Congratulations to Audrey Bartholomew, one of our 20 Outstanding Women of 2025!
Listen to Audrey’s full interview with Blake and Kelly below:
Audrey Bartholomew has dedicated her career to advocating for individuals with disabilities, working to improve education, accessibility, and resources at the local, state, and national levels. As a professor at the University of New England, she not only trains future educators but also substitutes in local classrooms, ensuring she remains connected to the challenges facing special education students and teachers.
Her advocacy extends beyond academia. Audrey has traveled to Washington, D.C. multiple times to meet with legislators and fight for policies that enhance opportunities for individuals with disabilities. At the local level, she supports families navigating school systems, ensuring children receive the specialized services that support them most. She collaborates with schools to develop more effective teaching strategies and inclusive environments.
Recently, her work helped advance a Maine bill aimed at expanding support for people with disabilities. She also volunteers with an organization that provides adaptive bicycles, giving children of all ability levels the chance to experience the joy of riding. While balancing these efforts with raising two daughters, Audrey instills in them the values of empathy, advocacy, and inclusion.
