Elizabeth Kim to receive first-ever Ben Spangenberg and Justin Chappell Memorial Award at RespectAbility’s 10th Anniversary Celebration, sponsored by Wells Fargo
Justin Chappell and Ben Spangenberg
Los Angeles, October 17 – The national disability advocacy nonprofit RespectAbility is announcing that after the sudden passing of long-serving staff member, Ben Spangenberg, on September 29, 2023, the Justin Chappell Memorial Award has been renamed to honor Spangenberg alongside the person who first inspired this award, Justin Chappell. Spangenberg and Chappell were life partners, marrying in 2015 after marriage rights were extended to same-sex couples in all 50 states. Together, they advanced RespectAbility’s democracy and civic engagement work, spending several weeks in Iowa and New Hampshire interviewing presidential candidates in 2016. They met with all candidates, educating their campaigns on the importance of not only ensuring accessibility of events and materials but also creating thoughtful policies for helping people with disabilities achieve their goals and fully participate in their communities.
Spangenberg was a part of RespectAbility’s team since 2015, and from 2017 until his passing, served as the Senior Manager of RespectAbility’s National Leadership Program. Under his leadership, more than 200 Fellows graduated from the program, going on to careers in disability advocacy, on Capitol Hill, in philanthropy, and many other sectors. To honor Ben’s legacy of service, his family has requested donations in his memory to RespectAbility.
The newly renamed Ben Spangenberg and Justin Chappell Memorial Award honors a former or current Fellow of the National Leadership Program who demonstrates a solid commitment to advancing the disability community in policy, entertainment, or philanthropy. The 2023 Spangenberg-Chappell Memorial Award will celebrate former Fellow, Elizabeth Kim. Kim will receive $1,000 and be honored on stage at RespectAbility’s 10th Anniversary Celebration, featuring Platinum Sponsor Wells Fargo, in Los Angeles on November 2.
Elizabeth Kim
Elizabeth Kim was a RespectAbility Entertainment and News Media Fellow for the Spring 2023 cohort. Previously, she was an early member of the Executive Team that started the Asian Americans with Disabilities Initiative (AADI). As Director of Outreach and Chair of the Board of Directors, Kim was instrumental in acquiring official 501(c)(3) status in 2021, helping ensure AADI’s long-term success. Before joining AADI, Kim founded a disability advocacy organization at the University of Pennsylvania, where she also graduated magna cum laude.
“I’m honored to be receiving this award,” said Kim. “I couldn’t have accomplished all that I have without the incredible people I met along the way. Their support and belief in me give me encouragement that I’m headed in the right direction, and I’m excited to see what comes next for our community!”
“There were so many incredible nominees for this award this year, but Elizabeth stood out for her current work and future advocacy goals,” said Ariel Simms, RespectAbility’s President and CEO. “She is truly a worthy recipient, and we look forward to celebrating all she has done for the disability community at our tenth anniversary celebration event this November.”
The Spangenberg-Chappell Memorial Award began in 2022 alongside the Steve Bartlett Award, which recognizes and honors an individual in the private or public sector who demonstrates a strong commitment to using the political system to advance public policy in support of people with disabilities. To support future recipients of these awards, individuals may donate to the awards fund.
Tickets to RespectAbility’s 10th Anniversary Celebration, sponsored by Wells Fargo, are now on sale to the public. Those unable to attend the event can still support RespectAbility by contributing to the 10th Anniversary Fund.
