About the Advisory Council
The Advisory Council of the Massachusetts Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities is composed of volunteer leaders, subject-matter experts, and self-advocates from across key sectors that shape access, equity, and inclusion for persons with disabilities in the Commonwealth. Members are selected by the Commission based on lived experience, professional expertise, and demonstrated leadership in disability inclusion and serve in a non-voting, advisory capacity to provide strategic guidance, sector-specific insight, and collaborative support to advance the Commission’s statewide priorities.
Commission Membership
- Shakira Alvarez
Program Coordinator, TRIO Student Support Services Program
Shakira Alvarez-Ferrer is a program coordinator and academic counselor in the TRIO program at Westfield State University, where she supports students with disabilities, students from low-income backgrounds, and first-generation college students to thrive in college and beyond. Prior to her career in higher education, Shakira worked in youth mentoring and as a third-grade teacher in Spanish in a two-way bilingual program. She is a former board member of the Special Education Parent Advisory Council for the Northampton Public Schools. Shakira is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Brown University. She grew up in San Juan, Puerto Rico and lives in Western Massachusetts with her family. - Joannah Whitney
Community Consultant, Springfield, MA
Joannah Whitney, PhD is an Anthropologist, Poet, and Community Activist living in western Massachusetts. Her areas of interest include the impact of the build environment on the experience of disability and ability; normalcy as a cultural construct; and political neglect of programs like SSI; and the marginalization of people living with chronic illness. - Kristin Britton
Director of Disability Access, Department of Transitional Assistance
Kristin Britton brings over 15 years of executive leadership experience in state and federal disability programs, with a steadfast dedication to Universal Design and Disability Inclusion. In 2021, she joined the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) as Director of Disability Access, serving more than one million individuals across the state. As a member of the Commissioner’s Executive Leadership team, Kristin provides expert guidance on client services, ADA accommodations, expanding Universal Design and access points, and promoting financial independence for individuals with disabilities. Prior to her role at DTA, Kristin served for 13 years as Deputy Director of Policy and Programs at the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council. During her tenure, she advised both federal and state policymakers on disability-related legislation and regulations, addressing their potential impact on individuals with disabilities and their families. Before transitioning to public service, Kristin accumulated over a decade of experience in banking and financial services. Kristin holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders and a Master’s Degree in Health Administration. She is the co-chair of her town’s Disability Commission and enjoys exploring New England's waterways boating with her husband and two sons. - Erika Burrows
Chief Executive Officer, The Center of Hope Foundation
Erika Burrows is the Chief Executive Officer of the Center of Hope Foundation, bringing over 26 years of dedicated experience in the field of special education and adult services. Her career spans the entire life spectrum, supporting individuals with special needs from early childhood through adulthood. Erika holds a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Rehabilitation Counseling. She is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and serves as a CARF surveyor, demonstrating her commitment to quality and standards in rehabilitation services. In addition to her leadership at the Center of Hope Foundation, Erika is an active member of the UMass Memorial Harrington Hospital Board and serves as Chair of the Central Mass South Chamber of Commerce. Her expertise, advocacy, and leadership have made her a respected figure in the human services and non-profit communities throughout Central Massachusetts. - Lauren Baczewski
Director of Research & Education, Neurodiversity Center for Excellence, Curry College
Dr. Lauren Baczewski, Ph.D. (she/her) is the Director of Neurodiversity Research & Education in the Neurodiversity Center for Excellence at Curry College. She is a developmental psychologist and community-based researcher. Lauren’s scholarship centers on the mental health and wellbeing of autistic and neurodivergent people, with a particular focus on those who hold additional marginalized identities (e.g., LGBTQ+). She partners with community members to co-create research studies that elevate community voices and priorities. Her training includes a T32 Research Postdoctoral Fellowship in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Research at Children’s National Hospital and a doctorate in Human Development & Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles. She loves to teach, mentor, and advocate for her students and family members with disabilities and is passionate about increasing access to higher education for neurodivergent and disabled people. - Nora Bent
Director of Government Affairs and Strategic Partnerships, The Arc of Massachusetts
Nora is the Director of Government Affairs and Strategic Partnerships at The Arc of Massachusetts. Prior to joining The Arc, she served as the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators, a 60+ member bipartisan and bicameral Caucus in the Massachusetts State House. Representing 30% of the state legislature, Nora strengthened the function of the Caucus in addressing policy issues that predominantly impact women across MA. Nora previously worked in State Representative Christine Barber’s office, managing a broad set of policy issues, communications, and constituent services. Nora also served as the Deputy Finance Director of the 2018 Yes on 3 ballot question campaign to uphold the state’s transgender nondiscrimination law. Nora also has experience in municipal government and campaigns. Nora’s work has always focused on equity, and she brings a unique skill set of managing relationships and navigating political strategy to the work. Nora graduated from American University with degrees in Political Science, focusing on Gender and Race Politics, and Political Communications. She has certificates in Women, Policy, and Political Leadership from American University and from the Women in Leadership Program at the University of Vermont Grossman School of Business. - Helen Corbett
Community Advisor - Steven Croteau
Director, Veterans Bonus Division, Office of the Massachusetts State Treasurer
Steven Croteau serves as the Director of the Massachusetts Veterans’ Bonus Division within the Office of the State Treasurer, a role he has held since 2016. In this capacity, he oversees the administration of the Commonwealth’s wartime bonus programs, ensuring that Massachusetts veterans receive the recognition and benefits they have earned. A retired U.S. Air Force veteran with 24 years of service, Steve brings deep experience in public service, program management, and veteran advocacy. His leadership in the Veterans’ Bonus Division has focused on expanding accessibility, modernizing service delivery, and meeting the diverse needs of veterans and their families across the Commonwealth. Steve is committed to advancing equity, inclusion, and meaningful support for all who have served, and he is honored to contribute his perspective to the Advisory Council of the Massachusetts Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities. - Becky Curran
Senior Director, Stakeholder Engagement, Disability:IN
Becky Curran is the Senior Director of Stakeholder Engagement at Disability:IN, where she leads efforts to cultivate and sustain relationships with key stakeholders, including corporate partners, Disability-Owned Business Enterprises (DOBEs), and members of the disability community. She also plays a critical role in client-facing aspects of the Disability Index. Since joining the Index team in 2017, Becky has helped grow participation from 110 to 542 companies by 2024, quintupling engagement and significantly expanding Disability:IN’s impact.
Becky earned her Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Providence College, where she first developed a passion for influencing change behind the scenes in media and entertainment. After graduation, she navigated a competitive job market, submitting over 1,000 applications, participating in 100 interviews, and completing three temp assignments, before landing a full-time position in the Entertainment Marketing and later the Comedy Touring departments at Creative Artists Agency (CAA). She later joined CBS Television Studios, supporting casting for pilots and series.
During her time in the entertainment industry, Becky also co-founded the Catalina Film Festival, serving as its Marketing Director, and founded DisABILITY In Media, a platform that promotes positive disability inclusion storytelling across social media.
After six and a half years in entertainment, Becky launched a successful public speaking career. She has spoken at over 600 venues worldwide, passionately advocating for disability inclusion across education, media, and the workplace. She later joined the Equity & Inclusion department at SAG-AFTRA, where she spent three and a half years supporting the implementation of a national diversity strategy to improve representation of historically excluded communities in media. Becky currently sits on the Board of Advisors for the National Center on Disability and Journalism (NCDJ), Positive Exposure, the Providence College National Alumni Association Council, and Understanding Our Differences. - David Estrada
SRN Research and DEIA Disability Program Manager, Spaulding New England Regional Spinal Cord Injury Center
Dave Estrada is the Spaulding Rehabilitation Network Disability Program Manager. Dave has been working in the disability field since 1997 and is a full-time wheelchair user. He has worn many hats over the years as an Executive Director of a non-profit for persons with spinal cord injury, the Athletes with Disabilities Coordinator for the Boston Marathon, a Media Liaison for the City of Boston, and a Real Estate Broker. At Spaulding and Mass General Brigham, Dave currently manages a longitudinal study for spinal cord injury; development of an adaptive exercise program; the JobLab—a space used by non-profits for job training for persons with disabilities; co-chair of an employee resource group for employees with disabilities; and serves as a member of Mass General Brigham’s Disability Council. Dave’s strengths are networking, collaborating, thinking outside the box, and creatively building programs and services that have a positive impact on the disabled community. One of Dave’s goals is to create more employment opportunities for persons with disabilities at Mass General Brigham. In his free time Dave spends time with his wife, daughter, family, and friends. He enjoys exercising and working on house projects. - Collin Fedor
Deputy Chief of Staff, MassHealth, Executive Office of Health and Human Services - Elyse Forbush
Director of Employment and Community Development, Run The Gamut
Elyse Forbush is the Director of Employment and Community Development at Run the Gamut, an innovative transition program supporting young adults on the autism spectrum. Since launching the program in September 2025, Elyse has created seven simulated training spaces where students practice career and life skills in real-world environments. She has built strong employer partnerships and secured early job placements for participants, helping bridge the gap between training and employment.
Previously, Elyse served as Senior Director of Business Development at JVS Boston, where she led recruitment and training initiatives for unemployed and underemployed individuals. Her work connected job seekers to high-quality careers in healthcare, skilled trades, biotechnology, and human services through close collaboration with industry partners.
For over a decade, Elyse was Director of Nutrition and Food Service at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston, where she championed disability inclusion and community engagement, increasing department representation to 27% employees identifying as having a disability by 2024.
A graduate of Johnson & Wales University with a degree in Hospitality Management and a concentration in Sociology, Elyse is passionate about inclusive workforce development, hands-on training, and creating meaningful career pathways for underserved populations. - Jenna Guilbeault
Community Outreach Officer, Lowell Five Bank
Jenna A. Guilbeault, Community Outreach Officer for the Lowell Five Bank. Been in banking for 20 years, Commissioner for the Hunger and Homeless Commission of Greater Lowell, Board Member to Greater Lowell Technical High School Charitable Foundation, Board Chair to Refuge Art School in Greater Lowell, Golf Committee Member and volunteer to Merrimack Valley Food Bank, Team Leader (Bank) and volunteer for Teamwalk for Cancer Care, Volunteer at Alternative House of Greater Lowell, Team Leader to (Bank) American Red Cross Blood Drives. Recently accepted to the Public Matter Program offered by the Lowell Plan, a program that helps enhance the skills of leaders in Lowell. Lives in Lowell with her husband Jason and two daughters, Jessica and Ava. Enjoys time with family at Cape Cod and trying out new restaurants in the Merrimack Valley. - Manny Marcelino Guerra
Co-Founder/Manager, Wheels On the Bus Transportation LLC
Marcelino “Manny” Guerra III is a seasoned community leader, entrepreneur, and advocate with more than three decades of experience in human services, youth development, program management, and accessible transportation. As the Co-Founder and Manager of Wheels On the Bus Transportation LLC, Manny leads Worcester County’s first fully private-pay transportation service dedicated to individuals with disabilities and aging adults. His work is rooted in lived experience, cultural awareness, and a deep commitment to dignity, independence, and equitable access.
Before launching Wheels On the Bus Transportation, Manny built a diverse career spanning construction project management, residential treatment programs, youth leadership development, and community outreach. He has managed multimillion-dollar renovation projects, supervised large multidisciplinary teams, developed youth programming, advocated for vulnerable populations, and served as a trusted mentor and role model across multiple organizations. Manny’s lifelong dedication to community empowerment includes founding roles at the Worcester Youth Center, leadership positions in human services agencies, and ongoing service on several boards and advisory groups—including the Center for Living and Working, the Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board, and the Massachusetts Affordable and Accessible Housing Coalition. He is also the host of Keeping It Personal on the NSTRM Network, where he continues to elevate community voices and meaningful conversations. Known for his emotional intelligence, communication skills, and unwavering advocacy for the underserved, Manny brings integrity, compassion, and strategic vision to every role he takes on. His mission remains clear: to build stronger communities, expand access to essential services, and ensure that every individual—regardless of ability—has the opportunity to thrive. - Nicole Godaire
Chief Executive Officer, Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts
Nicole Godaire is the Chief Executive Officer of the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts (BIA-MA) since 2013. With more than 20 years of experience in public health, human services, and disability rights, she oversees BIA-MA’s legislative advocacy, strategic planning, fiscal management, and program execution. Nicole holds a B.A. in Business Administration–Management from Worcester State College. - Lynn Gonsalves
Executive Director, Partners for Youth with Disabilities
Lynn Gonsalves is an accomplished executive leader, academic, and occupational therapist with deep expertise in public-private partnerships, program development, and curriculum design. She has devoted her career to empowering youth with disabilities through innovative programs, policy reform, and research. Lynn earned her doctorate at Brandeis University, where she focused on social capital and transitions to adulthood, and has held influential roles in state policy and nonprofit leadership. Currently, she serves as Executive Director of Partners for Youth with Disabilities and advises organizations on leadership transitions, widely recognized for her strategic vision and commitment to inclusion. - Ryan Jackson
Communications Coordinator, Zoo New England
Ryan Jackson is the Communications Coordinator at Zoo New England, serving both Franklin Park Zoo in Dorchester/Roxbury and Stone Zoo in Stonham. In this role, he coordinates and writes all outward facing news and communications materials, while serving as point of contact between the VP of Marketing and Communications and several Zoo departments, including Events, Horticulture & Sustainability, and Guest Services. Ryan loves working for an organization that champions sustainability and the conservation of the natural world. Ryan holds a degree in Public Relations from Emerson College and is currently enrolled in Lesley University's MSW program, aiming to graduate in 2028. He lives in Beverly and spends his free time rock climbing, enjoying Boston's nightlife, and going to the movies. - Keith Jones
Self Advocate
Keith Jones is the President and CEO of SoulTouchin’ Experiences LLC. It is an organization aimed at bringing a perspective to the issues of access, inclusion, and empowerment, which affect him as well as others who are persons with and without disabilities. To achieve this multicultural, cross-disability education and outreach effort he collaborates and conducts trainings with the purpose of strengthening efforts to provide services and information for people with disabilities. The issues he tackles are wide-ranging: immigration, criminal justice reform, health care, and environmental justice, just to name a few.
Paralleling his policy and social justice work, Mr. Jones is a multi-talented artist who, along with Leroy Moore and Rob Temple, founded Krip Hop Nation, an international collection of artists with disabilities. Krip Hop Nation is currently celebrating 14 years with the recent Emmy Award–winning success of their title song for the Netflix documentary of the Paralympic Games, Rising Phoenix, and its critically acclaimed soundtrack. - Parker Koppelman
Chief Risk Officer, Liberty Mutual Insurance
Parker Koppelman is EVP and Chief Risk Officer for U.S. Retail Markets at Liberty Mutual Insurance. Her Risk organization protects the capital of Liberty Mutual by proactively identifying, quantifying, evaluating, and preparing for the key risks facing the personal and small commercial insurance business. Parker also serves as the National Co-Chair of Able@Liberty, the Employee Resource Group for people with disabilities and their caregivers. Since its inception 4 years ago, Able has successfully implemented many changes that benefit employees with disabilities such as enhancing accessibility of our offices, creating a centralized budget for accommodations, and hosting virtual “coffee chats” to foster support in the community. Parker holds a BA in Mathematics & Statistics from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and a BA in Psychology from Smith College; she is also a Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society. Parker lives outside of Boston with her husband, Jonathan, and their two cats. - Andrew Levrault
Deputy General Counsel, MA Disabled Persons Protection Commission - Barbara L’Italien
Executive Director, Disability Law Center
Barbara has been a leading advocate at the intersection between politics, law, health care and policy for twenty-five years. She has served as both a State Representative and State Senator in the Massachusetts Legislature, focusing on the rights and needs of people with disabilities, seniors, people who are economically disadvantaged and the LGBTQ community. Her advocacy concerning Autism built the service delivery system for educational, social-emotional, and medical support and included establishing and chairing the first Autism Commission and passing comprehensive mandated medical insurance coverage. Barbara gave up her State Senate seat to run for Congress in 2018. She has been a Government Affairs Director for the Massachusetts State Treasurer, The Arc of Massachusetts and Partners in Health. She has served as the Executive Director of the Disability Law Center for the past two years with a focus on systemic policy and legislative advocacy. - Dr. Linda Long Bellil
Assistant Professor, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Commonwealth Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
Linda Long-Bellil, PhD, JD is an assistant professor of Family Medicine and Community Health is based at the E.K. Shriver Center. In addition to her research on health care and disability, including reproductive health care, she also teaches in the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Fellowship program and has more than twenty years of experience teaching medical and other health professions students how to provide quality care to people with disabilities. - Allan Motenko
Executive Director, Massachusetts Office on Disability
Allan Motenko is the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD), a state agency that provides information, guidance, and training on disability-related civil rights and architectural access. He previously served as MOD’s deputy director from 2014–2015 and returned to the agency in April 2025 after working at MassDOT and the state’s Department of Revenue (DOR) on civil and disability rights policy implementation. - Jody Nash
Board of Directors, Cardinal Cushing Centers
I began my career working in Public Finance at E.F. Hutton in New York City, moved to Boston where I worked in Money Market Trading at Bank of Boston, and finished my career in finance in Marketing at Fidelity Investments. After the birth of our second daughter Sophie, I stayed home to care for our children. Soon after Sophie born, we realized she was delayed in most aspects of her development. Thus began my immersion into the world of intellectual disabilities. I learned about speech therapy, occupational therapy, Adaptive Behavioral Therapy, and more. I met parents traveling a similar path and made lifelong friendships. I realized I wanted to be active in the disability community to help Sophie and others live active and enriching lives. I became involved in our local school’s Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) and joined a Citizens Advisory Board (CAB) out of the South Coastal office of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). I was asked to join the Board of Cardinal Cushing Centers. More recently, I joined a newly formed non-profit with the mission of providing housing options for individuals with intellectual disabilities, SAIL Home (Supportive Access to Independent Living). My husband Tim and I have three daughters (Hannah, Sophie and Lucy) and live in Hingham, along with our dog Mack. I am thrilled to be a part of the Advisory Council to the Massachusetts Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities and look forward to working with everyone. - Nassira Nicola
Language Access Coordinator, Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Nassira Nicola (she/they) is the Deputy Director for Access and Inclusion in the Office of Health Equity and Community Engagement at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Their work focuses on building capacity within public-health programs to partner with people with disabilities and those for whom English is not a first language. They have a deep personal and professional background in disability, including many years in the Independent Living movement, and currently serve as Principal Investigator for DPH's CDC-funded Health and Disability Program. Nassira is a current LEND fellow at the University of Massachusetts Medical School/Suffolk University, and holds previous degrees in linguistics from Harvard University and the University of Chicago as well as ADA Coordinator certification from the Great Plains ADA Center. - Sarah Peterson
Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services
Sarah Peterson is the Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS), where she champions a vision for an agency defined by greater transparency, equity, and consistency in its programs and service delivery. Having served as Acting Commissioner before her formal appointment, she leads DDS with a focus on deepening its commitment to ensuring that clients can continue to thrive and live their best lives in their communities.
A dedicated public servant, Commissioner Peterson has been a key leader within DDS since 2017. Prior to becoming Commissioner, she served as the agency’s General Counsel, where she was recognized for reorganizing the legal team to enhance compliance and collaboration across the Commonwealth. Peterson previously worked as a legal aid staff lawyer focused on securing public benefits and long-term care for vulnerable populations, and later practiced elder and disability law. Commissioner Peterson is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the University of Maine School of Law. - Ive Peña Gonzalez
Chief Engagement Officer, Eastern Bank
Ive Peña Gonzalez is a dynamic and visionary leader with over 25 years of experience at the intersection of diversity, equity and inclusion and strategic human resources. Known for building lasting partnerships, she has successfully developed and executed enterprise-wide diversity, equity and inclusion programs, talent acquisition solutions, talent management strategies and employee engagement initiatives.
In her current role as Chief Engagement Officer at Eastern Bank, Ive leads the design and execution of the company’s DEI strategy, embedding inclusion and fairness into organizational processes, operations and culture. Her leadership style is marked by authenticity, empathy, and a deep commitment to impact. Ive holds a BA in Sociology and a MA in Management Communication. She serves on multiple boards and advisory councils and is a first-generation Dominican American from Lynn, Massachusetts. - Richard Rodriguez
Attorney, Law Office of Richard Rodriguez
Richard Rodriguezis the principal owner of the Law Office of Richard Rodriguez. Born with multiple disabilities, he has spent more than thirty years as a committed disability rights advocate. He currently serves full-time as the ADA Coordinator for the City of Lawrence, where he is responsible for ensuring the city’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Attorney Rodriguez has served as Chair of the Lawrence Disability Commission, a member of the Governor’s Advisory Board of the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, and presently a member of the Lawrence Partnership for Transition to Employment, along with several other organizations dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to fully participate in civic life. Attorney Rodriguez’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, a Paralegal Certificate with honors from Long Island University, a postgraduate certificate in public policy from the CORO Foundation, and a law degree from the Massachusetts School of Law. Over the years, he has received numerous awards and recognition for his tireless efforts to advance a more inclusive and accessible society in accordance with the ADA. His most recent honor is the 2025 ADA Champion Award, presented by the Northeast Independent Living Program. - Cambria Russell, Ph.D.
Associate Executive Director, Federation for Children with Special Needs
Cambria combines professional expertise with lived experience as a parent of two teenagers with disabilities. Her work is deeply informed by navigating special education systems as both an educator and a parent. Before joining the Federation in 2018, she was a special education teacher, teacher educator, and education professor. She has led family engagement initiatives in public schools and international settings and brings a strong commitment to equity and partnership between families and schools. - Kay Schoucair
Senior Organizer & Advocacy Communications Coordinator, Boston Center for Independent Living
Kay Schoucair is a trilingual disability rights advocate, systems-change leader, and filmmaker based in Boston. She currently works at the Boston Center for Independent Living, where she leads statewide campaigns focused on wheelchair repair reform and improvements to non-emergency medical transportation. Her work has also spanned healthcare and voting accessibility, along with overseeing the organization’s advocacy communications.
Her commitment to disability rights is grounded in over two decades of lived family experience and a deep awareness of structural barriers. She has worked extensively with legislators, state agencies, and community partners to drive meaningful policy change. Before transitioning into advocacy, Kay built a filmmaking career spanning fiction and documentary work, including films exploring racial and migrant-worker inequities in Lebanon.
In addition to her work in Massachusetts, she serves on the board of a school in Beirut supporting about 400 students ages 3–18, where she helps guide the school’s strategic direction. - Laura Stout
Director of Contract Operations, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Laura Stout is Director of Contract Operations at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, leading an operations team responsible for the implementation of provider contracts and compliance related initiative. Laura held the position of President Empowering Abilities, the company’s disability inclusion Employee Resource Group for 10 years. She led the cross-functional team of associates and leaders to promote and evolve disability awareness and programs company wide. For the past 5 years Blue Cross has been named one of the Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion on the Disability Equality Index. She has held previous director roles at Blue Cross in the Provider Education and Communications team and in the Executive Office, where Laura supported the company’s Chief of Staff and the President and CEO in executing business strategy and organizational activities. Laura is a strong advocate for the disability community, bringing a passionate voice and working closely with individuals to achieve their personal and professional goals. She’s been actively involved in various networks of engaged employers and innovative, collaborative partners that aim to increase employment among individuals with disabilities. Continuing her efforts to advocate for Massachusetts residents, Laura was Governor Charlie Baker’s sole appointee to the Massachusetts Future of Work Commission in 2022 tasked with helping prepare Massachusetts for its economic future as the state emerged from a global pandemic. Also, Governor Charles Baker appointed Laura to the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination Advisory Board in September 2018. Attorney General Maura Healey appointed Laura to the Attorney General’s Disability Rights Advisory Committee. Laura continues her appointments on these Boards today. Laura was honored by Blue Cross in May 2019 with the Excellence in Service award and Laura was recognized by Working Mother magazine as a Working Mother of the Year for 2019. Laura is a member of the Lurie Institute for Disability Policy / Brandeis Heller School for Social Policy Parent Empowerment Project Advisory Board and the Disability and Pregnancy Advisory Group. Laura works with Little People of America, Inc., a non-profit organization that provides support and information to people of short stature and their families. - Megan Sullivan
Director of Inclusive Pedagogy, Boston University
Megan Sullivan is a resident of Boston, MA. She is also a professor at Boston University and the Faculty Director of Inclusive Pedagogy. She has written about disability in numerous articles, including: “Institutions of Higher Education Would Benefit from Hiring Faculty and Staff with Disabilities” (BU Today); "When Your Sister Qualifies for Medicaid, or the ‘PiA’ Process" (Writers for Democratic Action); and “Beyond Accommodation: Teaching Disability in Writing and Literature Courses” (The Atrium: A Journal of Academic Voices). - Maura Sullivan
Chief Executive Director, The Arc of Massachusetts
Maura is the Chief Executive Officer for The Arc of Massachusetts. Maura has been leading Government Affairs for The Arc for a decade. She is also the Director of Operation House Call, a nationally recognized training program and partnership between The Arc and all major Massachusetts Medical Schools. Maura’s Government Affairs work includes leading the advocacy for the passage of several significant legislative achievements, and she has been instrumental in securing increased funding for the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) budget, the direct support workforce, and MassHealth. In addition, Maura directs the policy and advocacy of Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts. A former LEND Fellow, Maura holds a master’s degree in public administration from Suffolk University. She is also a devoted mother of three, including two transition-age sons who have autism and intellectual disabilities. - Olivia Thompson
Administrative Associate, UU Wellesley Hills
Olivia Thompson is a young disabled professional with a bachelor’s degree in communications and a strong commitment to advocacy, inclusion, and community engagement. She currently works as an Administrative Associate at UU Wellesley Hills. Olivia serves as a Youth Advisory Board member for the Federation for Children with Special Needs and is an active member of Teach Disability History, where she helps promote disability awareness and education. She is also a former member of the Easterseals Board of Directors. Outside of her disability work, she is an active individual playing basketball for Special Olympics. - Sonja Unica
Employee Experience Liaison, Merck
Sonja Unica is an Employee Experience leader based in Somerville, MA, dedicated to empowering people to bring their unique talents, experiences, and personalities to work. With an M.A. in Organizational Psychology from William James College, Sonja designs inclusive systems and practices that foster psychological safety, belonging, and growth. She believes psychologically safe workplaces unlock innovation and well-being, and she partners with leaders and teams to build cultures where all employees can contribute fully, grow confidently, and thrive. - Erin Weinman
Executive Vice President, MicroTek, Inc.
Erin is the Executive Vice President of MicroTek, Inc., a manufacturing non-profit with a mission to provide employment supports to people with disabilities. MicroTek manufactures wire and cable assemblies, and over 20% of its employees have a disclosed disability. Erin leads the organization’s inclusion initiatives and advocates for inclusion in the wider community. - Toni Wolf
Commissioner, MassAbility
Toni Wolf has served as the Commissioner of MassAbility since July 2017. Utilizing her 30+ years of experience and grit as a non-profit professional, she has led the strategic direction, oversight, and resource management further to enhance the agency and overall participant experience. Wolf leads MassAbility with the belief, “If the system isn’t enhancing the quality of life for the individual, we at MassAbility must change the system.” During her time as Commissioner, she has made a number of enhancements to the agency including: streamlining entry to the array of services provided, empowering individuals living with disabilities and their families to have a voice and active partnership with the agency, and working to ensure participants have the technology they need to stay connected to services and supports during the COVID-19 pandemic. Wolf has also diversified MassAbility’s funding sources through new partnerships with the Department of Mental Health and the Department of Transitional Services, providing innovative employment approaches for individuals with disabilities. Originally from New York, Wolf graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science in Special Education. Upon commencement, she spent several years in Australia learning from its indigenous people to honor one’s cultural values and ways. She returned to the United States with vigor to shift the paradigm of how individuals with disabilities are recognized, not for their limitations, but for their strengths. Prior to joining MassAbility, she served as the Executive Director of Employment Options Inc, an organization dedicated to empowering individuals and families in mental health recovery to thrive in their communities.