2025 Raleigh Commission for Persons with Disabilities Award Banquet

Program

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

Speakers

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.

Sen. Lisa Grafstein smiling and wearing a striped blue and gray shirt.

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

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

Department:: Economic and Social Advancement

Service Categories:: Community Relations

Related Services:: Raleigh Commission for Persons with Disabilities Awards

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