Major Accomplishments

Regional Accomplishments:


  • I am the founder and creator of Living Well with a Disability, an initiative designed to inspire and challenge persons with diverse disabilities to live well and achieve their dreams.
  • I have worked diligently toward ensuring that the Americans with Disabilities Act be fully implemented to allow full participation of all citizens with disabilities.
  • Led the re-establishment of 3 different PA centers that lost funding due to financial mismanagement - Center for Independent Living of North Central (aka, Road To Freedom), Center for Independent Living Opportunities, and Disability Empowerment Center. Also provided technical assistance to several other centers.
  • Taught at Temple University as an Adjunct Professor, teaching “Social Welfare Policy I & II” at their Harrisburg campus.
  • Taught as an Adjunct Professor at Millersville University, teaching courses on “Discrimination and Oppression of Persons with Disabilities.” Ended due COVID-19 pandemic in 2019.
  • Conducted a host of trainings in person and virtual on topics such as Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion, Disability Awareness, etc., to various Universities, organizations and businesses.

 

Statewide Accomplishments:


  • Instrumental in the creation of PA Transportation Alliance – soon thereafter received a statewide federal grant that led to the enactment of the Statewide Shared Ride Program that created accessible and affordable shared ride services for persons with disabilities and seniors for all 66 counties in PA.
  • Partner with Pennsylvania Council on Independent Living (PCIL) under a contractual agreement to provide statewide grassroot advocacy trainings throughout PA for several years.
  • Planned the first-of-its-kind statewide Living Well Conference & Expo for held on August, 2013.
  • Served as the President of Arms Around Communities, a nonprofit faith-based service ministry of DaySpring Ministries in Middletown, Pennsylvania. 

 

Major Appointments:

 

 

Major Special Recognitions:

 

  • Selected by Senator Robert Casey, Jr., as 1 of 4 Black leaders in Pennsylvania who have demonstrated power and persistency in overcoming challenge and creating meaningful change in PA.
  • I was honored by having Senator Casey acknowledged my contribution on the Senate Floor at a Congressional Hearing – Presented with a Senate Proclamation and Plaque for my contribution.
  • Recognized and celebrated as a Black Leader during Senator Casey’s Resilience in the Face of Adversity virtual event in February, 2022.
  • On September 30, 2022, President Biden announced he was appointing me to the National Council on Disability (NCD). NCD is an independent federal agency that advises the President, Congress, and other federal agencies on policies, programs, practices, and procedures affecting people with disabilities.
  • In December, 2022, invited to join Governor-Elect Shapiro Transition Team’s Advisory Committee on Education & Workforce Development.
  • On February 1, 2023 hired to be the new Executive Director of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL). The National Council on Independent Living is the longest-running national cross-disability, grassroots organization run by and for people with disabilities. Founded in 1982, NCIL represents thousands of organizations and individuals including: individuals with disabilities, Centers for Independent Living (CILs), Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILCs), and other organizations that advocate for the human and civil rights of people with disabilities throughout the United States.
  • Throughout my 31 years as CEO of CILCP, I have received many awards and recognitions from several Mayors and county commissioners and organizations.


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