Bio – Staff

Ian Cherutich, Associate, Development

Ian Cherutich

Ian Cherutich is the Associate, Development, at the disability advocacy nonprofit organization Disability Belongs™.

Cherutich has experience in both the disability and nonprofit fundraising space. As a Housing Intern in Legacy Counseling Center’s Homebase for Housing program, he wrote educational material meant to inform nonprofit professionals on how to best serve people experiencing homelessness who have HIV/AIDS. In his previous role as a Development Associate at Readers 2 Leaders, a children’s literacy nonprofit, Cherutich wrote applications for grant funding, managed the organization’s 2019 North Texas Giving Day fundraising drive, and performed other fundraising tasks as the organization surpassed one million dollars in annual revenue. [continue reading…]

Ben Bond, Associate, Faith and Spirituality

Ben Bond

Rev. Ben Bond (He/They) is the Associate, Faith and Spirituality, at the disability advocacy nonprofit organization Disability Belongs™. [continue reading…]

Donjeta Sahiti, Senior Associate, Executive Relations

Donjeta Sahiti

Donjeta Sahiti is the Senior Associate, Executive Relations, at the disability advocacy nonprofit organization Disability Belongs™.

Sahiti earned her Master’s in Public Administration from Seton Hall University. She previously interned at Senator Cory Booker’s Office and for the nonprofit organization JESPY House. Her experiences have inspired her to enter the nonprofit field because it is where she feels she can make the greatest change in society moving forward. [continue reading…]

Ariel Simms, President and CEO

Ariel Simms

Ariel Simms (they/them or she/hers) is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the disability advocacy nonprofit organization Disability Belongs™.

A queer and multiply disabled social justice advocate, leader, and educator, Ariel has worked to promote equity, justice, and meaningful inclusion of marginalized communities throughout their career. A life-long member of the disability community, Ariel grew into their first disabilities in childhood, while also supporting disabled family members. Ariel understands firsthand the challenges faced by those whose disabilities are not always readily apparent. [continue reading…]