About Us - Cultural Access Collab

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aria-current="page" class="brand w-inline-block w--current"><img src="https://culturalaccesscollaborative.org/wp-content/themes/ccactwentytwenty/images/CCAC_mark_m.png" alt="" class="logo-m"></a> <div data-w-id="594073a0-d638-8f52-ac06-fe58cab985f9" class="menu-btn-f"> <div class="menu-icon-wrap"> <div class="top-line"></div> <div class="mid-line"></div> <div class="btm-line"></div> </div> <div class="txt-trans"> menu </div> </div> </div> </header> <main role="main" class="main"> <div id="top" class="hero hero--int"> <div class="hero-wrap hero-wrap--int"> <div class="w-layout-grid grid-hero grid-hero--int"> <div id="w-node-354870ecf02b-8ba48358" class="txt-align-rt"> <h1 class="txt-hero"> About the Collab </h1> <p class="subhead"> We believe arts and culture are for everyone. </p> </div> </div> <div class="overlay-brdr overlay-brdr--int"></div> <img src="https://culturalaccesscollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/CCAC_2019_Intro_To_Accessibility-61-e1597582940382.jpg" alt="Three panelists talk into microphones" class="img-bg"> <div class="grad-hero grad-hero--int"></div> </div> </div> <div class="section post-6 page type-page status-publish hentry" id="post-6"> <div class="container"> <div class="wp-block-group"><div class="wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow"> <h4 class="h1-brdr has-large-font-size wp-block-heading">Who We Are</h4> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Mission</h4> <p>Our mission is to empower Illinois’ cultural spaces to become more accessible to visitors with disabilities.</p> </div></div> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What We Do</strong></h4> <p>Cultural Access Collaborative, formerly Chicago Cultural Accessibility Consortium, facilitates a dynamic community of cultural administrators and people with disabilities to remove barriers in Illinois’ cultural organizations. We are primarily run by passionate volunteers.</p> <p>We represent theaters, museums, orchestras, park centers, zoos, and other cultural organizations across the state of Illinois. Cultural Access Collab shares resources, information and support to ensure more accessible and inclusive experiences for guests, collaborators, and employees with disabilities.</p> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">How We Do It</h4> <p>Central to our work, we provide the following free opportunities to cultural organizations and visitors with disabilities: </p> <ol class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="/professional-development/" data-type="URL" data-id="/professional-development/">Professional Development</a> – ongoing professional development workshops open to all cultural administrators.</li> <li><a href="/equipment-loans/" data-type="URL" data-id="/equipment-loans/">Equipment Loan</a> – lending the required equipment and technology to Chicagoland cultural organizations to produce accessible events.</li> <li><a href="/access-calendar/" data-type="URL" data-id="/access-calendar/">Access Calendar</a> – promotes accessible events and allows visitors to identify accessible events.</li> </ol> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <iframe title="We believe Culture is for everyone" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/davMGCyRtyA?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Collab Impact Video</figcaption></figure> <figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p><em>“Many staff members have attended [Cultural Access Collaborative] programs that provide both philosophical and practical information to help us transform our museum into a place that welcomes all.”</em></p><cite>– Museum Administrator</cite></blockquote></figure> <div class="wp-block-group"><div class="wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow"> <div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex"> <div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow"> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>History</strong></h4> <p><strong>2013: </strong>Cultural Access Collaborative begins as a volunteer group known as Chicago Cultural Accessibility Consortium (CCAC). </p> <p><strong>2015: </strong>CCAC partners with the ADA 25 Chicago initiative to launch “ADA 25 for 25: Cultural Access Project” to advance accessibility in at least 25 area cultural organizations.</p> <p><strong>2017</strong>: CCAC incorporates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. </p> <p><strong>2020</strong>: With funding from Illinois Arts Council, CCAC launches Illinois Cultural Access Network (ICAN). </p> <p><strong>2023:</strong> In celebration of our tenth anniversary, we expand our vision and reach to all of Illinois. Our new name reflects this change: Cultural Access Collaborative.</p> </div> <div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow"> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Recognition</strong></h4> <p><strong>2016:</strong> Lifeline Theatre awards CCAC the Raymond R. Snyder Commitment to the Arts Award.</p> <p><strong>2015:</strong> The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts awards CCAC’s Steering Committee Co-Chairs (Christena Gunther, Evan Hatfield and Lynn Walsh) the Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability Emerging Leader award.</p> </div> </div> <p></p> </div></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Definition of Terms</strong></h2> <p><strong>Cultural accessibility</strong>: ensuring that people with disabilities have full access (including physical and content access) to cultural organizations.</p> <p><strong>Cultural administrators: </strong>the paid staff and volunteers who work in cultural organizations.</p> <p><strong>Cultural organizations: </strong>a broad term for any organization that seeks to preserve and advance culture. Includes museums, theaters, zoos, parks, concert venues, historic sites and more.</p> <p><strong>Disability: </strong>Cultural Access Collaborative follows the Social Model of disability – placing emphasis on the institutions and systems to remove barriers. One is more or less disabled depending on their environment.</p> </div> </div> <div class="section"> <div class="container"> <h2 class="h1-brdr mb-30"> Steering Committee Co-Chairs </h2> <p class="txt-jedi mb-60"> The Cultural Access Collaborative Steering Committee sets the schedule and coordinates our programs. <br> <br> Learn more about Steering Committee members and its Co-Chairs: </p> <div class="w-dyn-list"> <div role="list" class="grid-members w-dyn-items"> <div role="listitem" class="w-dyn-item"> <h2 class="h2-brdr js-expandmore"> Clare Killy </h2> <div class="js-to_expand"> <h3> Steering Committee Co-Chair </h3> <p><em> she/her/hers </em></p> <div class=""> <div> <img style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" src="https://culturalaccesscollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Clare-head-shot-professional-copy-scaled.jpg" alt="Clare is a white woman with brown hair. She is positioned in front of a brick wall and wearing a blue shirt underneath a gray blazer." width=200> <p>is Vice President of Digital Experiences at Aspire. She leads Aspire’s DEI Consultation services, which include training and support for businesses and organizations specific to inclusive practices. She also leads the production of Aspire’s free resources for the community to raise awareness, share knowledge and invite advocacy around disability inclusion – including the Amplify Inclusion podcast and The Inclusion Exchange webinar series. Clare also oversees the Virtual Life Coaching team, which includes Life Consultants who provide customized life skills coaching for adults with disabilities. Clare has over a decade of professional experience working with individuals of all ages, families and providers across diverse environments.</p> <p>Clare joined the Steering Committee in 2019, becoming a Co-Chair in 2021.</p> <p><strong><strong>Memorable Cultural Experience</strong>: </strong>My father is a professional artist and I recall my first time seeing his work in a gallery after having witnessed the lengthy artistic process that led to that point. Seeing the artist in action, and then the final result on such pristine display taught me to consider the process as much as the product – to this day, when I walk through a gallery space, I wonder about the idea that sparked each piece and the dynamic journey that brought it to life.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div role="listitem" class="w-dyn-item"> <h2 class="h2-brdr js-expandmore"> Hillary Pearson </h2> <div class="js-to_expand"> <h3> Steering Committee Co-Chair </h3> <p><em> she/her/hers </em></p> <div class=""> <div> <img style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" src="https://culturalaccesscollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Hillary.png" alt="Hillary is a white woman with a round face and medium length brown, straight hair. She wears square-framed, purple glasses and a purple sweater and looks directly into the camera with a smile." width=200> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">is the Program Manager of Accessibility Services in the Office for Diversity, Literacy, and Outreach Services at the American Library Association. Previously, Hillary spent 12 years in patron services and operations at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, working directly with companies to ensure front of house needs were met, connecting renters with resources and options for accessible programming, and communicating daily operations in the facility. Hillary is excited to further the accessibility goals of the ALA, as well as learn from and with other professionals from Chicagoland cultural institutions.</span></p> <p>Hillary joined the Steering Committee in 2017, becoming a Co-Chair in 2021.</p> <p><strong>Memorable Cultural Experience: <span style="font-weight: 400;">As a vocal performance major at Northwestern, a small volunteer group of singers had the chance to perform comedic opera scenes in English at the Kohl Children’s Museum up in Glenview a few times a year. It was a lot of fun performing opera for these kids in such a nontraditional setting (sometimes they even laughed with us instead of at us!), and it created a unique outreach opportunity for both the university and the museum.</span></strong></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div role="listitem" class="w-dyn-item"> <h2 class="h2-brdr js-expandmore"> Lauren Pincus </h2> <div class="js-to_expand"> <h3> Steering Committee Co-Chair </h3> <p><em> she/her/hers </em></p> <div class=""> <div> <img style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" src="https://culturalaccesscollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Lauren-Pincus-Headshot--scaled.jpg" alt="Lauren is a white woman with light short brown hair wearing a navy blue v neck long sleeve with a big smile and rosy cheeks." width=200> <p>has devoted her career to the arts. She holds a BA in Theatre from Florida State University (2017) and a second BA in ASL-English Interpretation from Columbia College Chicago (2022).</p> <p>She has a strong passion for accessibility, which she first pursued at Second City, working part-time while at Columbia College and volunteering for the Access Committee. In 2021, she joined the Chicago Humanities Festival as an Audience Services Representative and has since advanced to her current role as Audience & Accessibility Manager. In this capacity, Lauren oversees the volunteer program, ticketing, audience communications, and accessibility initiatives.</p> <p>Her primary goal is to ensure that audience members feel safe and supported at any venue rented by Chicago Humanities for events. This involves proactive communication with audience members before events, training staff for on-site assistance, and hiring accessibility providers as needed. Additionally, Lauren leads the Chicago Humanities Access Advisory Council, a group of five individuals with diverse disabilities, who collaborate to enhance accessibility within the organization. As the new Co-Chair for the Cultural Accessibility Collaborative, Lauren is excited and committed to making a significant impact.</p> <p>Lauren joined the Steering Committee in 2021, becoming a Co-Chair in 2024.</p> <p><strong><strong><strong>Memorable Cultural Experience</strong></strong>:</strong> Seeing Deaf West’s Spring Awakening on Broadway in 2018 was a once in a lifetime experience. At the time, I was learning ASL and about Deaf Culture, so being immersed like that was truly incredible. After the show, I was able to have a conversation with one of the Deaf cast members. It was not easy, because I was still a beginner, but I was hooked! That experience solidified my wanting to move to Chicago and pursue a career in ASL Interpreting.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="section"> <div class="container"> <h2 class="h1-brdr mb-30"> Steering Committee and Board Members </h2> <div class="w-dyn-list"> <div role="list" class="grid-members w-dyn-items"> <div role="listitem" class="w-dyn-item"> <h2 class="txt-wookie js-expandmore"> Katherine Bilezikian </h2> <div class="js-to_expand"> <div class="rich-text w-richtext"><strong> Katherine Bilezikian </strong> ( she/her/hers ) </div> <div class="rich-text w-richtext"> <img style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" src="https://culturalaccesscollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Katherine-Czerwinski.png" alt="Katherine is a white female in her early 30s with slightly curly red hair and glasses. She wears a grey shirt with yellow collar and a black and white speckled cardigan. She is standing in front of a brick wall." width=200> <p>is an author, podcaster, proficient procrastinator, and current ASL interpreting student. She spent nearly a decade working with various Development Disability nonprofits, for both adults and children. Inclusion and advocacy are two very important parts of her life, not just from a professional standpoint, but a deeply personal one, as members of her family navigate the world of disability and accessibility. After completing a BA in psychology, she had to step away from hands-on work in the developmental disability field and has shifted her focus towards becoming an ASL interpreter. She plans to pursue a masters in counseling to be able to bridge a gap in services for mental health care and the Deaf community. Katherine hopes to help the steering committee reach further into the western suburbs and provide cultural access outside of Chicago’s borders.</p> <p>Katherine joined the Steering Committee in 2023.</p> <p><strong><strong>Memorable Cultural Experience</strong></strong>: Getting a chance to visit DC for the first time in 2022 is easily the top of my list. Not only did I get to explore a few of the Smithsonian museums and art galleries, such as the National Museum for the American Indian and the Smithsonian American Art Museum, but it provided me a chance to connect with the Deaf community close to Gallaudet. The museums were great… but Mozzeria, the Deaf-owned pizza place may have been better. </p> </div> </div> </div> <div role="listitem" class="w-dyn-item"> <h2 class="txt-wookie js-expandmore"> Ruben Carrazana </h2> <div class="js-to_expand"> <div class="rich-text w-richtext"><strong> Ruben Carrazana </strong> ( he/him/his ) </div> <div class="rich-text w-richtext"> <img style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" src="https://culturalaccesscollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/RubenCarrazana-scaled-1.jpg" alt="Ruben is a Hispanic man in his early 30's, who sits and stares at the camera in front of a black wall with his head resting on his hand. He has black hair, a beard, and wears a dark maroon sweater." width=200> <p>is an actor, director, writer, producer, and teaching artist. He is currently the Community Engagement Manager at Northlight Theatre where he oversees all of their accessibility initiatives. </p> <p>In Chicago and Dallas, Ruben has worked with Remy Bumppo Theatre, Lifeline Theatre, Broken Nose Theatre, BoHo Theatre, Pegasus Theatre Chicago, Dallas Theater Center, Stage West, Kitchen Dog Theater, Undermain Theatre, Second Thought Theatre, the Danielle Georgiou Dance Group, Prism Movement Theater, Cry Havoc Theater, Cara Mía Theatre, Latino/Oak Cliff Cultural Center, and Jesters. He is represented by Grossman & Jack Talent, and he currently serves as a script reader for the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. </p> <p>Ruben is a recipient of the Edyth Renshaw Award, an Activating Vacancy grant from bcWORKSHOP and the National Endowment for the Arts, an Individual Artists Program grant from the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, a TACA Resiliency Initiative Grant, and a three-time recipient of grants from the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture. He also co-founded The Tribe, a theater collective dedicated to the development of original work in Dallas, and named a Dallas Mastermind by the Dallas Observer. </p> <p>Ruben holds a BFA in Theatre from Southern Methodist University.</p> <p>Ruben joined the Steering Committee in 2023.</p> <p><strong><strong>Memorable Cultural Experience</strong></strong>: My parents are Cuban immigrants, and to this day they don’t speak any English. I remember the first time they took me to a movie theater in Miami. There were no rules or instructions for them on how movie theaters work: how to get your ticket, the etiquette for being inside the auditorium. I remember at 4 years old sensing their anxiety at trying to navigate an environment that was clearly not made with them in mind. That experience has greatly influenced the way I approach creating spaces to welcome new individuals to the arts.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div role="listitem" class="w-dyn-item"> <h2 class="txt-wookie js-expandmore"> Jenny Casteller </h2> <div class="js-to_expand"> <div class="rich-text w-richtext"><strong> Jenny Casteller </strong> ( she/her/hers ) </div> <div class="rich-text w-richtext"> <img style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" src="https://culturalaccesscollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/OF091318CD_0568.jpg" alt="Jenny is a white woman who wears a teal shirt and black jacket, and her brown hair falls behind her shoulders." width=200> <p>is the Chief Operating Officer at the Poetry Foundation. Before joining the Foundation in 2023, Jenny spent 5 years as the Vice President, Finance at the Obama Foundation and seven years as the Vice President, Controller at the John G. Shedd Aquarium. Prior to working at the Aquarium, Jenny spent nine years as an auditor in the not-for-profit industry. Jenny is based in Chicago and has a B.A. from Illinois Wesleyan University; she is a CPA and a member of the AICPA and IL CPA Society.</p> <p>Jenny joined the Board as treasurer in 2022.</p> <p><strong><strong>Memorable Cultural Experience</strong></strong>: Growing up in Central Illinois, I didn’t have access to a lot of museums. I remember many visits to the Saint Louis Zoo. I’ve always loved animals and try to visit zoos and aquariums when I can. Getting to feed an octopus was one of my favorite memories!</p> </div> </div> </div> <div role="listitem" class="w-dyn-item"> <h2 class="txt-wookie js-expandmore"> Tina Childress </h2> <div class="js-to_expand"> <div class="rich-text w-richtext"><strong> Tina Childress </strong> ( she/her/hers ) </div> <div class="rich-text w-richtext"> <img style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" src="https://culturalaccesscollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Tina-Childress.png" alt="Tina is a brown-skinned woman with black and white shoulder-length hair, wearing colorful half-rim glasses and a striped black and white sleeveless top, smiling at the camera and against a plain, white background." width=200> <p>Dr. Tina Childress is an audiologist, advocate, late-deafened adult, bilateral cochlear implant user fluent in ASL and self-proclaimed Communication Access Engineer. She is also an award-winning presenter, adjunct lecturer and mentor for children and adults, and is active on various local, state and national Boards and Committees as well as social media. She is renowned for her knowledge on assistive technology and accessibility, and creating shared resources at <a href="http://TinaChildressAuD.com">http://TinaChildressAuD.com</a>. </p> <p>She noticed many years ago that there were too many instances when patrons didn’t understand their rights or that a certain accessibility option was available. This led her to numerous opportunities over the years to try various forms of accessibility equipment, provide feedback to venues, educate them about accommodations with a focus on assistive technologies and discuss effective ways to get this information to patrons. Dr. Childress has presented extensively on these topics and has also created resources for others to share and use. </p> <p>In her “spare” time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially if it involves partaking in the cultural arts or spontaneous singing and music enjoyment.</p> <p>Tina joined the Steering Committee in 2023.</p> <p><strong><strong>Memorable Cultural Experience</strong></strong>: I keep a list of shows that I’ve seen since becoming deaf – to date, there are 89 professional shows on this going back to 2011 with quite a few more local productions in between. I had to learn how to be a deaf patron as do many others in this Deaf/Hard of Hearing world. One of my greatest joys was bringing someone to one of these events to experience accessibility for the first time and help them realize they can still enjoy or re-enjoy the cultural arts with some planning and this new-found knowledge.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div role="listitem" class="w-dyn-item"> <h2 class="txt-wookie js-expandmore"> Anna Cosner </h2> <div class="js-to_expand"> <div class="rich-text w-richtext"><strong> Anna Cosner </strong> ( she/her/hers ) </div> <div class="rich-text w-richtext"> <img style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" src="https://culturalaccesscollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/BD4D99FE-4775-4AE9-8A81-8969F04B54D4-Anna-Cosner.jpeg" alt="Anna is a white woman with long, curly, brown hair who is smiling and looking at the camera. She is wearing a dark blue top and mustard-yellow cardigan which matches the yellow flowers on the blooming plants behind her." width=200> <p>is the Director of Retail and Events at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois where she oversees the Special Events, Facility Rental, Food Service, and Retail departments. She has worked in museums in both Chicago and Washington D.C. since 2006 creating memorable and fun experiences for visitors that connect them to the unique story of the organization. </p> <p>Anna has been a Steering Committee member since 2015; she served as Co-Chair from 2017-2022. Since 2018 she has served on the Board as Secretary.</p> <p><strong><strong>Memorable Cultural Experience</strong>: </strong>Growing up in southern California, my mother took my sister and me to the Madonnari festival every year at the Santa Barbara Mission where dozens of artists used nothing but chalk to create truly stunning works of art on the pavement. Their skill fascinated me – especially when I compared their work to my own sidewalk “masterpieces.”</p> </div> </div> </div> <div role="listitem" class="w-dyn-item"> <h2 class="txt-wookie js-expandmore"> Carly Englander </h2> <div class="js-to_expand"> <div class="rich-text w-richtext"><strong> Carly Englander </strong> ( she/her/hers ) </div> <div class="rich-text w-richtext"> <img style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" src="https://culturalaccesscollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/IMG_0895-scaled.jpg" alt="Carly is a Caucasian woman with short brown hair, wearing glasses and a sleeveless black blouse." width=200> <p>Originally from New York, Carly received her Bachelors in Sociology with a Minor in Art from New Paltz University and her Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling from Hofstra University. Carly is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. Carly recently transitioned into a new role at Truman College at City Colleges of Chicago. In this role she works to arrange accommodations for students with disabilities, assists with testing/proctoring, and addresses various academic issues that arise for students.</p> <p>Carly previously worked as a Career Placement Counselor at the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) and a Vocational Counselor at the Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind, where she worked to increase meaningful employment and career opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Before moving to Chicago, Carly was an Employment Counselor at the Queensborough Public Library. The transition from vocational to academic services is a very exciting new opportunity for Carly, she is excited to learn and grow as a professional within higher education, while continuing to serve individuals with disabilities in achieving their goals.</p> <p>Carly joined the Steering Committee in 2023.</p> <p><strong><strong>Memorable Cultural Experience</strong></strong>: In 2014, my brother and I took a trip to Israel as a part of Birthright Israel, a non-profit that works to provide Jewish young adults the opportunity to visit the country. I am not a fan of heights – an 11 hour flight was not my idea of a good time. I didn’t expect to be so moved by the history of my culture, but words cannot describe how I felt when I visited the Western Wall and touched 5000 years of my people’s history. There are cracks in the wall where people leave messages to G-D. Leaving my own message was one of the most powerful moments of my life, and feeling the messages that others had left made me feel more connected to my culture then I had before.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div role="listitem" class="w-dyn-item"> <h2 class="txt-wookie js-expandmore"> Susan A. Friel </h2> <div class="js-to_expand"> <div class="rich-text w-richtext"><strong> Susan A. Friel </strong> ( she/her/ella ) </div> <div class="rich-text w-richtext"> <img style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" src="https://culturalaccesscollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/IMG-20180606-WA0005-1-Susan-Friel.jpg" alt="Susan is a white woman with a full face of freckles and a smile. Her short hair is various shades of blue that match her eyes. She is outdoors in front of blurry greenery in the background." width=200> <p>is an educator, artist and lifelong learner who currently manages education and engagement programs for the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE). Susan’s path along the way weaves in, out and around schools, museums and arts organizations across the globe, including the Art Institute of Chicago, Spain, Ethiopia and LA. In 2018 she initiated the first exploration of the Chicago Cultural Center through touch and sound which inspired the installation of a touch gallery and Learning Lab which celebrates all the senses. She is honored to have contributed to the inspirational book that continues to feed her spirit daily<em>: Learning by Heart: Teachings to Free the Creative Spirit.</em> </p> <p>Susan joined the Steering Committee in 2019. </p> <p><strong><strong>Memorable Cultural Experience</strong>: </strong>I remember falling fast asleep on the cold hard floor of the City Museum of St. Louis after a thrilling day of perusing exhibits that involve crawling, jumping, and sliding down a four-story chute. Thanks to Barb and Tim for hosting the best adult sleepover wedding reception ever!</p> </div> </div> </div> <div role="listitem" class="w-dyn-item"> <h2 class="txt-wookie js-expandmore"> Josh Garrett </h2> <div class="js-to_expand"> <div class="rich-text w-richtext"><strong> Josh Garrett </strong> ( he/him/his ) </div> <div class="rich-text w-richtext"> <img style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" src="https://culturalaccesscollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Josh-Garrett.png" alt="Josh is a Caucasian, cis male in his Mid 40s, with a brown beard and short hair standing arms crossed in a dark blue suit with a light blue button-down shirt." width=200> <p>CI and CT, NIC, is the CEO of Access Consulting and the former CEO of JG Interpreting and Training Services, specializing in access through interpreting and captioning services. With over 27 years of experience, he has dedicated his career to advancing access for individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing. Previously, he served as the Interpreter Coordinator at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He has taught interpreting at Goshen College and Purdue University and has led workshops, conferences, and training sessions across the U.S., Jamaica, Canada, and Bulgaria. As a mentor, he has supported interpreters through the CATIE Center at St. Catherine University and Columbia College Chicago. His professional contributions extend to board service and committee work with the Indiana and Illinois Chapters of RID, where he was honored with the Distinguished Service Award. In addition to three national interpreter certifications, he brings experience in business management, human resources, policy development, and operations. He is also passionate about advocating for Deaf children. He is also a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community.</p> <p>Josh joined the Steering Committee in 2023.</p> <p><strong><strong>Memorable Cultural Experience</strong></strong>: I attended an event that had ASL interpreters, DeafBlind interpreters, captioning on screen, and a captioning link that people could access via their phones from their seats. It was the first time I saw that level of access for the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing community at a public event, so it was very memorable to me.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div role="listitem" class="w-dyn-item"> <h2 class="txt-wookie js-expandmore"> Bill Green </h2> <div class="js-to_expand"> <div class="rich-text w-richtext"><strong> Bill Green </strong> ( he/him/his ) </div> <div class="rich-text w-richtext"> <img style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" src="https://culturalaccesscollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Bill-Green.jpg" alt="Bill is a white man in his 40’s with short, dark hair and beard, wearing round glasses. He is pictured in a blue dress shirt seated in front of green leafy plants at the zoo and smiling to camera." width=200> <p>is the Hart Prins Fund Accessibility & Inclusion Manager at Lincoln Park Zoo. He uses his experience from working in the disability community to foster accessibility and inclusion in all environments where people engage with the zoo. Personal experience also informs Bill’s work. Since birth, he has been low vision. He has also been a lifelong enthusiast of zoos and museums and the diverse ways people interact with these spaces. Bill has consulted with many cultural institutions in Chicago, including serving as an inaugural member on The Second City’s Accessibility Board.</p> <p>Bill joined the Steering Committee in 2021.</p> <p><strong><strong>Memorable Cultural Experience</strong>:</strong> My dear late friend, Dr. Elsie Haug, and I made several trips to the Oriental Institute for multi-sensory tours. We shared the sounds, smells, and textures of the ancient world. Into her late nineties and even at age 100, Elsie was the most curious and inquisitive company at any museum.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div role="listitem" class="w-dyn-item"> <h2 class="txt-wookie js-expandmore"> Christena Gunther </h2> <div class="js-to_expand"> <div class="rich-text w-richtext"><strong> Christena Gunther </strong> ( she/her/hers ) </div> <div class="rich-text w-richtext"> <img style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" src="https://culturalaccesscollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/img_2227_37801102951_o-scaled.jpg" alt="Christena is a white woman in her 30s who smiles directly at the camera, seated on a brick staircase. She has medium-length dark hair that is down, and is wearing a black dress with a chunky geometric gold necklace." width=200> <p>Bringing Chicago together around the intersection of disability and the arts was Christena’s main aim as she started Cultural Access Collaborative in 2013. Having over a decade of experience in cultural accessibility from a variety of cultural organizations, including the Metropolitan Museum and Lincoln Center, she currently serves as Assistant Director of Disability Services at Adler University. Thanks to her brother who has Down syndrome, cultural accessibility became her passion as they visited museums and attended plays together. Christena speaks internationally about cultural accessibility, especially the importance of establishing a local access knowledge network in one’s own community. </p> <p>Christena served as a Steering Committee Co-Chair from 2013-2021. Currently she serves as Board President.</p> <p><strong><strong>Memorable Cultural Experience</strong>: </strong>My fourth grade class studied <em>From The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler</em>, which involves two kids running away from home and living in the Metropolitan Museum. Our class slept over at our city’s art museum (Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum). It was magical to live like the characters in the book for a night!</p> </div> </div> </div> <div role="listitem" class="w-dyn-item"> <h2 class="txt-wookie js-expandmore"> Zhen Heinemann </h2> <div class="js-to_expand"> <div class="rich-text w-richtext"><strong> Zhen Heinemann </strong> ( they/them ) </div> <div class="rich-text w-richtext"> <img style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" src="https://culturalaccesscollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/image.png" alt="Zhen is a white person with grey sliver to black hair in two mouse ear like buns, wearing large frame dark glasses, hanging black fringe earrings and a v neck grey and white striped blouse smiles showing their dimples and teeth in front of a blurred field of white flowers." width=200> <p>(/ʒ/ – en) is an audience-focused arts and immersive experience engineer whose work centers on creating more accessible, inclusive and inviting spaces and engagements for communities and individuals. Currently they are the Director of Visitor Experience & Public Engagement with the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, creating and managing engagement spaces in the Chicago Cultural Center, consulting on guest-facing items in Millennium Park and at Taste of Chicago and created an Accessibility Plan for adding access initiatives across all divisions of DCASE. They have over 15 years experience in public programming development, community engagement, production management and design. They hold a CPACC (Certificated Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies) Certification from IAPP (International Association of Accessibility Professionals) and are a member of the Disability Lead Network.</p> <p>Zhen joined the Steering Committee in 2021.</p> <p><strong><strong>Memorable Cultural Experience</strong>:</strong> I remember visiting Walt Disney World with my Pa & Patti when I was about 8 years old and being enchanted by the storytelling, simulacra on Main Street, the venue’s ability to transport us into a manufactured ideology with regimented customer service and thoughtfulness of spaces and amenities.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div role="listitem" class="w-dyn-item"> <h2 class="txt-wookie js-expandmore"> Whitney Hill </h2> <div class="js-to_expand"> <div class="rich-text w-richtext"><strong> Whitney Hill </strong> ( she/her/hers ) </div> <div class="rich-text w-richtext"> <img style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" src="https://culturalaccesscollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Whitney-Hill.png" alt="Whitney is an African American female with short black curly hair, smiling in front of a white background and wearing a black sweater with a black and gold decorated top." width=200> <p>is a specialist on accessibility with over a decade of experience in program management and communication. Her background in universal design and public accessibility combined with her personal background of identifying as someone with a disability give her a unique skillset to connect individuals with needed services, while also empowering them to advocate for themselves. </p> <p>Throughout her career, Whitney has aimed to ensure that public and institutional spaces are made readily accessible to all. In her role with LCM Architects and previous position at the Institute for Human Centered Design, Whitney partnered with government and private entities in conjunction with the Americans with Disabilities Act to meet and exceed standards for equal opportunity in accessibility. In addition to these roles, Whitney serves as Founder/Director of SPORK!, a 501(c)3 non-profit/website that provides ADA User Testing and serves as a creative voice for the Disabled community. </p> <p>Whitney has been featured in Crain’s Chicago Business as one of their 2022 Notable Black Leaders and Executives. Whitney aims to continue her pattern of advocacy in Illinois as elected member of Governor Pritzker’s Blind Services Planning Council, Board Member at 3Arts, and as a Fellow (2020) and Member at Disability Lead. She is also a newly appointed member of Equip for Equality‘s Protection & Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) Advisory Council. Additionally, Whitney is the former Chair of Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) ADA Advisory and the CTA Wayfinding Subcommittee.</p> <p>Whitney joined the Steering Committee in 2023.</p> <p><strong><strong>Memorable Cultural Experience</strong></strong>: My first experience with really connecting and communicating with others was through the visual arts. As a child growing up in Dallas, TX with numerous disabilities that ranged from speech disfluencies to learning/mental disabilities, I always found my outlet in expression through painting and design – what I could create through the arts was both therapeutic as well as a way to engage with people on a personal level. The greater part of my adolescence has been working within the art community while the greater part of my adulthood has been merging my affection for the arts community with my passion for the disabled community. Being a part of the Cultural Access Collaborative Steering Committee and organizations like 3Arts is truly an honor and childhood dream come to realization.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div role="listitem" class="w-dyn-item"> <h2 class="txt-wookie js-expandmore"> Matt Lauterbach </h2> <div class="js-to_expand"> <div class="rich-text w-richtext"><strong> Matt Lauterbach </strong> ( he/him/his ) </div> <div class="rich-text w-richtext"> <img style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" src="https://culturalaccesscollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Matt-Lauterbach-Headshot-scaled.jpg" alt="Matt is a white man with short brown hair, a close shaven beard, and a broad smile. He wears glasses and a light brown plaid shirt, and stands in front of a red brick wall." width=200> <p>is a filmmaker, accessible media artist, and founder of All Senses Go. He works as the Associate Director of Accessibility at Full Spectrum Features, where he oversees the creation of subtitles, captions, and audio descriptions that serve the creators’ vision and enable more inclusive cinematic experiences. As a documentary film editor, Matt has contributed to over a dozen documentaries, including his most recent credit, For the Left Hand (2021). He is an Adjunct Faculty member in the School of Cinematic Arts at DePaul University in Chicago, where he recently launched one of the nation’s only courses in Accessible Cinema.</p> <p>Matt joined the Steering Committee in 2021. He served as the Programming and Communications Coordinator from 2022 to 2024.</p> <p><strong>Memorable Cultural Experience:</strong> I was 9 years old when the Field Museum first unveiled their exhibit, “Inside Ancient Egypt,” and it felt like an actual burial tomb from the past had been dropped into the museum for me to explore. I’ll always remember that feeling of immersive discovery — especially when I peered down a hole in the floor to glimpse a pharaoh’s sarcophagus far below. The memory of descending a spiral staircase down through a 35-foot burial shaft, however, reminds me as an adult how the experience was not accessible to everyone, and sparks a desire to problem solve: how can we get the best of both worlds, immersion and accessibility?</p> </div> </div> </div> <div role="listitem" class="w-dyn-item"> <h2 class="txt-wookie js-expandmore"> Kris Nesbitt </h2> <div class="js-to_expand"> <div class="rich-text w-richtext"><strong> Kris Nesbitt </strong> ( she/her/hers ) </div> <div class="rich-text w-richtext"> <img style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" src="https://culturalaccesscollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/BRH_0048-Kris-Nesbitt.jpg" alt="Kris is a white woman with shoulder length gray hair, smiling as she stands in front of a patterned door." width=200> <p>currently works as Senior Director of Planning for Black Ensemble Theater after serving as Chief Strategic Initiatives Officer at Chicago History Museum. Prior to that, as Shedd Aquarium’s Senior Director of Exhibits and Experience Development, she spearheaded the kickoff and development of their award-winning Accessibility program. She is an avid traveler and museum-goer, having visited more than thirty countries in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, Asia, and the Americas, and now loves traveling with her husband and two young daughters.</p> <p>Kris was on the Steering Committee from 2015-2019. She joined the Board in 2019.</p> <p><strong><strong><strong>Memorable Cultural Experience</strong></strong></strong>: was watching my daughters’ joy while they explored the Performing Arts Museum in Stockholm, filled with interactive and creative elements.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div role="listitem" class="w-dyn-item"> <h2 class="txt-wookie js-expandmore"> Aliyah Rich </h2> <div class="js-to_expand"> <div class="rich-text w-richtext"><strong> Aliyah Rich </strong> ( she/her/hers ) </div> <div class="rich-text w-richtext"> <img style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" src="https://culturalaccesscollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/aliyah-rich_updated.jpeg" alt="Aliyah is an African-American woman with short black hair who is wearing a blue shirt that says Infiniteach Autism Innovation." width=200> <p>is a person with autism, who works for the company InfiniTeach. Aliyah first started working at InfiniTeach as an intern while at a special education high school in Chicago, IL. </p> <p>Aliyah has continued to spend her years working on many of InfiniTeach’s technology and disability projects such as their apps, website blog, and supporting partnerships and outreach. </p> <p>Aliyah loves to promote InfiniTeach’s mission of supporting the Autistic community and families to feel more included and accepted wherever they travel.</p> <p>I enjoy the work Cultural Access Collaborative does for people with disabilities, and I am so happy to join with them on their projects. The biggest impact I want to make as a CAC member is to promote more awareness and amazing news for people with autism and other disabilities. </p> <p><strong>Memorable Cultural Experience</strong>: When I was child, I loved spending time visiting a lot of Chicago’s famous attractions and museums. Some of my fondest memories are and enjoy interactive exhibits in the Science and Industry Museum. Some of my favorite areas are Farm Tech, Yesterday’s Main Street.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div role="listitem" class="w-dyn-item"> <h2 class="txt-wookie js-expandmore"> Risa Jaz Rifkind </h2> <div class="js-to_expand"> <div class="rich-text w-richtext"><strong> Risa Jaz Rifkind </strong> ( she/her/hers ) </div> <div class="rich-text w-richtext"> <img style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" src="https://culturalaccesscollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/5e7694e31a5b6b92cda48537_RRifkind12.1.16.jpg" alt="Risa is a brown woman with long brown hair parted to the side. She's wearing a red top with matching red lipstick and a multistring pearl necklace." width=200> <p>is a justice advocate who seeks to make change by shifting access to power and influence. As the Director of Civic Engagement and Marketing for Disability Lead, she propels the organization to realize its vision to have people with disabilities lead with power and influence. By identifying and developing strategic partnerships, Risa positions Members to take on leadership roles that advance their careers, civic engagement, and equity for people with disabilities. By integrating this vision into all internal and external communications, she leads Disability Lead’s brand awareness, public and private Member programming, and community engagement and outreach. She is also a Disability Lead Member.</p> <p>In 2020, she also participated on the Disability Inclusion Fund’s grantmaking committee. Previously, Risa was Program Manager at The Chicago Community Trust where she developed their disability inclusion priorities and practices and managed several disability inclusion initiatives including the Disabilities Fund, ADA 25 Advancing Leadership, and ADA 25Chicago. With the Disabilities Fund, Risa supported a rebrand and strategic plan redesign that resulted in a 500% increase in annual grantmaking for which she acted as the program officer. During 2015, ADA 25 Chicago leveraged the25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act to move the spirit of the law forward. This included engaging and supporting over 200 partner organizations’ commitments and events.</p> <p>She has consulted for organizations to increase their disability inclusion including the University of Indiana Kelley School of Business, Institute for Nonprofit Professionals, and has spoken at conferences including the Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability, Unity Summit, and Upswell Conference.</p> <p>Risa is passionate about the arts and serves on the Board of Directors for the Chicago Cultural Accessibility Consortium as Treasurer. Risa received a B.A. from Johns Hopkins University.</p> <p>Risa was a Founding Steering Committee Member in 2013 prior to co-leading the Steering Committee as a Co-Chair 2017-2021. Currently, Risa serves as Vice President on the Board of Directors.</p> <p><strong><strong><strong>Memorable Cultural Experience</strong></strong>: </strong>I had to be about 7 when my parents took me and my younger brother to Madison Square Garden to see Crosby Still Nash and Young. I remember thinking that it was so cool and weird at the same time watching all these hippies and former hippies rock out all night (way past my bedtime). That didn’t stop me from standing on the chair and rocking out as well – minus the lighter and other hippy equipment, of course.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div role="listitem" class="w-dyn-item"> <h2 class="txt-wookie js-expandmore"> Crom Saunders </h2> <div class="js-to_expand"> <div class="rich-text w-richtext"><strong> Crom Saunders </strong> ( he/him/his ) </div> <div class="rich-text w-richtext"> <img style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" src="https://culturalaccesscollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/k-crom-saunders-610.jpg" alt="Crom is a white male with multiple earrings, glasses, bushy eyebrows, and a clean-shaven head is smiling at the camera. He is wearing a burgundy button-up shirt, against an orange-reddish background." width=200> <p>is currently an Associate Professor in the American Sign Language program in the School of Communication and Culture at Columbia College Chicago. Crom works extensively in translation, including PSA videos and children’s stories, with organizations such as Fun4TheDisabled and Sally Is Sarah, LLC. Crom has interpreted dozens of plays, from children’s theatre to musicals, including at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and Steppenwolf Theater, and has taught dozens of ASL linguistics and theatrical workshops across the nation, in addition to working as a Director of ASL for several theatre companies across the nation. Crom also performs improv and his one person show, “Cromania!” internationally.</p> <p>Crom joined the Steering Committee in 2023.</p> <p><strong><strong>Memorable Cultural Experience</strong></strong>: I visited Quito, Ecuador for a couple days in 2012 and had the opportunity to visit the local Deaf club. After about an hour of chatting with the local Deaf community members, in my very rudimentary LESEC (Ecuadorean Sign Language) it came to their attention that I was a performer. I was asked to perform a story on their venue stage. With a lot of gesturing, pantomime, and asking the audience for LESEC signs, I managed to share a story with the audience. 6 years later, I was able to return to present a workshop for the local interpreters, interpreter students, and Deaf community members, in LESEC.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div role="listitem" class="w-dyn-item"> <h2 class="txt-wookie js-expandmore"> Jesse Swanson </h2> <div class="js-to_expand"> <div class="rich-text w-richtext"><strong> Jesse Swanson </strong> ( he/him/his ) </div> <div class="rich-text w-richtext"> <img style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" src="https://culturalaccesscollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Headshot.jpeg" alt="Jesse is a white man in his mid-30's who's once boyish good looks have retreated faster than his hairline. He's working on convincing himself that baldness is a good look. His blue eyes look through a pair of round overpriced warby parker glasses. He is pictured in a wrinkled light blue button down against a white background." width=200> <p>is a producer, arts administrator and comedian. He currently serves as the Executive Producer at iO Theater <em>(formerly Improv Olympic). </em>He has led organizations large and small and presented original work across the country and around the world. Originally from the east coast, Jesse began his career in Philadelphia, where he produced and directed original sketch, stand-up improvisation and several world premier comedic plays and musicals. His independently produced work won acclaim at The Philadelphia and DC Fringe Festivals as well as the CrisisArt Festival in Italy. After deciding to take comedy a little more seriously, he came to Chicago in 2012 and went to work for The Second City where he oversaw talent development and production of new work, partnering with companies like The Kennedy Center, LucasFilm and Disney. As an artist with a disability Jesse is an organizer and advocate for access in the arts and passionately pursuing making all art accessible to everyone.</p> <p>Jesse joined the Steering Committee in 2023.</p> <p><strong>Memorable Cultural Experience</strong>: My cultural journey started at a summer theater camp. Before I was ever interested in watching theater, I fell in love with the process of creating it. It was at the Kelsey Theater in suburban New Jersey where I got the first taste of what it meant to get together with a group of like minded weirdos and create something that could make a room full of 300 people laugh all at the same time. It galvanized for me the idea of comedy as a tool to bring people together and from that point on it’s been my goal to bring as many people in on the joke as possible.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div role="listitem" class="w-dyn-item"> <h2 class="txt-wookie js-expandmore"> Karen Tekverk </h2> <div class="js-to_expand"> <div class="rich-text w-richtext"><strong> Karen Tekverk </strong> ( any/all ) </div> <div class="rich-text w-richtext"> <img style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" src="https://culturalaccesscollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/3U8A3720-Karen-Tekverk.jpg" alt="Karen is white person with shoulder-length straight brown hair, metal-frame glasses, and a bright pink cardigan stands in front of a circular 90,000-gallon aquarium with the words CARIBBEAN REEF in large lettering around the top. They are wearing a Shedd Aquarium nametag." width=200> <p>is the manager of the Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner (CERP) program with the Society for Ecological Restoration, where she started in June 2023. Prior to joining SER, Karen was the Manager of Community Partnerships and Impact at Shedd Aquarium, working with partner organizations around the Chicagoland area and beyond. As part of Shedd Aquarium’s Access & Inclusion Team, she championed work to train guides and volunteers in audio description and tactile tour facilitation. Karen has a BA in Geology from Haverford College and a MS in Earth and Planetary Sciences from Northwestern University. Previously, Karen worked in Guest Engagement at Shedd Aquarium, interpretation at Chicago Botanic Garden, researched climate change with Respiratory Health Association, and taught geology.</p> <p>Karen joined the Steering Committee in 2019. </p> <p><strong>Memorable Cultural Experience: </strong>There weren’t a lot of museums in my rural hometown, but as a kid we would visit my grandparents in New York for the holidays. I loved spending Christmas Eve at the American Museum of Natural History. It felt like we had the place entirely to ourselves, and my sisters and I reveled in it. Our favorite thing was to find a 2 foot model of a mosquito, whom we had named Skippy. I visited NYC recently, and I was glad to find Skippy still going strong!</p> </div> </div> </div> <div role="listitem" class="w-dyn-item"> <h2 class="txt-wookie js-expandmore"> Chris Wilson </h2> <div class="js-to_expand"> <div class="rich-text w-richtext"><strong> Chris Wilson </strong> ( he/him/his) </div> <div class="rich-text w-richtext"> <img style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" src="https://culturalaccesscollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Chris-scaled.jpg" alt="Chris is a white man with grey hair and dark rimmed glasses. He smiles outside, standing in front of a wooden fence and wearing a blue dress shirt." width=200> <p>is the Chief Creative and Operating Officer at Bridgewater Studio, where he leads strategy, design, fabrication, and media production across a diverse range of projects. Previously, he served as Director of Planning and Design at the Obama Presidential Center and Director of Exhibit Project Management and Operations at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago.</p> <p>Chris has spent his career at the intersection of storytelling, technology, art, and science, bringing world-class experiences to audiences of all kinds. His work spans multiple disciplines and mediums, taking him to 22 countries and across North America. He has created hundreds of experiences for museums, corporate environments, theater, film, television, special events, and theme parks.</p> <p>Chris’s fascination with technology-supported storytelling began early, and his technical expertise comes from hands-on experience. In his early career, he was an accomplished artisan and technician, with experience as an automation programmer, electrician, rigger, welder, woodworker, and pyrotechnician. He received an Emmy Nomination in 1991 for Outstanding Achievement in Special Visual Effects.</p> <p>Chris joined the Board in 2024.</p> <p><br><strong>Memorable Cultural Experience:</strong> My first trip to the Smithsonian at age 7 sparked my passion for shared experiences, spatial storytelling, and the power of scale as a tool for engagement.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="w-layout-grid"> <div class="section"> <div class="container"> <div> <h2 id="w-node-71a22cbf9481-f4a48352" class="h1-brdr">Founding Co-Chairs<br></h2> <div> <h2>Evan Hatfield</h2> <p>Evan Hatfield, Founding Co-Chair (2013-2018) and Steering Committee Member Emeritus </p> </div> <div> <h2>Lynn Walsh</h2> <p>Lynn Walsh, Founding Co-Chair (2013-2017) and Steering Committee Member Emeritus </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="section bg-ws"> <div class="container"> <div class="w-layout-grid grid-2"> <h2 id="w-node-202a70ffec92-f4a48352" class="h1-brdr">Emeriti<br></h2> <div id="w-node-e63b0615194e-f4a48352" class="committee-member_bio--cochair w-richtext"> <p> <strong>Arkey Adams</strong> (2021-2022) </p> <p> <strong>Rachel Arfa</strong> (2013-2020), Founding Steering Committee Member </p> <p> <strong>Bri Beck</strong> (2021-2022) </p> <p> <strong>Dave Becker</strong> (2021-2023) </p> <p> <strong>Matthew Bivins</strong> (2017-2021) </p> <p> <strong>David Carrasquillo</strong> (2019-2023) </p> <p> <strong>Yolanda Cesta Cursach</strong> (2015-2017) </p> <p> <strong>Chauncey Alexander Davis-Mauney</strong> (2017-2018) </p> <p> <strong>Jason Harrington</strong> (2013-2017), Founding Steering Committee Member </p> <p> <strong>Alyssa Harsha</strong> (2017-2019) </p> <p> <strong>Tsehaye G. Hebert</strong> (2021-2023) </p> <p> <strong>Robin Jones</strong> (2013-2015), Founding Steering Committee Member </p> <p> <strong>Nick Joseph</strong> (2021-2023) </p> <p> <strong>Kinneret Kohn</strong> (2019-2021) </p> <p> <strong>Lucas Livingston</strong> (2013-2015), Founding Steering Committee Member </p> <p> <strong>Emma MacLean</strong> (2019-2021) </p> <p> <strong>Chaitanya Mantanda</strong> (2019-2020) </p> <p> <strong>Christina McGleam</strong> (2021-2022) </p> <p> <strong>Theresa Pacione</strong> (2013-2015), Founding Steering Committee Member </p> <p> <strong>Casey Peek</strong> (2019-2022) </p> <p> <strong>Brittany Pyle</strong> (2017-2021) </p> <p> <strong>Jeanna Rathell</strong> (2015-2019) </p> <p> <strong>Bonnie Rosenberg</strong> (2019-2021) </p> <p> <strong>Whitney Rosier</strong> (2023-2024) </p> <p> <strong>Mike Shaw</strong> (2015-2019) </p> <p> <strong>Jaclyn Wegner</strong> (2013-2015), Founding Steering Committee Member </p> <p> <strong>Andy Wilson</strong> (2019-2023) </p> <p> <strong>Sandie Yi</strong> (2013-2015), Founding Steering Committee Member </p> <p>‍</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </main> <footer class="footer-container"> <div class="footer"> <div class="container container--foot"> <div class="w-layout-grid grid-foot-2"> <div> <h1 class="f-head"> Reach Out </h1> <ul role="list" class="w-list-unstyled"> <li> General Inquiries </li> <li class="mb-30"> <a href="mailto:info@culturalaccesscollab.org"> Info@CulturalAccessCollab.org </a> </li> <li> Equipment Loans </li> <li> <a href="mailto:equip@culturalaccesscollab.org"> Equip@CulturalAccessCollab.org </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div id="w-node-05063a10caf0-3a10cac3"> <h1 class="f-head"> Write Us </h1> <div> Cultural Access Collaborative <br> P.O. 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