Constantine 'Gus' Zografopoulos is the Executive Director of Z Life Organization, a nonprofit based in Illinois. A bilateral amputee and a 40-year veteran in the food service industry, he's a dynamic public speaker, who spreads his motto "Just Say Hi!" globally, making a difference in people's lives. He played a vital role in the Chicago accessible lakefront beach project, serves on the United Airlines Travel Advisory Board, and holds various volunteer leadership positions. In 2023, he was the Grand Marshal of the Chicago Disability Pride Parade and a Torchbearer for the Athens 2004 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Learn more about Constantine by visiting our website.
Afshan Afridi is a trailblazing advocate for disability inclusion in Pakistan. Overcoming societal barriers, she's a driving force in the country's disability movement. From rural to urban regions, she's committed to eradicating the triple discrimination faced by women with disabilities. Learn more about Afshan by visiting our website.
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Dr. Jesus Hernandez-Galan is a pioneering force in Universal Accessibility. Since 2003, he's led Fundación ONCE's groundbreaking projects, fostering collaboration, sponsoring accessible transport, and enhancing personal autonomy in Spain and Europe. His mission is clear: to turn accessibility from a concept into a tangible reality, bridging gaps for people with disabilities and fostering an inclusive society. Learn more about Jesus by visiting our website.
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Alex Elegudin is an accomplished accessibility professional and advocate dedicated to the rights of the disability community. Overcoming a C6 spinal cord injury resulting in quadriplegia, he graduated from Hofstra University Law School, inspiring a shift to disability advocacy. Co-founder of Wheeling Forward, Alex held key roles like Accessibility Program Manager at the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission and Accessibility Chief at MTA NYC Transit, advancing transportation accessibility. Learn more about Alex by visiting our website.
Mindy Henderson Page is a dynamic leader in disability rights, championing employment, accessible travel, universal design, and inclusive style. Serving as Editor-In-Chief of the Muscular Dystrophy Association ’s Quest Media, Mindy empowers the neuromuscular disease community and individuals with disabilities to live life to the fullest. As a motivational speaker, she embodies positivity, hope, and bravery, sharing insights on overcoming adversity. Learn more about Mindy by visiting our website.
Peter Thomas is a distinguished legal professional and Managing Partner at Powers Pyles Sutter & Verville PC in Washington, DC, specializing in healthcare, education, and tribal law. Peter's dedication to advancing disability rights is evident in his role as Co-Chair of the Health Task Force of the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities. As a published author, he co-authored "The Americans with Disabilities Act: A Guidebook for Management and People with Disabilities." Learn more about Peter at https://www.viscardicenter.org/.
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