Seen for Your Skills: Disability, Employment, and Belonging with Lauren Martin

Wednesday, October 28, 2026

In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), this episode of the Quest Podcast features a conversation with Lauren Martin, a communications professional at CITGO who lives with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), about building a career, navigating disability in the workplace, and what meaningful inclusion really looks like. Lauren reflects on growing up with SMA, the importance of learning to advocate for herself, and the questions and uncertainties she faced when entering the workforce. She shares how her experiences at CITGO have shaped her understanding of workplace accessibility, accommodations, and belonging, and why recognizing employees for their skills and contributions is essential to creating an inclusive workplace. Lauren also offers practical advice for employers looking to improve disability inclusion and for young people with disabilities navigating education and employment. Throughout the conversation, she shares her perspective on self-advocacy, professional growth, and the importance of forging your own path rather than letting others define what success should look like.

Your Guests

Lauren Martin

Lauren Martin‘s connection to both the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and CITGO Petroleum Corporation spans a lifetime. Diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) at 18 months old, Lauren and her family turned to MDA for support, resources, and community. She attended MDA Summer Camp, participated in Telethon events, and served as MDA’s 2000 National Goodwill Ambassador. During that time, her family formed a meaningful connection with CITGO, where her father, a Marine Corps veteran, later built a second career. In 2015, Lauren joined CITGO and now serves as a Communications Specialist, supporting corporate communications efforts that help inform, engage, and connect employees and external stakeholders. Today, Lauren is a wife, mother, and advocate who enjoys sharing her experiences growing up with SMA, navigating adulthood and parenthood with a disability, and reflecting on the people and communities that have shaped her journey.

Connect with Lauren:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mrslmartin

Host: Mindy Henderson

Mindy Henderson is MDA’s Vice President of Disability Outreach & Empowerment, Editor-in-Chief of Quest Media, and the host of this podcast. She was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 2, when she was 15 months old and has been a life-long partner to MDA. Mindy is also a professional speaker and author of the book, The Truth About Things That Suck.

Connect with Mindy:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendersonmindy/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindyhendersonspeaks/