We are delighted to announce that Darya Farivar will be our new Public Policy Director, effective November 1! Many of you already know of Darya’s accomplishments as a key member of DRW’s Trueblood team. Two years ago, Darya helped secure passage of SB 5444 – the Trueblood bill – landmark legislation that is bringing reform to forensic mental health. Since then she has monitored jail diversion programs, worked to ensure incarcerated people can vote, and educated and mobilized disabled advocates and allies in the mental health community to support behavioral health decriminalization and an end to homelessness. As Public Policy Director, Darya will continue this work, and step up her policy advocacy for disability justice. We look forward to great things from Darya in the years ahead.
A bit more about Darya:
Darya received her BA in Communicative Disorders and minored in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from the University of Redlands. While there she learned about the criminal legal system and founded an on-campus diversity advocacy organization. After graduation, she found a job that combined all her interests- advocating for immigrants and refugees who have loved ones with developmental disabilities.
During her time at DRW, she has focused on the Trueblood settlement serving as the community and legislative liaison. Darya supported the passage of SB 5444, the Trueblood bill, by mobilizing class members, peers, and advocates to participate in the legislative process. She has since monitored Trueblood diversion programs, worked to ensure that eligible incarcerated people can vote, and mobilized disabled advocates and allies in the mental health community. Darya is serious about grassroots advocacy, fond of trips to Olympia, and is passionate about intersectionality and disability rights. She holds her Iranian heritage close to her heart, believes that social justice is a lifestyle and that movements are stronger together!