Disability Rights Fund Appoints Connie Laurin-Bowie as Executive Director
Disability Rights Fund (DRF) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Connie Laurin-Bowie as our new Executive Director. Following an extensive global search, Connie will assume leadership on April 15, 2025, succeeding our Interim Executive Director, Lorraine Wapling.
Connie’s vast experience and values align strongly with DRF’s purpose and evolution. She brings over 30 years of expertise in advocacy, movement building, international development and public policy, having served as the Executive Director of Inclusion International for 15 years.
A globally recognized leader in disability rights and inclusion, Connie played a pivotal role in successfully negotiating critical articles on inclusive education, legal capacity, and the right to live in the community for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). She has been instrumental in supporting persons with intellectual disabilities to actively participate in decision-making processes and in advocacy efforts.
Her leadership in advancing disability inclusion within complex governmental and UN systems has driven meaningful change, demonstrating her ability to build strong, diverse partnerships. Connie’s successes in introducing disability rights in non-traditional arenas will help DRF forge new alliances and increase opportunities for promoting inclusion.
Connie Laurin-Bowie“I am thrilled to be joining the team at DRF and to contribute to the continued success of its impactful work in advancing disability rights. In this challenging time for disability rights organizations and advocates, it is more important than ever that we unite to create a future where disability rights are fully respected. I look forward to helping drive DRF’s vision forward and working together to make lasting change.”
As we welcome Connie, we extend our deepest gratitude to Lorraine Wapling for her steady leadership and guidance during this period of transition. Lorraine has provided invaluable support since DRF’s inception, and we are grateful she will continue to accompany us through the remainder of the interim period, ensuring a smooth transition.
Amid harmful cuts to foreign assistance and setbacks for global disability rights, DRF’s strategic plan, Disability-Led Futures for a Just World, is a powerful roadmap for sustaining disability rights movements, building transformative partnerships, and influencing philanthropy. We are confident that under Connie’s leadership, DRF will continue to drive forward our bold vision—disability rights for everyone, everywhere.
Please join us in giving Connie a warm welcome as she begins this new journey with DRF!