Disability Leadership and Self-Representation
Over one billion people worldwide have a disability, yet structural barriers and ableism mean they remain underrepresented in the platforms and systems that shape their lives. This panel brings together leaders who are creating initiatives and shaping systems designed by people with disabilities, for people with disabilities. Centering self-representation and collaborative allyship, the discussion will explore how lived experience can reshape the systems and frameworks of disability inclusion
Speakers
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Noa LimpocoConsultant
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Emily MullerDisability Rights Advocate and Impact Research AnalystEmily Muller
Disability Rights Advocate and Impact Research Analyst
One Young WorldEmily Muller is a disability rights advocate and Impact Research Analyst at One Young World. She won a RareVoice Award for Federal Advocacy after her work contributed to the passage of the 21st Century Cures Act in 2017, and now focuses on dismantling structural barriers to disability inclusion. She holds a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University, where she was selected for the inaugural cohort of student scholars at the Institute of Global Politics, led by former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. She has worked on international development and policy projects in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Ghana.
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Stephen McCrystallEquality and Human Rights OfficerStephen McCrystall
Equality and Human Rights Officer
Education Authority Northern IrelandStephen McCrystall is an Equality and Human Rights Officer at the Education Authority Northern Ireland, where he leads the Disability Employment Support Service and provides strategic guidance on equality and human rights issues across schools, youth services, and corporate settings. After graduating in Law, Stephen has worked in various roles, including Policy & Engagement Officer for the Law Society of Northern Ireland, Student Experience Policy Coordinator at Queen’s, and Students' Union President at Queen's. He is the Belfast Legacy Ambassador for One Young World, a PEACE Ambassador for the Special EU Programmes Body, and a Non-Executive Director of Arts and Business Northern Ireland. In addition to being an international speaker, Stephen recently completed the National Committee on American Foreign Policy (NCAPF) Emerging Leaders Programme, where he published his policy paper on 'Digital Masculinity and Misogyny: Educating Boys About Online Gender-Based Violence'. The findings were presented to political leaders in New York, Belfast, and Dublin.
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Emily FloresFounder & CEOEmily Flores
Founder & CEO
Cripple MediaEmily Flores is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Cripple Media, the first media company run entirely by and for young disabled people. She also leads social media for EE72, Edward Enninful’s new global fashion and culture platform. Recognized by the Webby Awards and featured in The New York Times and Disney+’s Growing Up, Emily has spearheaded partnerships and conversations with brands such as Gucci, Instagram, and Google, reaching millions with bold, inclusive storytelling. She is a sought-after speaker and creative on disability, culture, and media innovation, and was recently invited to the White House last year.