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. 

Kristen McCartney Widmer, MD  is a board-certified adult neurologist with specialization in movement disorders who has been practicing since 2021. Originally from the Triangle area, Dr. McCartney Widmer’s education and medical journey took her from Phoenix, AZ, to Rochester, NY, but she’s always felt most at home in North Carolina. She cares for patients with neurological and psychiatric disabilities, often working with young adults and their families as they transition from pediatric to adult care. With a focus on patient-centered and family-oriented care, Dr. McCartney Widmer believes in a holistic approach, where sometimes the best—and only—medicine is collaboration and support. She is an active member of the American Academy of Neurology, the North Carolina Neurological Society, and the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

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.

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. 

Kristina Payton serves as an Employee Relations Specialist at Greene Resources, where she utilizes her extensive experience in human resources to foster a supportive workplace environment. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Kristina relocated to North Carolina in 2010 with her youngest daughter. In 2014, she began working as a Job Coach at The Arc of Wake County, now known as Triangle Disability & Autism Services, and continued in this role until 2024. Her dedication to advocating for marginalized communities has been a driving force throughout her career. Outside of her professional life, Kristina has a passion for traveling, cooking, and exploring diverse cuisines. She draws inspiration from culinary experts and often tunes into the Food Network for new recipes and cooking techniques to enrich her culinary adventures.

Michelle Hartman is the Nursing Program Director at Meredith College. Michelle received her BSN and MSN from Virginia Commonwealth University & her DNP from Case Western Reserve University. Michelle has over 25 years of experience as a nurse, primarily working with pediatric patients and their families. She has spent the last 15 years training new nurses in higher education settings. Michelle and her husband, Bobby, are parents to two sons and one daughter; their oldest son has a genetic deletion that includes intellectual and other disabilities. Outside of work and volunteering, you can find Michelle on a variety of sports fields cheering on her family.