Verona Resident Scott Chesney Speaks at Novartis Career Event

Verona resident Scott Chesney was recently the keynote speaker at a Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation event, to address more than 60 high school students and college undergraduates with disabilities.

Chesney was chosen as the keynote speaker to address students to help them prepare for the workforce.

The Novartis event was held on October 17, National Disability Mentoring Day to share insights with special needs young adults about career possibilities, and to help build a diverse local future workforce.

Chesney, who is a coach and motivational speaker, shared his experiences telling students from eight schools across Northern New Jersey about his experiences. Chesney awakened to paralysis at age 15 from a sudden spinal stroke, he said.

“The only place a true disability can reside is in one’s attitude,” he said. “What you can accomplish has nothing to do with your disabilities and everything to do with your abilities.”

Chesney is a Verona resident, coach and motivational speaker who runs the Raise Hope Foundation, a non-profit established to train, mentor and place people with disabilities, including military veterans, in competitive careers.