Jacklyn Tomlin is a four-time graduate of the City University of New York (CUNY) system and a doctoral student pursuing a Ph.D. in Literacy. She earned her Master of Arts in Disability Studies and an Advanced Certificate in Disability Services in Higher Education from CUNY School of Professional Studies. Jacklyn is a disability rights advocate who partners with families to support informed decision-making in special education, centering equity, access, and culturally responsive advocacy. As a Community Engagement Specialist for a New York State governmental agency, she works to expand service access for historically marginalized communities and co-led systems-level reform efforts through the System Change Project in partnership with Georgetown University. This work focused on strengthening cross-sector collaboration, advancing inclusive policy implementation, and improving outcomes for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Her scholarship and advocacy are deeply interconnected. Jacklyn has successfully secured and solidified grants for local nonprofit organizations, bringing educational programming, literacy initiatives, and community-based scholarship to neighborhoods often excluded from institutional resources. She has presented at the CUNY Neurodiversity Conference and the CUNY SPS Leadership Academy, contributing to conversations on disability justice, leadership development, and inclusive systems change. Her current research examines how Black adolescent girls make meaning of text through layered theoretical frameworks, including Black feminist thought. Through her academic and community work, Jacklyn bridges scholarship, advocacy, and healing—positioning literacy as a tool for liberation and collective transformation. Kpana Kpoto is the parent of two children, including an autistic young adult son. After her son was diagnosed with autism, she made the career change from educational publishing to disability services. Kpana wears many hats, including being the Senior Manager for Direct Assistance and Training at a disability nonprofit organization in New York City. In this role, Kpana manages their helpline and trains staff to ensure that families receive quality direct assistance when they call for help navigating early intervention, special education, and other disability services systems for their children. She also develops and disseminates information and resources for families and collaborates with community organizations to support people with disabilities. In addition, Kpana co-founded the Bronx Parents Autism Support Circle, Inc., an autism parent support group that she began with two other moms in the Bronx 13 years ago. Kpana received her Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Howard University and her Master’s degree in Disability Studies from the CUNY School of Professional Studies. She is deeply committed to being an ally to the disability community, promoting disability justice, and dismantling ableism. Hi, my name is Gabriella. I am a Disability, Social, and Human Rights Advocate. I advocate for the awareness, education, and empowerment of people with disabilities. For many years, I have been committed to studying the culture of disability, and the ideas that inspire laws and policies, both domestically and internationally. I am also highly interested in women's and children's rights, international affairs, law, and foreign policy. I am passionate about bridging the gaps of various social issues and types of oppression, through the highlighting of its intersections between one another. I have a B.A. in International Studies, a Spanish minor from Washington & Jefferson College, and an M.A. in Disability Studies from the CUNY School of Professional Studies. I am also an inducted member of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS). In my personal life, I like to write poetry, read, run, bake, cook, travel, and create new things with arts and crafts.