Eli Gelardin – Director, San Francisco Office on Disability and Accessibility (formerly the Mayor’s Office on Disability)

Eli brings over two decades of leadership in disability rights. He is a three-time gubernatorial appointee, having served two terms on the California State Independent Living Council and once on the State Rehabilitation Council. He has also co-chaired the ADRC Statewide Advisory Committee and served on the boards of the World Institute on Disability (WID) and Matrix Parent Network. Previously, he was CEO of the Marin Center for Independent Living and co-founded the Marin Aging and Disability Institute. Eli proudly identifies as disabled and as a parent of disabled children.

Jacob Lesner-Buxton – System Change Coordinator, Access Central Coast

Jacob started working at ACC in 2013. Working at ACC has given Jacob the confidence and sense of empowerment to make change and hopefully encourage others to do so. Besides working at ACC Jacob is a producer on KPFA’s Pushing Limits one of the only disability-themed radio shows in the USA. He also loves doing yoga and blogging on Facebook.

Marcos Villa – Senior Advocate, Disability Rights California

Marcos specializes in supporting clients across Orange County and Los Angeles to address barriers to employment. He primarily works with individuals who are applying for, or receiving Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) services. Marcos specializes in helping clients identify their goals, understand their rights, and access the resources needed to thrive in competitive integrated employment. A disabled veteran born in Anaheim, Marcos brings lived and professional experience navigating workplace accommodations and career development systems. His advocacy is grounded in a strength-based approach, empowering individuals to achieve meaningful employment and sustainable work-life balance.

Mary Zendejas – Councilwoman, City of Long Beach

Mary's life is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and the pursuit of a better life. Born to immigrant parents in Mexico, Mary faced adversity from an early age when at just eight months old she was diagnosed with polio. Her parents exhausted all available medical resources in their home country, but they refused to give up on their daughter's health. Their deep love and hope led them to make the life-changing decision to immigrate to the United States.

Leaving behind four of her siblings, Mary’s parents embarked on the courageous journey that would ultimately pave the way for her to have a brighter future. Settling in the United States, their family faced numerous challenges. After three years and a new baby born into the family, they became legal residents through amnesty. Mary’s parents instilled in her the values of hard work, perseverance, and the importance of higher education.

Growing up with a disability, Mary encountered a multitude of obstacles, challenges, and heartaches. Yet, Mary faced every setback with determination and a radiant smile that had the power to light up any room. She possessed a unique ability to adapt and transform adversity into opportunity, a skill that would serve her well throughout her life.

Against all odds, Mary became the first member of her family to graduate from high school and went on to earn her degree from California State University Long Beach. Her educational journey was not just a personal achievement; it was a symbol of hope for her family and an inspiration to the disabled and immigrant community.

Mary's dedication to serving her community has spanned more than three decades and has been the driving force of her life. From Leadership Long Beach to serving as a Board Member for the Disabled Resource Center, Long Beach Transit, For The Child and Ms. Wheelchair America (just to name a few); her experience includes a wide breadth of community and policy positions.

In 2019, she made history when she was elected to Long Beach’s First District Council Office as the first Latina wheelchair user in the nation. She won her re-election in 2022 and currently serves as Chair of the inaugural Arts, Culture & Tourism Committee and Board Member for the Gateway Cities Council of Government and Metro’s Gateway Cities Service Council.

Councilwoman Zendejas represents the first district in the City of Long Beach which is home to almost half a million residents. The First District is diverse is quite a dynamic area with over 40,000 residents, a rapidly growing downtown area, the Shoreline Waterfront, many historic neighborhoods and the Port of Long Beach’s operational area. The First District is also a microcosm of contrasts and challenges, encompassing both low-income neighborhoods and affluent communities. Mary understands the diverse needs of her constituents and works tirelessly to bridge the gaps.

One of Mary's key priorities has been addressing public safety challenges, while simultaneously fostering economic growth. She believes in creating a safer and more vibrant unified district that benefits all residents, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. Her leadership has brought about positive change, making her district a better place to live, retire, work, and play.

Mary Zendejas has also been a devoted advocate for policies that tackle inequalities and promote economic prosperity as we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. She understands that a thriving local economy is the foundation for a prosperous community and has championed initiatives that empower entrepreneurs and create opportunities for all.

Mary Zendejas' journey from a childhood marked by adversity to becoming a trailblazing leader in her community is an inspiration to us all. Her story reminds us that with unwavering determination, hard work, and a commitment to serving others, we can overcome obstacles and make a lasting impact on the lives of those around us. Mary continues to be a beacon of hope, proving that anyone can rise above their circumstances and contribute to the betterment of society through public service.

Juanita Herrera – Service Navigator, LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Juanita is a Service Navigator at the LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired in San Francisco. With over 14 years of experience in the assistive technology field, she has dedicated her career to empowering blind and low-vision individuals through education, training, and advocacy. Before joining the Service Navigation team, Juanita worked extensively as an Assistive Technology Specialist, providing individualized instruction and support through programs such as iCanConnect, OIB, and youth and Spanish-language technology initiatives.

A RESNA-certified Assistive Technology Professional Juanita combines her technical expertise with her lived experience as a blind professional to advance accessibility, inclusion, and equitable opportunities for people with disabilities. She also serves as Vice President of a National Federation of the Blind chapter in California and has served on the organization’s state board, continuing to be a powerful advocate for the blind community statewide.