We’re proud to share that our Executive Director, Chad A. Ludwig, is featured in the newest episode of Lead Different, Innivee Strategies’ leadership webinar series. In this conversation with host Shane Feldman, Chad reflects on building Bridges Oregon from a grassroots idea into a statewide multimillion-dollar, Deaf-led agency, and how centering community needs drives every decision.

“Every day, someone needs something. That’s why I do this work.” — Chad A. Ludwig

What you’ll hear in the episode

  • How community listening sessions and the Community Needs Assessment (CNA) anchored Bridges Oregon’s founding.

  • Why data + stories unlock trust with legislators, agencies, and funders (and how that led to early grant wins like VOCA).

  • Practical leadership lessons: governance, fundraising, partnership building, and overcoming the “I can’t write grants” barrier.

  • Advice for emerging leaders: build a support system, invest in self-care, find mentors, and keep learning.

  • What it means to lead different as a Deaf executive: connecting grassroots needs to public systems, every day.

About the series

Lead Different spotlights leaders who are shaping change across sectors. Episodes are produced by Innivee Strategiesand made fully accessible through interpreting and captioning.

Thank you

Our thanks to Innivee Strategies for featuring Chad and to Interpreter-Now for sponsoring access for the full series.