I really wish I had something like this when I was in high school. Having a mentor can make such a difference — it’s one of the things that can truly shape your future.

Scott Hammerstrom (he/him), based in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, has over 20 years of dedicated experience delivering programs and products serving the disability community. He has dedicated his career to advancing initiatives related to employment, education, and community engagement.

As Manager of Programs and Partnerships at the Bender Leadership Academy, Scott leads day-to-day operations, focusing on strategic alignment, resource management, and impactful program delivery to align with Bender’s mission statement of empowering students with disabilities to address bullying, pursue education, and achieve their career goals.

Scott collaborates extensively with educators, businesses, and community stakeholders to ensure that the Bender Leadership Academy’s programs uphold the highest standards of excellence and deliver measurable impact. He is also responsible for expanding program reach, cultivating strategic partnerships, and strengthening the organization’s presence within the community.

Scott began his tenure with Bender in 2007, initially serving on the talent programs team at Bender Consulting Services. He later advanced to the role of Talent Programs Team Lead, where he was instrumental in connecting individuals with disabilities to employment opportunities in both the public and private sectors. His responsibilities included supporting long-term disability recipients with return-to-work planning and mentoring, overseeing Bender’s workplace mentoring program, as well as managing the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) Shared List for people with disabilities.

For the past 18 years, Scott has served as the regional coordinator for Disability Mentoring Day in partnership with the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), collaborating with employers across the Greater Pittsburgh area to promote inclusive mentoring experiences. As the first private-sector employer to support DMD, Bender’s impact with this program became a national model for successful DMD programming under Scott’s guidance, serving hundreds of students annually.

Prior to joining Bender, Scott held positions at Best Buddies Pennsylvania as Program Supervisor and the Arthritis Foundation of Western Pennsylvania as Director of Program Services and Community Relations. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Robert Morris College.