In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with Marlee Kivens, a trailblazer in disability advocacy and independent living. Marlee shares her powerful journey of living with spina bifida, gaining independence through accessible kitchen tools, and challenging stereotypes about disability. She opens up about her path from relying on daily care to becoming a successful Pampered Chef consultant, advocating for inclusive products, and educating others on empathy and accessibility. Her insights on self-advocacy, accessible design, and using curiosity over stigma will inspire listeners to take simple but meaningful steps toward inclusion today.

Key Takeaways:

Inclusion = Independence: Marlee defines inclusion as having the choice to participate — made possible when spaces and tools are accessible.

Accessible Tools Empower: Adaptive kitchen products gave Marlee back her independence and ended her reliance on daily personal care.

Ask, Don’t Assume: True empathy means asking respectful questions rather than making assumptions or avoiding interaction.

Self-Advocacy Matters: Marlee’s persistence in advocating for herself led to greater independence, legal recognition of her disability, and opportunities to educate others.

Research Accessibility: Whether attending events or traveling, calling ahead to confirm accessibility can prevent exclusion and frustration.

Marlee’s definition of inclusion:

Inclusion is independence.

Marlee’s Bio:

Marlee grew up in St. Louis Park, MN and has lived in Minnetonka MN for 27 years. Previously she has been an Administrative Manager in various twin cities companies. The longest-running job she had in this field was in her father’s company which he owned for more than 30 years in South Minneapolis. The company sold cemetery memorials, granite countertops, and concrete decorative items. She ran the company during her father’s health issues, and semi-retirement to Florida in the winters. She started at the age of eight and learned everything from the bottom up. Marlee’s father sold the company in 2005 to an out-of-state competitor.

I have been with Pampered Chef for 10 years. I was awarded a very prestigious sales award at her National Conference called “Excellence Award for Personal Sales” for 2020-2021. (Only the top 4% of Pampered Chef Consultants earn this.). Marlee was also awarded Top Sales Recognition in 2020 within her Team and ranked 12th overall in personal sales for 2020 on her Executive Director’s team – which includes hundreds of consultants. She also earned her first incentive trip in 2022 to Grapevine Texas.

Understanding my journey and my unwavering determination, despite my physical disabilities of Spina Bifida, and cognitive learning differences reinforces the idea that with the right mindset, resourcefulness, and support, success is not only attainable but inevitable.

I love to explore independent cooking with Pampered Chef. I had a PCA helping me create all my meals and storing them in the refrigerator or freezer before I found Pampered Chef. For the last 9 years I have gained my independence and sustained it.

Being part of Pampered Chef not only opens doors for business opportunities but can also empower individuals to achieve independence in their daily tasks, such as cooking like I have.

Connect with Marlee:

Website: www.pamperedchef.com/pws/kivenskitchenkorner

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marlee.kivens1/

SPAM© Count:

Host:

Yes

Current Guest:

No

Cumulative Guest Stats:

Yes - 40

No - 56

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