Team
credit: Bryan Esler
Christopher Smit (he/him), PhD (University of Iowa), and Jill Vyn (she/her), MSW (University of Michigan) co-founded DisArt in 2015, an organization committed to advancing a cultural understanding of disability. By taking disability out of the space of speculation, mystery, or fear, and placing it in an historical and aesthetic context, DisArt amplifies the voice, visibility, and value of the disability community. Through public speaking, publication, cutting-edge programming, and organizational consulting, Smit and Vyn have become respected voices throughout the world.
James Ian (he/him) is an actor, singer, songwriter, speaker, and writer, as well as a two-time Georgetown University alumni. He received his undergraduate degree from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business and his J.D. from the Georgetown University Law Center. A Maryland native, Ian now resides in Los Angeles where he continues to pursue his passion for art, all while advocating for authentic disability representation in the arts and entertainment industry. He loves discussing all things disability, and Ian himself has two disabilities (Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 3, which is a neuromuscular disorder, and Parsonage-Turner Syndrome, which is a neurological disorder). A a consultant working with DisArt, James provides essential strategy, presentation and business development support.
Hanbyul Chung (she/her) joined DisArt in September 2020. She champions equality and diversity, specifically believing that they’re essential in the Disabled community. Hanbyul’s expertise lies in writing and editing, and she has an affinity for reading and traveling. In additional to being an active member of DisArt’s social media team, Hanbyul supports the organization through grant writing and communications strategy.
Dominick Harper (he/him) joined DisArt in September 2020. He is a disability rights advocate and a hip hop artist. He believes in breaking disability stereotypes portrayed in the mainstream media. Dominick also believes that all voices should be heard, and that art is the greatest human connector that will cross boundaries between race, religion, disabled, non-disabled, and sexual identity. Dominick helps manage DisArt’s social media and is our newest addition to the DisTopia podcast interview team.
Amanda Jurysta (she/her) joined DisArt’s social media team in January 2021.
Inês Mália Sarmento (she/her) joined DisArt’s social media team in January 2021.
Board
The DisArt Board of Directors includes representatives from professional and private sectors with expertise in disability advocacy, disability art and media, nonprofit organizational development, business and professional strategy, user experience, technology, and executive leadership.
- David Rosen, Chair
- Christian Gaines, Vice Chair
- Jim Pike, Treasurer
- Erik Loehfelm, Director
- Kate Wolters, Director
- Lawrence Carter-Long, Director
- Mary Fashik, Director
- Ruth Fabby Mbe, Director
- Tom di Maria, Director
Prior Board Members