National Leadership Program, Summer 2019
Grace Goldman
Grace Goldman was a Community Outreach Fellow in RespectAbility’s National Leadership Program.
A rising junior in the School of Social Work at the University of Washington in Seattle while she was an Apprentice, Goldman also pursued a minor in American Sign Language.
Determined in her goal to advance meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities, she works on a university task force to create a certificate program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She worked at the Disability Resource Center for students on campus.
Originally from Bethesda, Maryland, Goldman moved to the state of Washington for college to explore how the other side of the country approaches disability issues as both a social and socio-economic endeavor. She cites her personal experiences with learning disabilities as one reason for her motivation to advocate for inclusion.
Goldman has been heavily involved in Best Buddies since her first year of high school. She started a chapter of Best Buddies at the University of Washington as a freshman and currently serves as president. She recently spoke at the Best Buddies “Champion of the Year” Gala in Seattle where it was announced that local efforts had raised enough funds to open a state office in Washington. This office will further the group’s mission of inclusion through not only one-to-one friendships but also accessible jobs and self-advocacy.
In her free time, Goldman enjoys participating in her sorority, playing Special Olympics Soccer and serving as a student senator. She also enjoys time with her family and four rescue dogs.
Goldman joined the RespectAbility team because of its mission to change the stigma and isolation of disability in our society. She appreciates the network of like-minded Fellows at RespectAbility, collaborating to learn together and create meaningful opportunities for those with disabilities. Goldman is inspired by the perseverance, positive outlook and enthusiasm of the individuals and friends she has met in the disability community who continue to push her to better the systems and challenges related to disability.
Goldman wrote two pieces for RespectAbility. Check them out on our website:
- Volunteer of the Month: Gary Norman (October 7, 2019)
- Volunteer of the Month: Jonathan Murray (December 3, 2019)
