Resource Persons
Keynote Speakers
Aiko Akiyama
Keynote Speaker
Expert Disability Inclusion
Provision of telephone relay services
The Nippon Foundation
Japan
Emily Hyland
Keynote Speaker
Disability Specialist
Global DEI & Wellbeing Manager at TUI
Churchill Fellow 2023 - Inclusive Wellbeing for Disabled People
Founder of Mana Charity
UK
I am the Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and Wellbeing Manager at TUI Group and my role focuses on embedding inclusion into every part of our culture – ranging from improving accessibility and raising awareness of diverse perspectives to driving systemic change through inclusion training. As a disability specialist, I am passionate about breaking down barriers and creating equitable opportunities for disabled people.
My experience spans both the NHS and the private sector, where I have worked to create supportive environments that empower individuals to live fulfilling lives. As a Churchill Fellow, I also had the opportunity to explore how different countries approach disability inclusion and bring those valuable insights into my work.
I am also the founder of a charity called Mana, dedicated to supporting the wellbeing of disabled individuals. This initiative was inspired by recognising the critical gaps in support and the barriers that many disabled people face and driving meaningful change that has a real impact on people’s lives.
Prof. Jose Frantz
Keynote Speaker
Deputy Vice Chancellor
The University of the Western Cape (UWC)
South Africa
Prof. Jose Frantz holds a PhD in Physiotherapy and serves as the Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). With a strong foundation in executive leadership and a deep commitment to research excellence, she is passionate about transforming the research landscape within higher education.
Her outstanding contributions have been recognized through several prestigious honors, including the NRF: Champion of Research Capacity Development and Transformation Award and the HERS-SA Woman in Administration Award—both testaments to her leadership in advancing health sciences education and faculty development.
At UWC, Prof. Jose Frantz leads strategic initiatives that foster inter-professional collaboration, innovation in research, and robust mentorship frameworks. Her work is driven by a commitment to integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the academic and research ethos of the institution, ensuring that UWC remains a leader in promoting responsible and globally impactful scholarship.
Plenery Speakers
Dr. Gerry Duwin A. Dela Zerna
Steering commitee & Plenary Speaker
President and CEO
Guided and Unified Interaction for the Development of Children, Inc.
Philippines
Dr. Gerry Duwin A. Dela Zerna is a human capital and organizational development professional, educator, clinical practitioner, and researcher whose priority interests are social and community development, special education, and the welfare of people with disabilities.
His professionalism, passion and quality workmanship sprung from his engagements in education, business, government, and cause-oriented NGOs. He is President and CEO of Guided and Unified Interaction for the Development of Children, Inc., a multi-awarded non-profit organization he founded twenty-seven years ago; the prime project of which is the psycho-social rehabilitation of children with disabilities and their inclusion in the community. He mobilizes and trains professionals, service providers and volunteers in response to programs intended for these children.
Numerous recognitions were accorded to him for outstanding and exemplary work in the academe and NGOs, particularly outstanding professor award twice given by the Far Eastern University, outstanding performance by a professor at University of Makati, national outstanding volunteer by the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency, a special commendation for his outstanding work for special needs children from the Diocese of Daet, award for public responsibility for his outstanding work in Team-Mindanao, a USAID funded project by the Lopez Group of Companies, recognition for outstanding leadership and commitment to the cause of special children given by GUIDE, Inc., recognitions accorded by the Department of Education and many others. He is also one of the Pitong Pinoy Modern Day Heroes bestowed by the Yahoo South East-Asia. He was also rewarded by Ugat Foundation and ABS-CBN with a Geny Lopez Bayaning Pilipino.
He has advanced and post graduate studies in clinical psychology and business administration with cognates in human resources management from the University of Santo Tomas, educational management and special education from the Philippine Normal University and executive leadership in public management from the University of Makati. His undergraduate degrees include AB major in English, BS Psychology, and BS Commerce major in Management. He also holds a diploma in education and is a holder of a professional license to teach. He also completed the Executive Project Management Course from the Center of International Education, an affiliate of the University of Cambridge and completed a professional diploma in organizational development at De La Salle University. He is a holder of the Career Executive Service Officer for government service.
Prof Tsitsi Chataika
Plenary Speaker
Disability Inclusion Advisor
CBM Global Disability Inclusion
Zimbabwe
Plenary Speech Title: “Advancing Disability Empowerment Through Inclusive Rehabilitation and Mental Health Innovations for a Sustainable Future”
Prof Tsitsi Chataika is an internationally recognised disability inclusion and inclusive education expert, whose dream is to experience an inclusive world. Currently, she is the Disability Inclusion Advisor at CBM Global Disability Inclusion (Zimbabwe) on secondment. She was granted leave of absence from the University of Zimbabwe, where she is an Associate Professor of Inclusive Education and Disability Inclusion. Prof Chataika’s research interests include the intersection of disability with education, ubuntu, development, climate change, safeguarding, legislation, safeguarding, disaster risk management, gender, social inclusion and capacity strengthening. She also contributed to the development of the Africa Disability Protocol. She serves in various inter/national boards as a disability inclusion and inclusive education expert. Her many publications include ‘The Routledge Handbook of Disability Activism’, the 2019 Outstanding Global Taylor & Francis Award Winning manuscript in the Social Sciences. She also co-authored Towards Inclusive Education in Zimbabwe-Perspectives and Practices (2024), and The Intersection of Ubuntu, Education and Ethics in Zimbabwe. Her latest publication, The Routledge Handbook in Postcolonial Disability Studies was published in March 2024.
Workshop Speakers
Ms. Zahra Hosaneea
Worksshop Speaker
Co-founder of the YWDEP
Mauritius
Dr. Thierry Kolpin
Workshop Speaker
Vice President of WDRPA
Kolpin & O’Connor Global Consultants, LLC.)
USA
Najla Wortham
Workshop Speaker
President
Rock Creek Foundation
Maryland
USA
Najla Wortham is a dynamic leader, licensed clinical professional counselor, and a change-maker in the nonprofit and behavioral health sectors. As the President of Rock Creek Foundation, she has spent her career transforming the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and mental health challenges. Through innovative programs, strategic systems, and compassionate advocacy, Najla empowers individuals to live with dignity, independence, and limitless potential.
With over two decades of experience, Najla has consistently delivered visionary leadership, breaking barriers and setting new standards in her field. She has pioneered dual-diagnosis programs integrating IDD and mental health services, launched affordable housing initiatives for vulnerable populations, and secured critical grants and partnerships to sustain and expand these impactful services. Her work reflects a profound understanding of the challenges faced by these underserved communities and a relentless drive to improve their quality of life.
A proud graduate of two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)—Howard University and Bowie State University, where she earned her Master’s degree—Najla embodies the legacy of resilience, empowerment, and excellence. At her core, Najla is a proud wife and mother of two daughters, who inspire her daily to lead with purpose and compassion. She is committed to empowering her daughters to dream big, live without limits, and act courageously.
Najla’s impact reaches far beyond her organization. She serves on multiple boards and commissions, working to implement integral changes that give voice to those who are often unheard. Recognized as a subject matter expert in mental health and IDD, Najla has shared her expertise on the national and international stage, addressing innovative programming, dual-diagnosis services, and transformative treatment options. Her passion lies in advocating for sustainable change by eliminating stigma and creating opportunities, thar empower individuals to live full, independent lives of their choosing.
Looking ahead, Najla is excited to leverage her expertise to guide the next generation of leaders. Her focus is on equipping individuals and organizations with the tools to navigate challenges, foster innovation, and design impactful programs that drive meaningful and sustainable change in the nonprofit sector and beyond.
As the first African American woman President of Rock Creek Foundation, Najla Wortham is breaking barriers, redefining leadership, and making her mark on history.
Michelle Grigsby-Hackett, LCPC, CPRP
Workshop Speaker
Chief Executive Officer
Affiliated Santé Group
Maryland
USA
Michelle Grigsby-Hackett is a transformative leader and expert advocate in the behavioral health industry, driving impactful change for over 25 years. As the first African American woman CEO of a major nonprofit behavioral health and crisis organization operating in Maryland and North Carolina, she has been a trailblazer in expanding access to care and strengthening community-based mental health systems—particularly for underserved populations.
A Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP), Michelle has dedicated her career to breaking down barriers to equitable and culturally responsive behavioral health services. She has championed programs that address disparities in care, ensuring that individuals facing mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and crises receive the support they need.
Michelle’s expertise in executive coaching and nonprofit business development has empowered behavioral health organizations to scale their impact, secure sustainable funding, and implement evidence-based practices. She has worked alongside leadership teams to enhance operational efficiency and develop strategic solutions tailored to the complex needs of diverse communities.
A recognized speaker and thought leader, Michelle is a passionate advocate for minority leadership in behavioral health and a driving force behind policy and programmatic changes that prioritize mental wellness in underserved populations. She serves on the Mental Health Advisory Committee and has been appointed by Maryland’s Secretary of Behavioral Health to serve on the state’s workgroup focused on increasing representation of minority professionals in the behavioral health field. Additionally, she is an active board member of the Community Behavioral Health Association of Maryland, where she contributes to shaping statewide behavioral health initiatives. Michelle has delivered powerful talks on critical mental health topics at national and international conferences, shaping conversations on access, equity, and advancements in behavioral health care.
Michelle holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Arizona State University and a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Argosy University. She has built strong partnerships with international, federal, state, and local stakeholders to ensure behavioral health remains a public health priority—advocating for policies, funding, and innovations that create lasting impact for communities in need.
Beyond her professional achievements, Michelle is a devoted wife, mother of two, and proud dog mom. She embraces the joy of spending quality time with her family—whether watching her daughter shine as cheerleader at games, spending time with her son discussing his love of baseball, or cooking with her husband. Michelle is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, through which she extends her commitment to community service and social change.
Mr. Lokman Ayva
Story Teller
Founding Chairman
Beyazay Association
Turkey
Mr. Lokman Ayva is a globally recognized advocate for disability rights and a pioneer of inclusive governance. Born in 1966, he lost his eyesight at the age of 11 due to an illness. Undeterred by early challenges, he graduated from Boğaziçi University with a degree in Business Administration and later earned his master’s in the same field. In 1994-1995, he served as the founding president of the Disabled Coordination Center within the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. In 2001, he was appointed as the Director of the Disability Center of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality.
In 2002, he made history by becoming the first visually impaired Member of Parliament in Türkiye, where he served with distinction. During his parliamentary tenure, he played a vital role in drafting and advancing inclusive legislation, particularly in the fields of education, employment, and accessibility. In 2007, he became the first visually impaired member in the history of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, further solidifying his legacy as a groundbreaking leader on the international stage.
Currently serving as Vice President of Beyazay Association, Mr. Ayva leads international relations and strategic initiatives that promote the rights and empowerment of persons with disabilities. Under his leadership, the organization has implemented numerous national and cross-border projects focused on accessible education, transition to employment, and digital inclusion. Known for his unique combination of lived experience, legal and academic expertise, and public service, Lokman Ayva continues to be a powerful voice in global efforts to build inclusive societies that recognize ability, uphold dignity, and ensure equal participation for all.
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