Class of 2020

“Mentorship can be the difference between long-term success and failure. This is especially true for underrepresented communities. To be able to learn from each others experiences is to properly prepare ourselves for the inevitable uphill battles we will face. By sharing what we have learned with those in our communities we give them a better chance at overcoming the challenges that many before them have faced. Mentorship means giving your community a better chance at thriving instead of just surviving.”

We are proud to induct Darya Farivar into the Susan Daniels Disability Mentoring Hall of Fame.

Darya Farivar attended the University of Redlands where she received her Bachelors of Arts in Communicative Disorders and minor in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. While there she volunteered in the juvenile prison system and founded the Middle Eastern Student Association.

After graduation Darya advocated for immigrants and refugees who have loved ones with developmental disabilities, she promoted disability awareness in cultural communities and awareness of cultural and linguistic diversity in the disability community. While there she ran multiple advocacy programs focused on voter education, systemic and self-advocacy, and leadership development. Darya’s favorite part was working with individuals on how to effectively use their voice to advocate for their community.

Darya then shifted her focus to the criminal legal system and the disproportionate incarceration of people with disabilities. This led her to Disability Rights Washington where she started as the Community and Legislative Liaison. In this role, she worked to make sure justice involved people with psychiatric disabilities were meaningfully engaged in and leading Disability Rights Washington’s advocacy. During this time she helped establish the Cross Disability Advocacy Network (CDAN) a disability led group which provides a space for disabled advocates to learn about and strategize on state legislative advocacy. She provides trainings and resources that help Cross Disability Advocacy Network members effectively use their voice and engage with state legislative advocacy.

Currently, Darya serves as the Director of Public Policy at Disability Rights Washington where she continues to work with the Cross Disability Advocacy Network members who want to testify, meet with legislators, or otherwise want to participate in Washington State legislative advocacy. Darya is serious about grassroots advocacy, fond of trips to the State Capitol, and is passionate about intersectionality and disability rights. She holds her Iranian heritage close to her heart, believes that social justice is a lifestyle and that movements are stronger together!