Kaitlin McNamara has been the Executive Director of the Sibling Leadership Network since 2023. She is a sibling, lawyer, and has worked in disability advocacy for 5 years professionally and many more in her personal life. She is passionate about protecting the civil, human, and choice-making rights of people with disabilities and about creating lasting support for siblings and family caregivers. She is excited about the opportunity to moderate this panel to help make advocacy activities accessible to more siblings.

Julie Payne-Neward is a dedicated champion for disability rights. Her advocacy is deeply rooted in her love and concern for her sister Natalie, who is a woman with an intellectual/developmental disability, and a survivor of sexual abuse. In mid-2024, she is releasing a short-documentary film titled, “Natty” which examines Natalie's childhood experiences living in Walnut Creek, California, and the lives she has impacted over the years. Furthermore, the documentary highlights victims of sexual assault with an intellectual/developmental disability.

Julie serves as the co-founder and a board member of The California Sibling Leadership Network, known as "CaliforniaSibs." She also leads the impactful initiative, The Natalie Project (www.thenatalieproject.org), and is a Governor-appointed Councilwoman to the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD).

Tiffany Banks (she/her), Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland Baltimore County School of Social Work and serves as the Co-Chair of Policy and Advocacy for the Sibling Leadership Network. She earned her BS in Social Work from Niagara University, her MSW with a concentration in maternal and child health from the University of Maryland at Baltimore, and her Ph.D. from Colorado State University, School of Social Work. Dr. Banks is a clinical social worker whose practice focuses on providing mental health care and allyship for individuals impacted by disability and chronic health issues. She utilizes her clinical experiences to inform her macro-level advocacy efforts to improve policy practices impacting the experience of disability. Her research interests include best practices in mental health care for children with Autism, sibling issues within the disability community, and animal-assisted interventions.

Dr. Victoria Chibuogu Nneji, CEO of AKALAKA, pioneers a digital platform revolutionizing long-term home and community care for loved ones. With a Ph.D. in robotics from Duke University and extensive experience as a scientist, Dr. Nneji draws from personal trials as a family care partner. Faced with the labyrinth of disability services, she deciphered Medicaid policies, realizing their inaccessibility. Engaging with 100+ care partners, she launched AKALAKA, offering insights and support through Medicaid HCBS classes. Results were profound: 80% increased peer connection, 167% better service utilization, and 75% enhanced confidence in seeking care management. Since 2021, Dr. Nneji's advocacy has influenced local, state, and federal initiatives. AKALAKA's evolution includes Medicaid provider status, advocacy networks, and a groundbreaking respite program, funded by the NC Division on Aging and Adult Services. Dr. Nneji's vision transforms care dynamics, ensuring families across North Carolina access compassionate, effective support.