About Us


VRATE Board of Directors, comprised of stakeholders/professionals in the blindness and DeafBlind communities including community members, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and commercial companies working together to plan and execute the annual VRATE Conference.

Board Members


  • Chair: Lily Bogan (Community Member)
  • Vice Chair: Christine Tuttle (Arizona Talking Book Library, Outreach & Community Engagement Librarian)
  • Secretary: David Steinmetz (Arizona Industries for the Blind, Public Relations Manager)
  • Treasurer: Eddie Richardson (Lions Foundation of Arizona)
  • Chair Accessibility/Accommodations Committee: Catherine Sienko (DES/RSA)
  • Chair Exhibitor Committee: Christine Tuttle (Arizona Talking Book Library, Outreach & Community Engagement Librarian)
  • Chair Public Information Committee: David Steinmetz (Arizona Industries for the Blind, Public Relations Manager)
  • Chair Speakers’ Committee: Dan Martinez (Community Member)
  • Chair Sponsorship Committee: Tom Simmons (Community Member)
  • Chair Volunteer Committee: Lindsey McHugh (Community Member)
  • Chair Venue Committee: Lily Bogan (Community Member)
  • Board Members:
    • Cindy Garfio (Community Member)
    • Megan Duwyenie (Arizona Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired, Employment Specialist)
    • Niraj Parikh (Foundation for Blind Children, CATT Program Coordinator)
    • Rachel Kuntz (Saavi Services for the Blind, Fundraising Manager)
    • Bea Shapiro (Community Member)

Honorary Board Members


  • Dr. Carlos Grandela (ViewFinder Low Vision Center)
  • Jordan Moon (SAAVI Services for the Blind, Site Manager)
  • Mares J Wright (Sun Sounds AZ)