KAELA DENNY

I was selected by the West Suburban Philanthropy Network to be the 2024 Young Philanthropist of the Year. This award is in recognition of my year's work on disability rights and policies.

I was appointed to be a board member at the Lake County Center for Independent Living. LCCIL has a vision to create a fully accessible and inclusive society where people with disabilities make their own life decisions.

I am a board member for the Alliance's Advocate Bureau. The Alliance's Advocate Bureau is working to amass a team of advocates to change legislation concerning disability rights.

I was a resource to guide individuals with disabilities and their allies on the path to become a self advocate at the Chicagoland Autism Connection Spring Fling.

Traveled to both Springfield, IL and Washington D.C. to influence disability policy by both speaking to elected officials and continuing my education in self advocacy.