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: David Steinmetz (Arizona Industries for the Blind)
  • Vice Chair: Cindy Garfio (Community Member)
  • Secretary: David Steinmetz (Arizona Industries for the Blind
  • Treasurer: Lily Bogan (Community Member)
  • Chair Accessibility/Accommodations Committee: Cindy Garfio (Community Member)
  • Chair Exhibitor Committee: Bea Shapiro (Community Member)
  • Chair Public Information Committee: David Steinmetz (Arizona Industries for the Blind)
  • Chair Speakers: David Steinmetz (Arizona Industries for the Blind)
  • Chair Sponsorship Committee: Richard Liebhaber (Community Member)
  • Chair Volunteer Committee: Megan Duwyenie (Arizona Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired)
  • Chair Venue Committee: Lily Bogan (Community Member)
  • Board Members:
    • Marco Trujillo (biped)
    • 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)
    • Jeff Bishop (University of Arizona)
    • Anat Nulman (Assistive.Consulting)
    • Dan Martinez (Community Member)
    • Elizabeth Thompson (Talking Book Library)
    • Sue Lehew (Community Member)
    • Teresssa Fax (TATP LLC)

Honorary Board Members

  • Carlos Grandela (Viewfinder)
  • Christine Tuttle (Community Member)
  • Jordan Moon (SAAVI)
  • Mares J Wright (Sun Sounds)
  • Tom Simmons (Community Member)