Kiriko Takahashi is the Interim Director of the Center on Disability Studies with 20+ years in working with people with disabilities across the lifespan. Her research interests are in utilizing assistive technology to improve learning outcomes, making STEM learning accessible and culturally responsive, and supporting individuals with disabilities through critical junctures. She has a passion for bringing people together to think creatively to solve issues.
Tom Conway is on the faculty at the Center on Disability Studies (CDS) and is currently the Director of Instruction and Training. His background and interests are focused on training people to be Section 508 compliance for web-based digital content, meeting the W3C WCAG 2.0 guidelines, and assisting institutions with developing inclusive policies for bringing people with disabilities into an equitable and inclusive online environment.
Hye Jin Park is the Interim Associate Director of the Center on Disability Studies (CDS), and she has over 20 years of experience in working with diverse students including gifted and talented students, students with disabilities, and indigenous students. Her research interests are strength-based and culturally responsive education, postsecondary transition, and program evaluation.
Raphael Raphael is a film and disability researcher who teaches film and disability history and disability studies at the Center on Disability Studies at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where he is also editor-in-chief of the peer reviewed, open access journal Review of Disability Studies. In addition to issues of equity and inclusion in the arts, he is also interested in blended and inclusive learning strategies. He enjoys film, travel and transmedia artmaking.
Lauren Lum Ho (she/her), is an instructional designer, instructor, and website designer at the Center on Disability Studies with a passion for creating effective, meaningful online learning environments to support learner critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. She is also a doctoral student at the University of Memphis in Instructional Design & Technology and is always on the move with trail running, surfing, or CrossFit.
Josie Malepeai Lealasola draws upon her Polynesian heritage to showcase the strengths of the Pacific in her work to plan conferences and coordinate successful large events. Skilled in project management and customer service she has guided groups from 20 to 2,000 in size, through the process of developing dynamic events on a variety of topics. Josie has more than 20 years of experience working with diverse Pacific-based populations and has a profound appreciation for the ocean that connects us all.
Genesis Leong has 15+ years of experience in marketing and organizing large scaled events focused on cutting edge technology, social justice advocacy and community development. She has extensive experience in presenter recruitment and coordination; inclusive design; digital media; and creating content about people with dignity.