Lennyn Jacob: Lennyn Jacob (she/her/hers/ella) is a proud Latina woman with a disability, a dedicated student activist, and the loving mother of a neurodiverse son. She is a two-time former chairperson of the CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities (CCSD), representing nearly 10,000 students with disabilities across the university. Lennyn is about to complete her bachelor�s in disability studies at CUNY SPS and is a graduate school candidate. Working as a Disability Accommodation Specialist at Hostos Community College, Lennyn also serves as co-advisor to the CCSD@Hostos club and the university-wide coalition, CCSD. Her advocacy and leadership have earned her recognition on the City & State Power 100: Most Influential People in Higher Education list in both 2022 and 2023. Lennyn�s passion for inclusion and equity drives her mission to create meaningful change for students with disabilities throughout CUNY. Additional Prenters: Charmaine Townsell: Charmaine Townsell is a seasoned Student Affairs and Enrollment Management leader committed to student success. A proud Queens College alumna, Charmaine earned her B.A. and M.A. while serving as the first African American President of the QC Student Association, successfully securing over $5 million to support students. With 17 years of experience, Charmaine has secured funding from the NYS Legislature, NYC Council, and community organizations to enhance critical services. As a student, she served on the Executive Board of the CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities (CCSD) and as USS Vice Chair, using her lived experience to advocate for accessibility across CUNY and New York State. As Senior Director for Student Wellness and Resources at York College | CUNY, Charmaine leads the Health Center, Counseling Center, Center for Gender Justice, and Center for Students with Disabilities, fostering an inclusive, student-centered environment. She is a data-driven leader focused on student wellness, access to resources, and overall student success. Luis Gutierrez: Luis Gutierrez currently serves as the Assistant Director of AccessABILITY Services at Guttman Community College. Previously, he worked at Bronx Community College with the Office for Students with Disabilities, where he provided counseling to students with disabilities and provided them with resources to help them succeed with their academic goals. He had an opportunity to work as a Disability Specialist at the City College of New York, where he was responsible for a number of students, helping them explore career options and resources for academic support. He also worked with CUNY LEADS in connection with several campuses as a Disability and Outreach Coordinator, assisting with legislative initiatives. He conducted job readiness workshops, assessments, and treatment plans for individuals in the process of recovery from substance abuse at Phase Piggy Back (Now Known As Argus Community). He also serves as the alumni advisor for the CUNY Coalition for Students for Students with Disabilities (CCSD), which has provided him with the opportunity to help students with disabilities become empowered and independent advocates. He served as a council member for The New York State Independent Living Council (NYSILC). The council is composed of 25 appointees from around the state, a majority of whom have disabilities, representing diverse cultures and needs in the state. He served as a Co-Chair of COSDI (CUNY Council on Student Disability Issues). Luis has a passion for serving others and helping them reach their fullest potential. He utilizes his knowledge and experiences to continue making a difference. One of his favorite quotes is from Mahatma Gandhi, �Be the change that you wish to see in the world.� Leonard Blades: Leonard Blades is a dedicated advocate for students with disabilities, bringing years of experience and leadership to the CUNY community. As the former chairperson of the CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities (CCSD), Leonard worked tirelessly to promote accessibility, inclusion, and equitable opportunities for all students. He has served in various roles at CUNY, including currently as a Disability Accommodation Specialist, where he provides critical support and resources to students navigating higher education. Leonard is also an alumnus of CUNY Brooklyn College with a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a graduate of the CUNY School of Professional Studies (SPS), where he received his master's degree in Disability Services in Higher Education and the Advanced Certificate in Disability Studies while championing student advocacy initiatives. His passion for empowering students with disabilities continues to inspire others and drive progress across the CUNY system. 5) Arturo Soto: Arturo Soto, a proud Latino man, immigrant, and theater enthusiast, is also a member of the blind and low vision community and a guide dog user, with his loyal partner in crime, Vangie, by his side. Arturo�s journey in advocacy began not long after he lost his vision in 2020, during his final year of high school. Determined to empower others, he founded and organized a student empowerment group for blind and low vision students across NYC and the Department of Education. He has since served as President of the Committee for Disabled Students (CDS) at Queens College for two terms and was previously Secretary of the CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities (CCSD). Arturo is dedicated to fostering accessibility and inclusion throughout the CUNY system. As chairperson, he leads initiatives that amplify the voices of students with disabilities and promote equitable opportunities, striving to create a more inclusive and supportive environment across all campuses. His passion for advocacy inspires his work in building a more accessible and equitable future for all. 6) Luis �Junior� Alvarez: Luis �Junior� Alvarez is a strong advocate for collaboration and teamwork, ensuring CCSD continues to grow and thrive as a supportive community for all. His goal is to foster inclusion and diversity throughout CUNY, working to create an environment where all students feel empowered and valued. As the first openly queer, disabled Latin chairperson of CCSD, Junior brings a unique perspective and lived experience to his leadership, underscoring the importance of representation. During the challenges of the pandemic, Junior led CCSD with resilience and determination, ensuring the organization remained a pillar of support for students with disabilities. He also played a pivotal role in securing critical funding during this time, helping to sustain essential programs and services for the community. He is committed to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and addressing systemic barriers within higher education. Junior�s vision for CCSD focuses on fostering connections, building partnerships, and creating lasting change that benefits current and future students. His leadership reflects a dedication to ensuring that every student has the resources and support needed to succeed. 7) Carmen Chocolatl: Carmen Chocolatl serves as the president of Students Unlimited at Kingsborough Community College and as the Vice Chair of Recruitment for the CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities (CCSD). Carmen previously served as Vice Chair of Public Service for CCSD and is known for proudly representing the organization at events across the five boroughs. Dedicated to advocating for students with disabilities, Carmen is passionate about leadership and creating opportunities for students to thrive. Carmen has also participated in workshops and outreach initiatives to educate the CUNY community about the importance of disability advocacy and allyship. Her current goal is to recruit more students to join and strengthen the CCSD community. 8) Brian Flores-Gerardo: Brian Flores Gerardo is a passionate advocate committed to improving the world one step at a time. As the Campus Affairs Commissioner for the Student Government Association at Hostos Community College, he works to enhance student life and ensure that everyone�s voice is heard. Brian also serves as Vice Chair of Finance for the CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities, where he manages CCSD's finances and ensures resources are allocated effectively to support impactful programs and initiatives. Driven by the belief that each day offers an opportunity to create positive change, Brian focuses on building a more inclusive, supportive community for all while continuously looking for new ways to make a difference. 9) Isaac Augustin: Isaac Augustin focuses on public service initiatives, building partnerships, and creating opportunities for students to engage in advocacy and leadership. He also serves as the President of CCSD at York College, where he works to amplify the voices of students with disabilities on campus. In this role, Isaac spearheads initiatives that foster inclusivity and provide a platform for students to advocate for their rights and needs. With an entrepreneurial spirit, Isaac manages CCSD�s social media platforms, a role he excels in thanks to the skills he has honed through marketing his personal business. His dedication to public service, community building, and creative problem-solving reflects his passion for creating a more equitable and accessible environment for all students.