’s about ensuring people have access to opportunity, independence, and a sense of belonging in their work.”
We’re fortunate to have her leadership at Relay and excited to see her impact continue to grow.