LEAD Conference Share Out 2023

Two women in a conference setting, standing and sitting at a round table.

Event Description: Are you curious about the Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability (LEAD) conference? Did you want to attend but couldn’t? Join The Collab for a Zoom Lunch and Learn about this year’s LEAD experience. Four representatives from the Collab will share takeaways from their focus areas and lead a live discussion with our arts and culture accessibility community. Come for the best practice takeaways and bring your questions about LEAD!

This event has ended. Please enjoy the archived video recording! 

Archived Event Videos

LEAD Conference Share Out 2023

Archived Event Speakers

Susan A. Friel (she/her/ella) 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). 

Dr. Tina Childress (she/her/siya) 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 renowned for her knowledge on assistive technology and accessibility, and creating shared resources at http://TinaChildressAuD.com.

Ruben Carrazana (he/him/his) 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.

Zhen Heinemann (they/them) 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.