OLYMPIAN-LEVEL ADVOCACY ON BOARD
BY JULIE WHITE, The Resource Exchange
I
f you’ve never met Heidi Brandon, picture a creative, dedicated advocate and community leader who is an Olympic-level swimmer with a mean spaghetti squash recipe. A self-advocate and member of The Resource Exchange (TRE) Board of Directors since 1990, Heidi is passionate about issues that impact the people served by TRE, a local nonprofit that coordinates care and case management for the disabled community. “I’ve learned a lot while being on the board,” Brandon says. She emphasizes how important advocacy is for herself and others, noting, “I speak out to organizations or agencies. I try to advocate for other people who don’t have a voice.” Heidi’s friends often turn to her for guidance on issues ranging from day programs to Medicaid waiver services. Armed with their concerns, she attends meetings, determined to make a difference. “Sometimes,” she admits, “it’s challenging not to be able to help everyone — I wish there were more of me!” Beyond her advocacy work, Heidi openly shares her personal journey with epilepsy. Her involvement in Special Olympics was rewarding, beginning at eight years old. As an accomplished swimmer, she competed in the 1991 International World Games in Minnesota, securing a gold, silver and two bronze medals. Today, she is a familiar face at TRE and its social impact business, New Altitude. Within New Altitude’s co-working space in Colorado Springs, The Whispering Aspen contributes to a unique initiative. The store features products created and sold by people with disabilities. Heidi’s specialty is designing vibrant coasters
Top: Heidi shows off her latest diamond art creations. Below: Heidi's swimming medals are proudly framed and hung with a certificate and a photo at the 1991 International World Games in Minnesota.
using diamond art — a technique that involves adhering diamond-like jewels to surfaces, resulting in colorful mosaics. She explains, “Art relaxes me. Working here allows me to be independent and pursue my craft wherever I am.” Heidi is quick to add her passion about a hot-button issue of the day: transportation. She advocates for more bus lines, especially in underserved and rural areas, to improve accessibility for all. In a world where so many struggle, we could use more advocating Olympians, for sure.
NORTH • June/July 2024 • 53