| We are excited to share that DRW’s Rooted in Rights program has a new leadership team: |
| Managing Director Rachel Miyazaki and Creative Co-Directors Allexa Laycock and Clark Matthews share years of experience promoting and producing accessible disability rights stories by and for disabled folks and allies at RiR, and we are thrilled to take on new roles as we launch into the future of Rooted in Rights. Together with Blog Editor-in-Chief Emily Ladau and Creative Production Assistants Courtney Cole and Vanessa Link, we look forward to using storytelling to build closer communities in socially distant times. One way we plan to do that is by expanding our media training efforts, and we would love to have you join us for two FREE workshops later this month: – On Monday, November 30, Let’s Talk About Audio Description! Join us for our Why Describe? Audio Description Workshop to learn more about the art of audio description for video, why it’s important, and even how you can make it yourself! Registration closes on Monday, November 23. – Beginning Thursday, December 3, Rooted in Rights will be hosting a virtual storytelling workshop series! Visit Stories for Change: A Rooted in Rights Storytelling Workshop to learn more. Registration closes on Monday, November 30. – Workshop questions? Email AllexaL@RootedInRights.org And if you’re interested in a paid writing opportunity, submit a blog idea here! Thank you so much for all of your support – we can’t wait for what’s next! Sincerely, Rachel, Allexa, Clark, and the rest of the team at Rooted in Rights Reach out anytime to Info@RootedInRights.org |
| PS – Want to know a little more about our new directors? |
| From left to right: Allexa, Clark, and Rachel |
| Allexa Laycock (she/her) – Creative Co-Director Allexa joined Rooted in Rights in 2018 as an associate editor and producer. She’s worked on Rooted in Rights’ storytellers series, hosted trainings on accessible media and video production, collaborated with Disability Rights Washington’s Amplifying Voices of Inmates with Disabilities (AVID) program on post-conviction review, and collaborated with Noella Luka on the Mental Voices Africa trainings. Allexa is also the team’s liaison to the Mental Health Advisory Council at Disability Rights Washington. |
| Clark Matthews (he/him) – Creative Co-Director Clark Matthews joined the team in 2016 as a Creative Production Assistant and became Lead Producer in 2017. He has been involved with Rooted in Rights’ creative projects every step of the way, from research to script writing to casting to shooting to editing and beyond. Clark’s media collaborations with artists and activists of mixed abilities has led to partnership with organizations like National ADAPT, the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), Not Dead Yet, the International Society for Disability Studies and more. Clark also serves on multiple groups and committees at Disability Rights Washington, including as RiR’s team liaison to DRW’s Disability Advisory Council. |
| Rachel Miyazaki (she/her) – Managing Director Rachel joined the Rooted in Rights team as a Creative Production Assistant in 2017. In this role, she supported the team on creative projects. The following year, Rachel was promoted to Program Coordinator and balanced production work with coordinating the Storytellers program and fellowship. As Managing Director, Rachel will support Rooted in Rights’ Creative Directors as they lead the team’s creative advocacy work. Rachel is also a member of Disability Rights Washington’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. During her time with Rooted in Rights, Rachel has enjoyed building relationships with local community groups and contributing to a more equitable, inclusive disability rights organization. |