GINA DeRYKE (she/they) is a strategist, storyteller, and disability justice advocate working at the intersection of accessibility, media, and design. Her work centers inclusive curriculum, authentic representation, and creative approaches to systemic change. She has contributed to leadership development, accessible media production, and community storytelling through projects with Disability Belongs, PBS Kids, and the BRIC Summit, where she appeared as a panelist on Big Brain Energy: Neurodivergence in Media in 2025.

 

With a background in arts, administration, and advocacy, Gina brings a sharp eye for research, design, and practical solutions for inclusion. She has held roles in nonprofit leadership, financial counseling, and higher education, and recently co-developed a grant proposal for Disability Belongs' National Leadership Program, contributing a strategic vision rooted in disability justice.

 

A graduate of the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Musical Arts in Voice Performance and a concentration in organizational psychology, Gina is also a two-time Grammy Award winner. Her creative work includes theatrical performance, visual arts, and digital storytelling, with projects shown in public exhibitions like ArtPrize. She also serves as a mentor, community organizer, and caregiver, drawing on her lived experience as a neurodivergent parent to advocate for inclusive design and systemic care. Whether through curriculum, media, or grassroots advocacy, she is committed to shaping spaces where everyone belongs.