National Leadership Program, Fall 2021
Rostom Dadian
Rostom Dadian was a Civic Engagement and Coalition Building Fellow in RespectAbility’s National Leadership Program for Fall 2021, and is now the Policy Associate at RespectAbility. RespectAbility is a nonprofit organization fighting stigmas and advancing opportunities so that people with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of community. Dadian’s Fellowship was funded by the Fox Family Foundation.
Born and raised in Glendale California with a visual impairment, Dadian appreciates the educational opportunities he has received. As a student, Dadian completed an Associate degree in Business Administration at Glendale Community College. He continued on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an option in finance at California State University Los Angeles (CSULA). Dadian is currently completing a master’s degree at CSULA in business administration with an option in finance.
Dadian has been involved in local politics and plans to continue to participate in the future. He wants to give a voice to the disabled community and teach other marginalized and stigmatized communities to advocate for what they need. His short-term goal is a position in local office such as Councilman.
Dadian’s background in finance and interest in politics have shown him how difficult it is for people to navigate the current incomprehensible systems, such as the tax code, social security or the justice system. He wants to work toward the simplification of broken and slow financial and political systems.
