Philip Woodward
Philip Woodward is a Systems Change Manager with the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD), where he manages Community Living initiatives. Philip also serves as the Secretary for the Raleigh Commission for Persons with Disabilities and previously served as the Vice Chair. He received his Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator certification in July 2019. Philip is Hard of Hearing, wears two hearing aids, reads lips, and knows American Sign Language (ASL). He grew up in Richmond Virginia and attended the College of William & Mary and the William & Mary Law School.
Shakema McClean
Shakema McClean is a disabled Iraqi veteran, supply chain professional, and founder of the Khyiah T. Byrd International Foundation. A dedicated special needs parent advocate, she supports her autistic child while empowering families through service and mentorship. She has held leadership roles with the Raleigh Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities and contributes to accessibility initiatives across the community. Shakema serves with organizations like Rotary, the Autism Society, and Special Olympics. She is a 2024 NC Courage Women of the Match and 2025 Rotarian of the Year, a Wake Tech Alumnus, and is currently pursuing a degree in Industrial Distribution and Logistics at East Carolina University.
Blaire Johnston
Blaire Johnston serves as the City of Charlotte’s ADA Business Partner, supporting Human Resources’ (HR) mission to help employees thrive at every stage of their career. Her passion for advancing inclusion is rooted in her lived experience as a person with a disability. She holds a Master of Education from Auburn University. In her free time, Blaire enjoys biking with her family, reading and choosing sides in the NC BBQ Debate.
Chris Baucom
Chris Baucom is 45 years old and married with three kids and two grandkids. He became disabled in 2006 due to an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) accident, began college in 2012, and graduated ECU in 2018 with a bachelor's degree in communications. After graduating, he found his current job at Alliance of Disability Advocates, where he has worked for nearly six years and currently holds the Lead Community Inclusion Specialist position over the Part C department.
