This week, we shine the spotlight on Terri Seurkamp Hogan, an inspiring advocate, philanthropist, and CEO who has made significant strides in promoting the inclusion of individuals with disabilities, particularly those on the autism spectrum, in the workforce.

Terri, along with her husband Paul, runs Contemporary Cabinetry East in Blue Ash, Ohio. As the CEO, Terri is passionate about using her business to uplift and empower people with disabilities. One of the flagship initiatives at Contemporary Cabinetry is its Woodshop Internship Program, which provides hands-on employment training to young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

This initiative began in February and was designed to offer students from the Children’s Home of Cincinnati practical work experience in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Terri’s journey into advocacy for individuals with ASD is deeply personal. Her son, Bayley, was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2 ½. Like many parents of children with ASD, Terri and Paul faced uncertainty and challenges. Determined to help her son find his voice, Terri immersed herself in learning all she could about autism, attending classes and presentations to support Bayley’s development. Her dedication paid off when Bayley spoke his first words at age four: “Mama, green train.”

Terri’s experience with Bayley fueled her desire to help others like him. In addition to the woodshop internship, Contemporary Cabinetry has hired individuals with disabilities, including Blake Shannon, a participant in the program who now works part-time at the company.

For Terri, inclusion is not just an act of charity but a mission to transform the workforce by providing opportunities to those often overlooked. Her efforts are not limited to autism alone—Terri and Paul ensure that people with varying disabilities are represented in their business.

The Woodshop Internship Program is a groundbreaking model of inclusivity that helps students develop skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging. With the support of plant manager Alex Jordan, who also has a personal connection to autism through his son Wyatt, the internship has given participants the chance to build planter boxes, birdhouses, and more, while learning essential job and life skills.

The program has been hailed as a success, not only for the students but for the employees who have embraced the opportunity to work alongside individuals with disabilities.

Terri’s advocacy extends beyond her own business. In May 2016, she traveled to Washington, D.C., to speak to the House Small Business Committee, urging small businesses to include people with disabilities in their hiring practices. She highlights that 75% of the population is hired by small businesses, yet few of them focus on individuals with special needs. Terri’s vision is to inspire a shift in this mindset, showing that inclusion benefits both the business and the employees.

Terri’s commitment to advocacy is reflected in her involvement with various nonprofits. She serves on the board of Stepping Stones, an organization that promotes inclusion and independence for individuals with disabilities, and has been a long-time supporter of Visionaries + Voices, which provides opportunities for artists with disabilities. Her leadership has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Inclusion Award from the University of Cincinnati and the President’s Award from the Autism Society.

Despite her many professional accomplishments, Terri values her role as a mother above all. She is immensely proud of her two children, Heidi and Bayley, and continues to support Bayley’s journey as a young adult with autism. Terri’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact that one individual can have on the lives of many through dedication, compassion, and a commitment to creating a more inclusive world.

Terri Seurkamp Hogan’s work serves as an inspiration to small businesses and communities everywhere. She is not just a business leader—she is a changemaker, paving the way for a more inclusive future where individuals with diverse abilities are given the opportunities they deserve.

Terri’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, empathy, and the belief that everyone deserves a place in the workforce and society.