Dr. Josie Badger received her Bachelor’s degree from Geneva College in Disability Law and Advocacy, a Master’s from the University of Pittsburgh in Rehabilitation Counseling, and a Doctorate from Duquesne University in Healthcare Ethics. In 2012, Dr. Badger was crowned Ms. Wheelchair America. In 2014 Josie founded J Badger Consulting Inc. where she provides youth development and disability consulting services for organizations, on transition and leadership development. She is the National Transition Director for SPAN Parent Advocacy Network, working with RAISE and the National Healthcare Transition Center for Youth with ID/DD. She is the Campaign Manager of the United Way of Southwestern PA’s #IWantToWork Campaign, to improve the employment of people with disabilities, is the lead Field Organizer for the Family Care Act that supports paid family leave, and is the developer of TRAIL, a statewide advocacy and lobbying training program. She serves as a board member of the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, The Woodlands Foundation, the Mary Grace Hospice Foundation, PA Assistive Technology Foundation, and is the Secretary of FISA and co-chair of the Grants Committee.

Nyota Robinson

Ms. Nyota N.P. Robinson, MPW has a Master’s in Professional Writing from Chatham University and a Bachelor’s in English from Point Park University. She has been involved in politics and social justice for over two decades. Nyota started her social justice work with the NAACP, as their Press & Publicity Chair, and then secretary. Her natural progression as an activist and one willing to fight and support causes led her to pursue a career of service. Nyota’s desire to engage and improve her community and the world led her to accept a position as the Educational Specialist for Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh. During this time, Nyota was exposed to various community organizations and groups that further fostered her love for educating the public on critical issues. 

She is a member of B-PEP, (Black Political Empowerment Project), The League of Women’s Voters of Greater Pittsburgh, Rankin/Mon Valley/Pittsburgh National Council of Negro Women and WILPF, (Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom). These groups have enhanced her love for community engagement and education about the political process and social justice issues. Nyota’s deep passion for disability issues has connected her with national, regional, and statewide groups, such as TRAIL, a Pennsylvania state-wide advocacy and lobbying training program. Nyota believes that everyone should be involved in the political process and strives to address any environmental, political, or social barriers.

Also, Nyota has been involved in various political campaigns and other voter education and registration activities. She was an office manager for the Kerry/Edwards Presidential Campaign in Pittsburgh, PA. Soon after, Nyota would become the first female Vice-chair of the Disability Issues Caucus of the Young Democrats of America. 

You can always find Nyota working in a political, grassroots, or non-profit setting. Her family’s legacy of helping others in the community and leadership has engrained in her the duty of service. She shares a deep faith in God that no matter what, we must do All of the good that we can do while here on earth. Therefore, Nyota has dedicated her career and passions to helping everyone impact society in a meaningful way. 

Everett Deibler

Everett Deibler is currently a Learning Specialist at Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) where he coordinates college wide accessibility efforts and supports the SEED Program; which is the college's inclusive higher education initiative. Before joining LCCC, Everett has spent the last decade supporting thousands of youth and young adults in exploring their leadership, employment, and independent living goals with various organizations across Pennsylvania, including the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), LVCIL, and the Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network. As a person with a disability, Everett has committed his life and career to helping people with disabilities feel empowered and educating people without disabilities in hopes of creating a more welcoming and inclusive world.