Alissa Wu is a passionate advocate for disability rights, inclusion, and representation. She was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Throughout her career at Cary Estate Planning, she enjoys the opportunity to spread awareness and education pertaining to the disability community. Her strong commitment to disability advocacy stems from her cousin, Catleeya Asavanant, who is hailed as the first successful artist in Thailand with Down syndrome. Her cousin’s work has been exhibited in art galleries and featured in numerous magazines. Because of her cousin, and many like her, she hopes to do her part in ensuring everyone is granted equal opportunities and visibility, regardless of disability. 

Jason Tibbs has worked in the health and life sciences field for over 30 years and currently serves as a Senior Vice President in the Neuroscience Delivery Division at Syneos Health. He has a passion for embracing innovation and technological advancement and to this end has held roles leading an Innovation Operations Office focused on reducing the barriers to participation and clinical research as a care option for all and heading a Connected Health Business Operations team. Jason is a father and caregiver for a uniquely abled daughter with IDD. He is highly focused on inclusion and motivated to see an increase in the network of available resources and support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Jason and his family have lived and worked in Cape Town, South Africa and Victoria, Canada before moving to Raleigh in 2009. In his spare time, he enjoys playing golf, traveling, and enjoying the art and science of the perfect cocktail. 

Jennifer Thompson is Senior Director of Compliance at GSK Pharmaceuticals. Jennifer is originally from Long Island, New York but has called Wake Forest, NC home for 11 years. She graduated from Marymount University in Arlington, VA with a Bachelors in Business Administration and went on to Fordham University School of Law in Manhattan, NY. She has legal licenses in both NY and NC. Jennifer has had community service and advocacy at the center of her life since she was a teen after losing her uncle to AIDS. She enjoys supporting Triangle Disability & Autism Services as board member after contributing to its programs over the past few years with colleagues from GSK. When Jennifer is not working, she loves spending time with her husband, Brett, children, Lillian and Brett Jr., and two puppies Barkley and Mellie. She also loves to go hiking, do pilates and listen to live music.

Brian Ridout is a 25-year veteran of the Life Sciences industry focused on the development and manufacture of novel biological medicines for patients with unmet medical needs. He has worked with innovator and contract companies allowing him to appreciate the requirements of drug development and impact to patients and their families. He has a strong balance of both technical and business acumen allowing him to translate these skills to other parts of his professional and personal life. Brian has a 15-year-old son with autism and is impressed each and every day with the strengths exhibited by his son as well as persistence for growth of his peers and their families.  He has a passion for assessing challenges, developing strategies, and collaborating for positive outcomes. In his spare time, Brian enjoys being outside in nature, fishing and spending time with his family.

Sushma Punuru is a seasoned Global Technology Executive in the financial services industry. She has a unique perspective on the intersection of technology, data, and insurance services. As a mother of a child on the autism spectrum, Sushma is deeply committed to advocacy and inclusivity for individuals with disabilities. She envisions a future where individuals of all abilities have access to comprehensive support services, educational opportunities, and pathways to independence and fulfillment. She lives in Cary, NC with her husband and 2 daughters. In her spare time, Sushma enjoys reading, outdoor activities and spending quality time with her family. 

Robert Faircloth is an active member in several Triangle Disability & Autism Services community programs: Supported Retirement Program, Every Voice Choir and Triangle Self-Advocacy Network. He joined the Supported Retirement Program & TSAN in September 2016. He joined the Every Voice Choir in August 2015. In his spare time, Robert likes to sing and listen to various Elvis Presley songs and is a very avid bowler. Robert enjoys serving on the Board of Directors and he is looking forward to providing his years of experience within the self-advocacy volunteering community to help strengthen the Boards position to serve the community as a whole.