Cheryl Ann Frazier is the Founder and CEO of Humanity Consideration Consultants (HCC), which specializes in delivering operational models aligned with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), its subsequent Amendments Act, related mandates, and best practices. HCC works closely with businesses, government entities, and educational institutions to identify opportunities for improvement in employment strategies, training, client-facing programs, and the execution of specified policies and practices related to Title I (Employment) and Title II (State and Local Governments) of the ADA. Cheryl Ann affirms, "If you focus on the people, the ADA law will manifest itself." ​Cheryl Ann has served over 33 years across international and state governments. She most recently supported the Consulate General of Israel to the Southeastern United States (Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Tennessee) in Public Diplomacy as the Director of Community Affairs, creating and sustaining relationships between Israel and African American, Latino, and Asian American communities working collaboratively with Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Chambers of Commerce, and Faith-based and Social Justice focused community organizations and ministries. During her time with the State of Israel, Cheryl Ann also advised the Consul General of Israel regarding media affairs and incidents of challenged community relationships around the current Israel-Hamas war. ​In 2023, Cheryl Ann retired as the Assistant State ADA Coordinator for Georgia at the State ADA Coordinator's Office after over 31 years of cumulative service with the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission, Georgia Department of Corrections, and Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice. She served in several other capacities with the State of Georgia, including Assistant Regional Director overseeing eighteen (18) secured facilities in the Southwest region of Georgia’s prison system. Cheryl Ann assumed the role as the first Agency ADA Coordinator for the Georgia Department of Corrections, serving over 50,000 offenders, 10,000 employees, and countless citizens of Georgia while creating a new ADA program and composing policies. During the last six years of her career with state government, Cheryl Ann trained over 15,000 employees, sworn officers, agency leaders, contractors, physical and mental health professionals, attorneys, and human resource professionals throughout the United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands on the ADA. She has served as an ADA subject matter expert on panels with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation (CIDI) at Georgia Tech, and the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) Chapters in Greater Rome, Allatoona, and the Greater Henry County, as well as the SHRM-Atlanta 2023 and 2024 Conferences. Cheryl Ann served as a featured conference speaker for several organizations in 2024. Cheryl Ann Frazier’s speaking engagements and event appearances can be viewed by accessing this link, Events | HCC. ​Cheryl Ann is a Certified ADA Coordinator (ADAC) through the ADA Coordinator Training Certification Program (ACTCP), with advanced ADA certifications in ADA Title I, ADA Title III, Healthcare, and Law Enforcement. She is a certified compliance auditor under the National Institute of Corrections and a certified POST Instructor through the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council. Cheryl Ann is also a certified Mental Health First Aider. She is a member of the American Correctional Association (ACA) and the National Certified Public Manager® Consortium.

Brandy McCrary-Taylor is the Executive Director of Workforce Solutions Inc., where she leads initiatives focused on ADA compliance, equitable workforce development, and disability inclusion. With over 15 years of experience in human resources and human services, Brandy brings a deep understanding of how employment, health, and access intersect to impact individuals with disabilities in the workplace. As a SHRM-certified professional, Brandy manages the full scope of ADA accommodations—including evaluating job descriptions, reviewing medical documentation, leading interactive processes, drafting compliance letters, and coordinating with HR teams and healthcare providers. She provides training for managers and employees on ADA, FMLA, and leave policy compliance, and ensures that organizations maintain legally sound practices aligned with federal and state regulations. Brandy also oversees processes for return-to-work evaluations, undue hardship assessments, and the coordination of medical leaves through FMLA, short-term disability, and employer leave programs. She helps employers interpret complex cases, respond to accommodation requests, and maintain accountability without compromising compassion. Brandy holds a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management with a concentration in Human Services from Northeastern University and a Bachelor of Arts in English and Journalism from Georgia Southern University. She is currently pursuing credentials as an ADA Coordinator and EEOC Advisor. Known for her practical, policy-informed approach, Brandy is committed to helping employers remove barriers and foster inclusive, responsive workplaces that support all employees, especially those with disabilities.

Currently, I am serving as the Vice Chair of the Public Social Service Commission, appointed by Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn. In this capacity, I lead the Ad Hoc Committee responsible for developing a comprehensive work plan that aligns with the Department of Public Health’s strategic objectives. Additionally, I have served as an appointee of Governor Newsom on the California Commission on Disability Access, where I held the position of Executive Committee Chair on Education Outreach. Furthermore, I was the Inclusive Excellence Commission Chair at California State University Long Beach, appointed by President Jane Conoley from 2016 to 2020. As a Board Member for Bellflower Unified School District (2013-2024), I spearheaded a bridge program that facilitated college credit acquisition for high school students with disabilities through dual enrollment at Cerritos College. Furthermore, I served on the Board of California Advancing Pathways for Students (CalAPS), an organization dedicated to the development and provision of high-quality Career Technical Education to ensure the success and contribution of students to the global community. I hold a doctorate degree from the University of Southern California (USC) in Education, with a specialization in Human Performance Improvement, and a master’s degree from California State Long Beach (CSLB) in Industrial Organizational Psychology. As the former ADA Coordinator for the City of Santa Monica, I actively advocated for disability rights within the community and private sector, striving to eliminate attitudinal and architectural barriers through educational initiatives. My responsibilities included collaborating with city departments on design and policy matters pertaining to seniors and individuals with disabilities. Prior to my current role, I served on the Governor’s Committee on the State Council on Independent Living, where I chaired the Communication and Collaboration Committee. Additionally, I was appointed by Don Knabe (2010-2012) to serve on the Los Angeles County Accessibility Appeals Board, which is instrumental in facilitating the removal of barriers posed by the Americans with Disabilities Act. As a former producer and host of a local public access television program with Time Warner, titled “Knowledge in Motion,” I engaged in interviews with guests on diverse topics and contemporary issues. Prior to this role, I served as a Psychology Instructor and the WorkAbility IV Coordinator at California State University, Long Beach. On a personal note, I contracted polio at the age of three while residing in Lebanon. As an adult with post-polio, I utilize a scooter for greater mobility and advocate for universal design to facilitate accessibility for all individuals. For physical exercise, I enjoy swimming whenever possible to maintain my strength. I am currently in the process of writing a book titled “Silent Voices: A Spiritual Journey through Disability,” which delves into my experiences, triumphs, and spiritual insights gained throughout this journey.

D’Anna Howard, a native of Atlanta, Georgia, is a woman whose life radiates resilience, purpose, and love. At 38 years old, she stands as a devoted mother of four and a three-time breast cancer warrior - currently living with metastatic breast cancer. Her fight is not just for herself, but for a legacy of strength passed down from the women who came before her and for the future she is nurturing in her children. Diagnosed with breast cancer at age 23, D’Anna has endured two remissions and now faces the illness with remarkable courage. Her mother and grandmother both battled metastatic breast cancer before transitioning, and yet D’Anna continues forward - embodying hope and grace even in the face of generational loss. Across nearly two decades of professional work, D’Anna earned a glowing reputation for her dedication, performance, and integrity in various industries. However, after facing workplace and disability discrimination when requesting time off for radiation treatment, she was forced to step away from her job - another hardship she meets with dignity and resolve. Beyond her health journey, D’Anna is a passionate advocate, gifted speaker, and writer. Her lived experience with poverty, domestic violence, the foster care system, homelessness, and loss fuels her mission to help others rise above life’s hardest blows. With a natural gift for oratory and storytelling, she openly shares her journey to inspire healing, resilience, and transformation. She dreams of founding a nonprofit organization - a shelter and safe haven for young people and families experiencing trauma, abuse, and instability. Her vision is rooted in compassion and her own life experience. “If I cannot complete my dreams,” she says, “I hope my children will carry the torch.” That dream is more than aspiration—it is a covenant of hope, forged through trials and lit by her unwavering belief in love, community, and purpose. Those who know D’Anna describe her as brave, giving, supportive, and deeply family-centered. She finds joy in dancing, fishing, laughing with loved ones, and pouring into the lives of her children and others. She is a problem solver, a teacher, a comforter, and a woman determined to turn her pain into power. D’Anna Howard is not just surviving - she is sowing seeds for a future she may not fully see, but deeply believes in. And for all who have the privilege of hearing her voice or witnessing her walk, her life is a testimony: through it all, you can rise.

Mark Johnson, M.Ed. Retired M.Ed., Guidance and Counseling, University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Graduate of the Leadership Denver Program and Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC’s) Regional Leadership Institute Extensive background in independent living, NC, CO and GA. Past President, Fund for Southern Communities, a progressive fund that supports social change in NC, SC and GA. A founder of American Disabled for Accessible Public Transportation and American Disabled for Attendant Programs Today (ADAPT) Chair, The ADA Legacy Project Director of Advocacy, Shepherd Center, 1987-2019 Awards: -2007, Betts Award -2001, New Mobility Person of the Year -1990, Distinguished Service, National Council on Independent Living

Shelly Simmons is the Executive Director of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia (SILCGA), a non-profit organization, founded in 1995, with the vision of, “equal participation of people with disabilities in their communities.” She works closely with various agencies & organizations and the legislature to help develop effective and efficient policy directed towards Georgians with disabilities. Shelly graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a Bachelors in Communications. Upon graduation, she worked for a production house, but health challenges soon directed her to the local Vocational Rehabilitation office and down a different occupational path. Seeking additional services & resources, Shelly contacted her local Center for Independent Living (CIL). With the support of both entities, she began her career working in Independent Living (IL). Shelly has worked as a Disability Navigator, Benefits Specialist and Client Assistant Program Coordinator in California. After relocating to Georgia she continued working in IL and reached out to the Statewide Independent Living Council and served as board member, vice-chair and chair. In 2016, Shelly was appointed Executive Director of the SILCGA.

Steven E. Gordon, JD, is a nationally recognized ADA expert and former Civil Rights Enforcement Coordinator for the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Eastern District of Virginia. With 32+ years in federal service, Mr. Gordon led ADA enforcement efforts and provided training to those with rights and responsibilities under the ADA. While with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mr. Gordon issued multiple Dear Colleague Letters reminding covered entities, including state and local government agencies and healthcare providers of their legal responsibility under the ADA. Mr. Gordon also assisted with the creation of ADA Peer Groups for employees in various sectors who have ADA responsibilities. Mr. Gordon has made numerous presentations on the ADA, including to the National ADA Symposium and the tenBroek Disability Law Symposium. Since his retirement from federal service, Mr. Gordon has worked as an ADA consultant. Mr. Gordon’s efforts have been recognized through awards from the Alexandria Commission on Persons with Disabilities, the Arc of Loudoun, and Here2Hear. Mr. Gordon earned his bachelor’s degree from Brandeis University and his J.D. from Northeastern School of Law.