Disability Lead Networking Event with Government Leaders

Over a virtual lunch, join Disability Lead to learn from two powerful government leaders with disabilities. Rachel Arfa, Commissioner for the City of Chicago Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities, is the highest-ranking deaf government official in the country. Rahnee Patrick is the Director of Rehabilitation Services a division of the Illinois Department of Human Services. Having the disability perspective in key government leadership positions paves the way for disability-centered policy and inclusive practices. After a short group discussion, you will have time with each of our guests in small breakout groups, so come ready with questions!

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Once you register, you will have the option to add this event to your calendar. You will receive the Zoom Meeting link from staff the day before the event. ASL interpretation and live captioning will be provided. Additional accommodation requests can be submitted via RSVP.

Rachel Arfa

Rachel Arfa was appointed Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities(MOPD) in July 2020, the first deaf person to serve in this role nationwide.  As Commissioner, Rachel is a transformative and visionary leader, working to make the City of Chicago the most accessible and inclusive city in the nation. Under her leadership, she has expanded MOPD programs and services, along with launching the MOPD Career Center which serves job seekers with disabilities and works with employers on increasing inclusive hiring practices.   Prior to MOPD, Rachel worked as a civil and disability rights attorney at Equip for Equality.  She is a graduate of the University of Michigan (B.A., American Culture) and the University of Wisconsin School of Law(J.D.).  Rachel is a2013 New Leaders Council Fellow, a 2016 Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow and a proud member of Disability Lead.  

Rahnee Patrick

As Director of the Division of Rehabilitation Services, Rahnee Patrick directs Illinois’ state agency to assist Illinoisans with disabilities to reach personal goals of employment and education. Rahnee conceived the ADAPT Youth Summit, and was the recipient of the 2008 Paul Hearne Award of the American Association of People with Disabilities. Rahnee graduated from Indiana University and co-founded Students Together Able and Respected, comprised of disabled students. Rahnee earned their bachelors in English and women’s studies and their masters in organizational industrial psychology from Adler University here in Chicago.