Raleighnc.gov logo
Thank you for printing this page from the City of Raleigh's Official Website (www.raleighnc.gov)
https://raleighnc.gov/social-advancement-resources/services/raleigh-commission-persons-disabilities-awards/2025-raleigh
10/20/2025 8:47 am

An image of blue, green, and golden silhouette figures standing in front of a bridge. The top of the image reads "Connecting voices, Bridging Communities."

2025 Raleigh Commission for Persons with Disabilities Award Banquet

Connecting Voices, Bridging Communities

Updated: Oct 20, 2025

Jump To:

 
Program Speakers Awards Commission

October 20, 2025 
11:30 am – 2:00 pm 

Program

Opening Remarks – Dr. Ricky Scott
Welcome – Mayor Janet Cowell
Invocation – Reverend Robert Parrish
Keynote Address – Senator Lisa Grafstein
Presentation of Awards
Closing

Speakers

Headshot of Matt Chazanow wearing a suit with red tie

Emcee: Matt Chazanow

Emcee: Matt Chazanow

Matt Chazanow is NC State Wolfpacks' Director of Broadcasting and play-by-play announcer for football and men's basketball. He has done broadcasting for college and national football across North Carolina and Washington state. He is very excited to be here and support the Raleigh Commission of Persons with Disabilities.

Headshot of LIs Grafstein wearing a dark blazer with a maroon colored shirt

RCPD Awards Keynote Speaker: Senator Lisa Grafstein

Keynote Speaker: Senator Lisa Grafstein

Sen. Lisa Grafstein is a North Carolina State Senator representing District 13 since 2023. A longstanding civil rights attorney, she serves as litigation counsel at Disability Rights North Carolina, spearheading strategic legal advocacy for people with disabilities. As a public servant, she brings deep expertise in disability rights and a powerful voice for equity and inclusion.

Awards

  • Employer of the Year Award – Marisa Chrismon, LCI
  • Excellence in Housing Award – Laura Wells, HOPE NC
  • Excellence in Education Award – Taylor Ofori, NCSU
  • Excellence in Transportation Award – Carla Murchison-Utley, GoRaleigh Access Program
  • Excellence in Recreation Award – Ginger Rush
  • James E. Meekins Award – Angus Kola, Ablr
  • Citizen Involvement Award – Club Project MenuSense, Nithinram Mahalingam, Tharakeswaran Suresh
  • Lockhart Follin-Mace Award – Dr. Alan Chase
Headshot of Marisa Chrismon wearing a dark suit

Employer of the Year Award – Marisa Chrismon, LCI

Headshot of Laura Wells wearing a dark blazer with a colored shirt

Excellence in Housing Award – Laura Wells, HOPE NC

Headshot of Taylor Ofori wearing a green shirt and standing outside

Excellence in Education Award – Taylor Ofori, NCSU

Headshot of Ginger Rush wearing a coral-colored shirt

Excellence in Recreation Award – Ginger Rush

Headshot of Nithinram Mahalingamt wearing a t-shirt standing outdoors

Citizen Involvement Award – Club Project MenuSense, Nithinram Mahalingam

James E. Meekins Award – Angus Kola, Ablr

James E. Meekins Award – Angus Kola, Ablr

Headshot of Tharakeswaran Suresh wearing a suit and tie

Citizen Involvement Award – Club Project MenuSense, Tharakeswaran Suresh

Headshot of Dr. Alan Chase wearing a red collar shirt

Lockhart Follin-Mace Award – Dr. Alan Chase

Commission

Raleigh Commission for Persons with Disabilities

Dr. Ricky Scott, Chair
Philip Woodward, Vice Chair
Sharon Benton
Donnie Best
Lawrence Carter
Carolyn Covington
Paula Coppola
Alice Kelly
Shakema McLean
Mark Teague

Contact

 

Raleigh Commission for Persons with Disabilities
esa.boardcommissions@raleighnc.gov

Christina Bauman, ADA Coordinator
christina.bauman@raleighnc.gov
919-996-5737


 

Supported Services

 
Raleigh Commission for Persons with Disabilities Awards
Back to Social Advancement Resources
Department:
Economic and Social Advancement
Service Categories:
Community Relations
Related Services:
Raleigh Commission for Persons with Disabilities Awards

Subscribe