CMCL Interview: Brandy Schantz

In this compelling episode, Brandy Schantz—Army veteran, former intelligence professional, and chronic illness advocate—joins Julie Sowash to share how her life was upended by severe Crohn’s disease, drug-induced lupus, and dysautonomia.Brandy opens up about navigating a healthcare system that offered little support and a workforce that wasn’t built for people with chronic illness. Her story challenges common assumptions about who gets sick and how they’re treated—and why so many women in their prime working years are being left behind.Together, Brandy and Julie discuss: What chronic illness really means How it intersects with disability and employment The real-life barriers to staying employed with an “invisible” illness—and what needs to change What employers can do to support those with chronic illnesses in their workforceBrandy calls attention to a community often left out of the disability conversation, despite their growing numbers. Her advocacy reminds us that we must build systems that support people through all phases of health, and that no one should lose their livelihood simply because their body changes.Notes:Brandy Schantz is a former U.S. Army Intelligence Officer, disabled veteran, and Crohn’s disease patient turned advocate and entrepreneur. She founded Schantz Business Group to help organizations embrace disability inclusion, support newly disabled employees, and tap into the strengths of the disabled workforce.Changing Minds & Changing Lives is produced by Disability Solutions, a nonprofit consulting firm and job board that partners with global brands to drive inclusive hiring and disability-inclusive talent strategies.