I am humbled to be nominated for the 2025 Innovator of the Year Award from the Orange County Business Journal!
Several other nominees work in the areas of health and EdTech, which I think speaks to the power of innovating technology with and for people with disabilities first. Many of us are unaware of the technologies we use everyday which we owe to people with disabilities and their allies. Audiobooks, videoconferencing, video captions--these and many more technologies would not exist or be nearly as prevalent without inclusive design. Innovation needs people with disabilities to be testing products, on the research and design team, managing projects, leading tech divisions and companies, and on advisory boards everywhere.
I don't deserve to win this one, but I do appreciate the platform to share this message. Meaningful change is possible when we develop a shared vision of a more equitable future. Thank you OCBJ.