2020 Disability Advocacy Certificate Program Participants

Year: Rising Senior Major: ESE/Elementary ED College/University: University of West Florida Matthew Arnold is a Junior at the University of West Florida working towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary/ESE Education. During his time at the University Matthew has served three years as a Senator for Student Government and started an organization targeted at helping those with disabilities. His student organization has now grown to become a non-profit known as Trident Disabilities. Matthew enjoys participating in undergrad research in various fields including American History and English. He also participates in many local and state initiatives such as the Equal Justice Initiative, Southeastern Guide Dogs Walkathons, and Rally in Tally just to name a few. Matthew wants to continue to work for disability rights no matter what field he goes into and feels that advocacy is an empowering freedom for us to have

Year: Rising Junior Major: Public Relations/Digital Media Engagement College/University: Temple University Kyra Beckish is a rising junior at Temple University, pursing a degree in public relations and a minor in digital media engagement. She serves as the Director of Community Service for Temple’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America. Kyra is an account executive in Temple’s student-run public relations firm, PRowl Public Relations. Her account runs social media campaigns and plans events on behalf of the Department of Communication and Social Influence. Outside of her major-related activities, Beckish is a resident assistant in James S. White Residence Hall, working directly with 42 freshmen. Kyra was awarded the Burne Excellence Scholarship by the Abington Heights Scholarship Committee for her academic and personal achievements. She also earned the title of “Public Relations Top Freshman” at the Department of Advertising and Public Relations awards ceremony last May.

Year: Rising Junior Major: Sociology, Change-making College/University: University of San Diego Fanisee Bias is a second-year college student attending the University of San Diego. She grew up in Boise, Idaho, and her activism developed once she was diagnosed with a spinal disease called Transverse Myelitis. Fanisee had to learn how to advocate for herself and her disability which made me passionate about advocating for others. Throughout junior high and high school, Fanisee became involved in clubs, volunteering, and work that unleashed her passions for social justice, advocacy, and working with others! Specifically, Faniesee’s participation in the Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) motivated her to continue her passion for disability justice and bringing awareness to our community. As she attends college and navigates other spaces, Faniesee brings issues related accessibility and accommodations to the forefront. Faniesee created a student organization called the Alliance of Disability Advocates. She serves as the Vice-Chair of the Youth Steering Committee for APRIL (Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living). This year, Faniesse has a lot of activities planned for the 30th Anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990.

Year: Rising Senior Major: Information Science, Systems, and Technology College/University: Cornell University Hana Gabrielle is a rising senior at Cornell University majoring in Information Science, Systems, and Technology (ISST) with a concentration in Information Science (IS). Through this bachelor’s degree program, Hana hopes to hone in on my technical skills in statistics and machine learning as well as learn about the social impact of data science in society and vice versa. To further enhance her education, Hana is also double minoring in Science Communication and Public Engagement (SCoPE) and Science and Technology Studies (STS). Upon her graduation in May 2021, Hana sees herself working as a junior data scientist where she will use machine learning and statistics to provide data-driven insights to provide the best possible metrics for a company as well as use technology for social good, especially in healthcare, mental health, education technology, and accessibility in tech for disabled people, before pursuing graduate school to become a core data scientist.

Year: Recent Graduate Major: History/Science and Technology Studies College/University: Cornell University Nadia Bon is a recent graduate of Cornell University, College of Arts and Sciences. She received her BA with Distinction in All Subjects as a History major with a minor in Science and Technology studies. She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa. As a person living with cerebral palsy, Nadia is interested in what determines a person to be considered ‘of worth’ by society, especially people with disabilities, and how this determination translates into policies and legislation that impact attitudes. She believes that studying our past treatment of people with disabilities, with all its prejudices and injustices, can pave the way for a more equal, inclusive and accessible future. She envisions her future as an advocate for others living with disabilities and a voice for change on an international level. At Cornell, Nadia served as Co-Chair of her college’s Dean’s Advisory Council, performed as a member of the Wheelchair Ballroom Dance Club, and modeled in Cornell’s first Disability Fashion Exhibit. She was awarded the Samuel R. Berger National Leadership Scholars Fund Scholarship, as well as Cornell’s 2019 Annual Phi Beta Kappa Scholarship Prize. Nadia is also an adaptive athlete with several sports organizations. In her spare time, she loves reading, attending the theater, and traveling. She has visited over a dozen countries in Europe, Canada, the Caribbean, and many of that states across the US.

Year: Rising Sophomore Major: Political Science and Human Rights College/University: Columbia University Katy Brennan is a rising Sophomore at Columbia University studying Human Rights, Political Science, and Hispanic Studies. She is an activist and a writer, and has worked extensively on issues of gender-based violence, disability rights, and climate justice. Her writing, which often focuses on disability and chronic illness, has been published in Al Jazeera, Yahoo News, and NYAToday. Currently, Katy serves as the Digital Content Director to Diversability where she fosters inclusive spaces online to discuss disability-related issues. In the future, she hopes to pursue a law degree, specializing in international human rights, in order to address pervasive inaccessibility in domestic and international legal systems.

Year: Rising Senior Major: Political Science/Minor, History College/University: North Carolina State University Growing up in Wilmington, North Carolina, Jonas Bryson is currently a senior at North Carolina State University where he is studying Political Science and History. While at Isaac Bear Early College High School, he served as President of Music Club, was inducted into the National Honors Society, and graduated summa cum laude. Since then, he has gone on to work in the Offices of Congressman David Price, Governor of North Carolina Roy Cooper, and the Public Defender of New Hanover County, NC. He has also served as a staff writer at his local newspaper, the Wilmington StarNews, worked on a congressional campaign based outside of Charlotte, and has recently returned home after studying abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark. Between all this, Jonas also volunteers with several charities in his community aimed at helping people with disabilities, many of which he himself used as a child while coming to terms with his own visual impairment. A strong advocate for social and economic justice, he is passionate about expanding quality healthcare to all, empowering America’s working class, and fighting on behalf of marginalized communities both at home and abroad. After graduation, Jonas hopes to work in the realm of politics, championing progressive policies and standing up for the underdog. In his free time, he loves going to the beach, playing guitar and piano, and watching stand-up comedy.

Year: Recent Graduate Major: Communication Studies, opt. PR/Advertising & French College/University: California State University-Los Angeles Shirley Carrillo is a recent graduate from California State University-Los Angeles. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies with an emphasis in Public Relations & Advertising. She also double-majored and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in French Language & Literature. Throughout her years in college, Shirley participated in leadership roles such as PR Director and President of a pre-professional organization, she was also a member of two different honor societies. As a part of her education, Shirley worked on projects where she fulfilled roles such as Account Manager, Account Planner and copywriter for Advertising campaigns, as well as managing a PR/Social Media Marketing campaign. Her academic achievements are demonstrated through earning a spot on the Dean’s list for the College of Arts & Letters at Cal State LA for the past two consecutive years. She is interested in pursuing a career in international relations, where she can use her knowledge of communication, previous work experience, and tri-lingual speaking ability. Shirley believe there is a need to have more people with disabilities involved in foreign affairs so that we can ensure laws are enacted and enforced to protect the civil rights of people with disabilities around the world. Shirley is a self-motivated, optimistic, and open-minded individual, who is passionate about advocating for and educating others about people with disabilities.

Year: Rising Junior Major: Politics/Communications College/University: University of Puget Sound Danny Charney is a rising junior at the University of Puget Sound working towards a bachelor’s degree in Politics and Government and Communications. Danny has previously worked with GLSEN, a national LGBTQ nonprofit, working with students across the country in ensuring respect and kindness in school. Through his coursework at Puget Sound, he became increasingly interested in advancing self-advocacy and accessibility for students with learning disabilities. While at Puget Sound, Danny has served as a student senator, advocating for students with disabilities in roundtables and meetings to ensure students got the accommodations and respect they deserve on campus. Danny’s extracurricular interests revolve around student engagement: He is currently a resident assistant on campus, supporting first year students with the transition into college. He is also the Lectures Coordinator for the university, bringing speakers from diverse backgrounds to give important lessons to the campus community. After he graduates, Danny plans to enter the journalism/media relations field with the goal of highlighting stories and experiences that often don’t get shared. He is especially interested in working on ways to bring trust back into the media, in regards to the post-truthq era we are living

Year: Rising Senior Major: American Studies / English and Public Policy College/University: Kenyon College Courtney Felle is a junior at Kenyon College, majoring in American Studies, minoring in English, and concentrating in Public Policy. She aims to use her experiences with chronic illness and the medical system to improve healthcare access and outcomes for all, especially underserved populations. She has previously interned with the Ohio Democratic Party, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s Office, the Museum of DisABILITY History, and the Knox County Health Department. She is also an executive member of Kenyon Democrats and the president of Kenyon’s LGBTQ+ women and gender-nonconforming students’ society. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, drinking tea, and taking long road trips.

Year: Rising Junior Major: Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs intended major, Journalism intended minor College/University: Princeton University Originally from Clarksville, Maryland, Naomi Hess is a rising junior at Princeton University, where she is majoring in the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs with a minor in Journalism. On campus, Naomi is a former Staff Writer and current Associate News Editor for the Daily Princetonian. She is a Community Engagement Intern at the Princeton Center for Jewish Life, where she initiated and led Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month Shabbat in 2019 and 2020. As a Student Fellow for the AccessAbility Center, she plans events supporting Princeton students with disabilities and runs communications channels for the Center. Naomi also blogs for the Undergraduate Admissions Office. Naomi got her start in disability activism at a young age through her position as the Maryland State Goodwill Ambassador for two consecutive years. She served as a Public Policy Intern for the Center for Disability Rights in summer 2019, with one of her main projects being a position paper about increasing the political engagement of people with disabilities. Naomi’s writing has been published in a variety of publications, including the Birthright Foundation blog, New York Jewish Week, and The Mighty. She hopes to combine her passions for politics and writing in her future career. In her spare time, Naomi likes to read, watch TV, and spend time with friends.

Year: Rising Senior Major: Film and Public Policy College/University: School of the Art Institute of Chicago Jake Linn is a junior attending the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) where he is obtaining a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in film and public policy. Jake has worked in variety of fields including Film, Non-Profit, Public Relations, Fundraising, and Public Policy sector. Due to living through adverse experiences, Jake has had to advocate for himself since childhood, but it has inspired him to become an action-oriented advocate focused on using creative tools to drive public-policy changes. In his spare time, Jake provides user-feedback to STEPS (Israeli company), marketing for Batia Vineyards (CA), a Patient Advocate under Voters for Cures, and President of a student advocacy club at SAIC aiming to reduce stigma and discrimination while improving inclusive opportunities for all students on-campus.

Year: PhD Student Major: Computer Science College/University: Mississippi State University Osler Moore was diagnosed with several learning challenges as a child, including Asperger’s Syndrome and various speech challenges. During speech therapy sessions, Osler accessed a set of online games in 1998 meant to help improve my language processing abilities. His reading comprehension increased two years within an eight-week period. Osler hopes to work on visualization and big data analysis platforms for industrial, military, entertainment, or academic applications. In sum, he want to use the power of story, enhanced by technology, to educate, entertain, and improve the lives of others. Osler has worked for a number of government agencies and several private companies, including the National Data Buoy Center, Oak Ridge National Laboratories, and the Naval Labs at Stennis Space Center. He has received a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Southern Mississippi and a master’s degree in Computer Science from Mississippi State University. Currently he is pursuing a Ph.D. in Computer Science with an emphasis in large data and visualization. Osler’s dissertation is focused on using Virtual Reality to help teach children on the Autism spectrum everyday social skills.

Year: Recent Graduate Major: Political Science with a dual minor in legal studies and philosophy College/University: College of Staten Island Lou Paniccioli is a recent college graduate of the College of Staten Island, where he graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science with a dual minor in legal studies and philosophy as well as being a dean’s list recipient. Currently, Lou is a political activist and disability rights advocate who is seeking to enter the worlds of electoral politics, policymaking, and law, utilizing the skills gained from his experience to achieve his dreams of not only becoming an attorney but creating a direct platform for individuals with disabilities and underrepresented groups in the world of politics so that we may adequately and accurately represented. Being a racially mixed young man with a disability who is the son of immigrants, Lou has developed a strong understanding of the significant importance of diversity and inclusion in both the workplace and in society. This understanding that developed given his circumstance, he is fully intent on incorporating it into his work and overall career.

Year: Recent Graduate Major: Communications and Journalism / Psychology College/University: St. Catherine University Alma Silver is an incoming member of the American Association of People with Disabilities 2020 Summer Internship Program. This spring, Alma will be graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Journalism from St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN. Throughout her college career, Alma has claimed a wide variety of opportunities to become involved as a visible leader within the St. Kate’s community. As Editor-in-Chief of The Wheel student newspaper, she mentored a team of writers and editors while overseeing the consistent release and campus-wide distributions of both online and print publications. Alma integrated her leadership experiences during her time as a Spirituality and Justice Program Coordinator Intern for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates, as she assisted in coordinating the logistics and outreach of the community food shelf. She currently works as a Program Development Specialist in the Abigail Q. McCarthy Center for Women at St. Kate’s, where she oversees collaborative initiatives and visibility projects related to disability and neurodiversity within the student body. Alma looks forward to pursuing a master’s degree and establishing a career in disability services, access consulting, and freelance writing. When she is not in the classroom or office, Alma enjoys writing, reading classic literature, exploring nature, and sampling new restaurants with her friends.

Year: Master’s Student Major: Masters in Social Work, Policy Practice College/University: Columbia University Verlencia is obtaining her Master’s of Social Work from Columbia University in the City of New York. She is specializing in Advanced Generalist Practice and Programming with a field of practice in social contemporary issues focused towards diversity, equity, and inclusion geared to marginalized and oppressed groups. Verlencia previously graduated from the University of Connecticut in May of 2018. Since beginning her advanced degree, Verlencia hopes to further her career working with nonprofit organizations and philanthropic services. She has gained versatile skills through her position at the Urban Justice Center and with her background of policy practice, clinical skills, and programming she believe she has a platform to expand and advocate for disability rights and diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. Verlencia has a passion for interacting with and supporting the people around her. Verlencia hopes to utilize the advocacy she has received from those in her own community to advocate for others in similar situations as herself. She has always had a strong interest in serving and changing to better the needs of individuals, groups, and diverse communities. Or at least to be able to impact those who need a little inspiration.

Year: Rising Senior Major: Political Science/History and Russian College/University: SUNY at Binghamton Jesica was born and raised in Northern Virginia, and she is currently a rising senior at SUNY Binghamton. At Binghamton, she is working towards a bachelor’s degree Political Science with a concentration in International Relations and Global Affairs and a possibility of double majoring in Russian Studies. In the Spring of 2020, Jesica studied abroad in St. Petersburg, Russia where she was accepted into the International Relations, Political Science, and Economics faculty. At her home campus, she is a co-founder and treasurer of the national organization Leading Women of Tomorrow where she works towards closing the gender gap in civil service and government careers. In the Fall 2019 semester, Jesica interned at Congressman Anthony Brindisi’s Office in Binghamton, NY. She saw the importance of community engagement and outreach within local and national politics. Since discovering her love for international affairs, she has become an ardent world traveler and is interested in international disability rights and policy.