Purpose-Driven Support for People with Disabilities
Creating pathways to independence, inclusion, and meaningful employment.
Our Story
For over 70 years, we have empowered individuals with disabilities and barriers to employment through hands-on training, job placement, and holistic support. Our name represents what we stand for: universal design, inclusion, and collaboration. Together you and I we spread the light of opportunity.
History
U&I originally served children with intellectual disabilities through education and training. In 1981, in response to evolving community needs, we shifted our focus to workforce development for adults and youth with disabilities. Over the decades, we’ve expanded our services, assumed operations of other centers, and introduced pioneering programs like mobile work crews, youth readiness training, and veteran reintegration. Today, U&I supports over 1,200 individuals annually through our workforce and day programs across North Texas.
Metrics That Matter
Become a Corporate Sponsor
Make Your Brand a Force for Good and Champion Inclusion & Impact.
To empower individuals with disabilities and barriers to work to achieve their highest level of independence and employment.
Because of U&I’s commitment, individuals with physical, mental, and societal disabilities lead fulfilling lives through inclusive employment and human connection—and volunteers, donors, and partners are inspired by the transformation they witness firsthand.
Led by CEO Dr. Bridgett Forge, U&I is guided by a team of experienced professionals and community advocates dedicated to inclusion, equity, and impact. Dr. Bridgett brings strategic leadership and deep compassion to her role, building partnerships and driving program innovation to meet the evolving needs of individuals we serve.
Alongside her, directors and staff across employment services, training, fundraising, and client support work as one delivering person-centered programs that change lives every day.
Financial Controller
General Manager Operations
Director of HR & Compliance
Finance Assistant
Academy Instructor
Operations Specialist
Community Outreach Specialist
Program Support Specialist
Case Manager
General Support
Veteran Employment Specialist
Program Implementation Specialist
Guided by Vision, Driven by Purpose
A Columbus, OH, native earned a bachelor’s degree in Politcal Science from Wake Forest University in December 2003 and Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Texas at Arlington (UT Arlington) in May 2012. Obi is a former Senior Commercial Banker. During his tenure, he expanded the diversity within his institutions by lending the majority of $85M of loan proceeds to businesses owned by people of color (2018-2021).
After a 14-year banking career, Chukwumah launched Space & Equity, a holding company designed to educate, increase assets, and create new space for Black Entrepreneurs and those who identify with the need to expand wealth in their community.
Space & Equity (www.spaceequitycorp.com), has three verticals:
1. Come Correct Podcast, the educational & entertainment arm that includes interviews, apparel sales, and events
2. Come Correct Consulting, a commercial banking consultation platform
3. Kennaija Beans Holdings, a Scooter’s Coffee franchisee.
Obi and his wife, Danielle, have two daughters, Zina and Amara, and a son, Obi Jr. (OJ). They have called Garland, Texas, home since 2016 after several Air Force assignments, where Letia was honorably discharged with the rank of Major. Their daughters are active in club volleyball and track and field, respectively, while OJ is simply active! Free time for the family is filled with their love for domestic and international travel.
Obi serves as Board Chairman of Achieve DFW, a nonprofit organization that seeks to eliminate workplace exclusion for adults living with disabilities and other barriers to employment (2017–present). Finally, Chukwumah is fueled by his faith in God and believes that Space & Equity is fulfilling his assignment.
Founder & CEO, Space & Equity | Board Chairman
Todd is an accomplished executive in the finance industry with more than 30 years of experience. He currently manages a limited liability company that invests in small businesses and provides strategic advisory services.
Previously, Todd worked in asset management within the insurance sector at Columbia Management/Ameriprise Financial, where he served as a Managing Director. Prior to that role, he was at HSBC as Managing Director and Global Head of the ABS/MBS business, as well as Head of North American interest rate trading.
Todd began the first 18 years of his career at Lehman Brothers, where he served as Managing Director overseeing Global Mortgage Trading.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Todd is a proud parent of three adult children, all of whom reside in Texas. He celebrates his 29th wedding anniversary this year and is deeply committed to giving back to the community.
Managing Director & Investor, Private Advisory and Investment Firm
Matthew has experience working in both the public and private sectors, specializing primarily in corporate strategy and executive leadership. In his professional endeavors, he has led multi-disciplinary teams ranging from sales to operations and worked with leadership from SMB to multi-billion-dollar companies to develop and execute growth strategies.
A tenured board member, Matthew has served U&I for over 5 years in various capacities and focuses his efforts on identifying and exploring opportunities to enhance the strategic position of U&I. He was drawn to serve U&I based on the alignment of its mission with his experience growing up with a disabled sibling and seeing firsthand how this community is largely marginalized, especially as they become adults.
Matthew’s hope is that he can leverage his combined professional and personal experience to spread the light of inclusion and enhance the lives of those who need our help the most.
Board Member, U&I | Corporate Strategy & Executive Leadership Specialist
Impact in Every Step
A veteran finding stability, a young adult finding their voice, a family breathing easier, a business gaining a partner.
That’s what we do at U&I. And we’re just getting started.
Our Partners
We work hand-in-hand with hundreds of employers, schools, and agencies across Texas. From Fortune 500s to local champions, our partners help create opportunities that matter.
