Theresa de Vera ’04, M.A. ’11

ACCESS SERVICES, CITY OF LOS ANGELES

Why this Organization/Cause is Important to You or the Nominee
In 1996, Theresa de Vera acquired a disability and faced the challenge of relearning essential skills such as speaking, eating, and dressing — tasks often taken for granted. She recognized the numerous barriers encountered by wheelchair users, including the inaccessibility of buildings, the height of examination tables in medical facilities, and the need for greater awareness within the community.

De Vera emphasizes the importance of accessible venues for events and the necessity of inclusivity in discussions regarding disability rights. She advocates for the understanding that disability rights are human rights and stresses the importance of including individuals with disabilities in conversations that impact their lives.

Additionally, De Vera serves as the board chair of Access Services, a paratransit transportation company that provides accessible transportation for individuals with disabilities. Access Services has played a vital role in helping her regain independence and travel throughout Los Angeles County, which is home to more than 30,000 individuals with disabilities. She has learned that advocating for one person ultimately benefits the entire community.  

Length of Service with the Organization/Cause
2005–Present

Share Advice to Guide Students Hoping to Pursue a Career with Social Impact or in Nonprofit Industries 
We were all put on this earth not for ourselves but to help, inspire, and empower others and the future generations that come after us. If you can be one thing in this world, choose to be kind; and if you can help them in any way, even with just a smile, you may have been the only ray of sunshine they saw today. I did not allow my disability to stop me, I use it as a platform to empower and inspire others with disabilities. My motto is, 'Life doesn't end, it just changes — use that change to make a difference in your community!'