FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 4, 2024
CONTACT:
Edie Surtees, Communications Director
512-407-2739
esurtees@DRTx.org
Disability Rights Texas Appoints Four New Members to Its Board of Directors
AUSTIN—Disability Rights Texas (DRTx), the legal protection and advocacy agency for people with disabilities in Texas, has appointed the following four new members to its Board of Directors for fiscal year 2025 beginning October 1, 2024: Joseph Muniz (Harlingen); Josette Pelatan (El Paso); Lizdelia Pinon (Crowley); and Angel Ponce (Houston). The Board is comprised of 16 members from across the state who reflect the diverse constituency of individuals with developmental, mental, and physical disabilities who are served by the agency.
Members continuing their terms of service in officer positions include Laura Marquez, Chair (El Paso); Gerardo Mireles, Vice Chair (McAllen); Amy Pierce, Treasurer (Round Rock); Robert Mihara, Secretary (San Antonio) and Mary Keller Alexander, Immediate Past Chair (Valley View).
Continuing in Director positions are Jack Brown (Duncanville); Jenn Covington (Austin); Dr. Alfreddie Felder (Baytown); Denay Hooks (Lubbock); Theresa Langley (Houston); and Ruby Soliz (Josephine).
About Our New Board Members
Joseph Muniz (Harlingen) is a past DRTx Board Member and Chair who has been a disability advocate for more than 30 years. He has served on various state disability related boards and councils including the State Independent Living Council, Texas Commission for the Blind, Department of Assistive and Rehabilitation Service Council, Governing Board of the Texas School for the Blind, and the Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities. He is a deaf/blind individual who has been hearing impaired since early childhood and has progressive vision loss.
Josette Pelatan (El Paso) recently earned her doctorate in health sciences and also holds a master’s degree in education with a social justice focus. Growing up with several disabilities, she learned to advocate for herself to reach her goals. She envisions a better world for everyone where justice and hope dictate a better future. Josette has been active with the National Alliance for Mental Illness at the local and state level and with other non-profit advocacy organizations.
Lizdelia Pinon (Crowley) is a dedicated advocate for marginalized communities, particularly those with disabilities. She has extensive experience in bilingual and ESL education and promotes equity and access for students facing systemic barriers. As the mother of four children, each with different disabilities, Lizdelia’s advocacy is both deeply personal and comprehensive. She understands firsthand the challenges and importance of securing rights, accommodations, and opportunities for people with disabilities. Lizdelia has earned numerous educational credentials including a doctorate in educational leadership from Texas Christian University. In addition to her professional work, she serves on multiple advisory committees, including the MHMR ECI Advisory Committee, Cook Children’s Hospital Advisory Committees, and the Texas Commission on Jail Standards’ IDD Advisory Committee.
Angel Ponce (Houston) believes that creating truly inclusive communities requires providing opportunities for everyone to feel valued and heard. He has in-depth experience in planning, coordinating, prioritizing, and executing multiple initiatives, programs and events across operational teams that benefit the community. Angel is currently the Director of the Houston Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities where he leads a team of eight through technical guidance, problem solving, planning, facilitating, and executing workshops, implementing an accessible communications program, and developing and executing strategic plans that make the city a more accessible and inclusive place.
“Our newest board members are an experienced and passionate group who will bring additional highly valued leadership to our agency,” said Sean Jackson, Executive Director. “I believe their unique perspectives and deep commitment to advancing disability rights will be vital in helping us successfully continue our mission.”
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Disability Rights Texas is the federally designated legal protection and advocacy agency (P&A) for people with disabilities in Texas. Its mission is to help people with disabilities understand and exercise their rights under the law, ensuring their full and equal participation in society. Visit www.DRTx.org for more information.