Paraquad Hires Local Equity and Inclusion Champion for Development and Marketing Position
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Paraquad Hires Local Equity and Inclusion Champion for Development and Marketing Position
ST. LOUIS (February 2022) — Paraquad has hired Melissa Brickey as Senior Director of Development and Marketing. Brickey has served for the last two and half years as Executive Director of Diversity Awareness Partnership (DAP).
While at DAP, Brickey ushered the advancement of DAP’s vision of inclusive communities, where diversity is respected and embraced, and equity is the norm. She is thrilled to remain in the equity and inclusion space. An amputee for almost 30 years, and a lifelong advocate for people with disabilities, Brickey is excited to be an integral part of advocating for equity and inclusion for people with disabilities.
“Paraquad’s driving values of dignity, equity, opportunity, inclusion, and self-determination are deeply meaningful to me on a very personal level. I am so incredibly excited and happy to be a part of a mission that is committed to equity and systemic change,” said Brickey.
Brickey is well acquainted with Paraquad’s mission and values, having served on its Board of Directors and the advisory committee for the Stephen A. Orthwein Center since its early conception. A daily swimmer, she is very committed to equitable access to sports and athletics for people with disabilities.
“Paraquad unabashedly insists that every voice matters as we strive for an integrated society free of barriers and discrimination where disability is viewed as a natural part of human diversity. I look forward to working closely with the Paraquad team to grow and to amplify the voice of and partner with people with disabilities to live their best lives,” said Brickey.
Brickey has had an extensive career in the non-profit sector, focusing on equity and inclusion. Prior to her position at DAP, Melissa previously served as the Vice President of Advancement for Rosati-Kain High School, and as a Program Director, Operations Director, and Executive Director for De La Salle, Inc.
“We are so excited for Melissa to join our organization. She is an incredible fit and exemplifies our mission and values. As we continue to work toward making independence accessible, Melissa’s work will be a cornerstone on which we build,” said Aimee Wehmeier, Paraquad President.
About Paraquad: Paraquad is a leading disability services provider in the St. Louis region. Paraquad champions equity and independence for people with disabilities through services, partnerships, education, and advocacy. As one of the oldest Centers for Independent Living in the United States, Paraquad is a pioneer in furthering opportunities for people with disabilities. More than half of Paraquad staff and board members have a disability
