Employment Matters! Partners in Progress Conference 2025
October 9, 2025 @ College of the Holy Cross, Worcester MA
Keynote speaker: Andy Arias
Andy Arias is a seasoned disability program manager, policy development professional, actor, and producer with extensive experience in national initiatives. He self-identifies as a disabled, Latinx, and queer individual. Currently, Andy serves as the Component Manager for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and Families at the Georgetown University National Center for Cultural Competence (NCCC).
In this role, he oversees the advancement of cultural and linguistic competence, diversity, equity, and inclusion for the Office of Persons with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)-Georgetown University NCCC Partnership for Systems Change. Prior to his work at the NCCC, Andy served as a Policy Advisor for the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment, collaborating with federal agencies to develop employment policies. He also worked as a System Change Advocate and Program Manager for Orange County and Los Angeles.
His expertise in policy development and DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) practices has earned him recognition as a national subject matter expert. In addition to his policy work, Andy is deeply involved in the entertainment industry. He has acted in numerous productions and had the privilege of working alongside renowned actors such as Tom Hanks, Mark Ruffalo, and Hilary Swank. As an accessibility consultant, he advises producers and directors on creating greater media visibility for people with disabilities.
Stay tuned for registration and program information