OCCK StoriesMeet Julia Connellis –

Before OCCK, I spent more than 20 years empowering youth with disabilities through the Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy. But everything started with one week at the Kansas Youth Leadership Forum (KSYLF) in 2002.

“I found my people. I saw what was possible when young people are encouraged to lead, dream, and advocate for themselves.”

I attended as a college volunteer. I didn’t have disability pride, didn’t know my history, and definitely didn’t plan to work with other people with disabilities. But that week changed everything. That experience led to a lifelong career in advocacy—including 15 years as Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy’s Executive Director.

Through that work, I watched hundreds of youths build confidence, take control of their futures, and develop leadership plans to turn their goals into reality. It was a dream come true—and a reminder of how powerful the right support system can be.

This July, I returned to KSYLF as a volunteer, now representing OCCK.
I got to work with 20 incredible students with disabilities, who spent the week learning about leadership, disability history, and self-advocacy. Watching them grow reminded me exactly why OCCK’s mission matters.

“At OCCK, we walk alongside people with disabilities as they pursue their version of independence, employment, and full participation in their communities.”

At OCCK, we walk alongside people with disabilities as they pursue their version of independence, employment, and full participation in their communities.

It’s the natural next step in my journey—and an organization (OCCK, Inc.) I’m proud to be part of.

To top it all off, I was honored to receive the John Peterson Spirit of Hope Award at KSYLF, recognizing my years of work in youth empowerment. But for me, the real reward is being able to keep doing this work— now through the broader lens of OCCK, helping people of all ages live the lives they choose.