An Interview With Vanessa Ogle
Perseverance is key in building inclusive communities. It’s important to recognize that progress is not always linear. Continuing successful programs or events, such as inclusive job fairs, ensures sustained momentum. Partnering with organizations to support ongoing initiatives fosters independence and self-confidence within the disability community.
In a world where diversity is often acknowledged but not always celebrated, we are taking a step forward to highlight the importance of inclusivity in building strong, vibrant communities. This series aims to explore the various facets of diversity — be it racial, cultural, gender-based, or within the differently-abled community — and understand how embracing these differences strengthens our social fabric. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Angel Ponce.
Angel Ponce serves as the Director of the City of Houston Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD), bringing forth a wealth of experience in advocacy and government spanning 13 years within city governance. In 2004, following a spinal cord injury resulting from a vehicular accident, Ponce transitioned to life as a wheelchair user.
In his capacity, Ponce spearheads the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, orchestrating efforts to ensure the comprehensive participation and integration of all citizens. He advocates for the rights and necessities of residents with disabilities, acting as a crucial liaison between the City of Houston Mayor, city council, various city departments, and other public and private entities, particularly in matters pertaining to individuals with disabilities.
Ponce’s educational background is anchored by a bachelor’s degree in leadership and management from the University of Houston, further enriching his capabilities in leading initiatives that foster inclusivity and accessibility within the community.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion about celebrating diversity, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
As a native of Mexico who grew up in Houston’s Gulfton Area during the early 1990s, I witnessed firsthand the impact of a declining economy in the previous decade. This economic downturn led to a surge in crime, ultimately resulting in what became known as the Gulfton Ghetto. During this turbulent time, I found myself making decisions that did not align with a path toward success.
In 2004, a tragic automobile accident took the life of my friend and left me paralyzed from the waist down, altering the course of my life dramatically. Permanently confined to a wheelchair for mobility, I realized the need for significant change. I began volunteering for the City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Gang Prevention and Intervention, recognizing the opportunity to make a positive difference in my community. This volunteer work eventually led to a part-time administrative role, which later evolved into a full-time position through several promotions.
Can you share an interesting or hopeful story where spending time with someone who did not look like you or who was different from you taught you something that has been useful to you?
As Director of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, I have the privilege of encountering individuals who embody diversity in every sense of the word. Each day brings new interactions with people of varied cultural backgrounds, abilities and beliefs. In these encounters, I’ve discovered a profound truth: there is beauty in our differences, and endless wisdom to be gained through understanding and acceptance. True progress for creating inclusive communities comes when we develop patience, empathy and respect for all individuals.
You are a successful leader. Which three-character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
I pride myself on being innovative, especially in my role as the leader of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities. When I took on the directorship, our office was inundated with requests for case management assistance, particularly exacerbated by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. To address this, I spearheaded efforts to secure additional resources through the American Rescue Plan Act. With the city’s approval, we hired three new team members, leading to a 200% increase in services compared to 2020.
Collaboration has been instrumental in our success. Weekly all-staff meetings foster open dialogue, allowing every team member to contribute ideas and decisions collectively. This inclusive approach ensures alignment with our goals while respecting diverse perspectives and priorities.
Lastly, my unwavering passion for inclusion drives me and my team. Inspired by my grandfather’s wisdom, I firmly believe that passion motivates and inspires others to excel. It is this enthusiasm that propels us to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness in our efforts to advance inclusion for individuals living and working with disabilities in Houston.
Can you share a personal story that highlights the impact of diversity and inclusivity in your life or career?
When I was a volunteer with the City of Houston I crossed paths with Jay Stiteley, the former Director of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities. Our initial encounter was somewhat uncomfortable for me, as I was unfamiliar with interacting with individuals with disabilities and the disabled community. Jay, who was blind, corrected my ignorance when I attempted to pet his working guide dog. Despite my embarrassment, little did I know that this encounter would lead to a significant career opportunity.
Months later, I came across a job opening within the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities and decided to apply, despite my earlier faux pas. To my surprise, Jay was the hiring manager for the position and ultimately chose to hire me.
Joining the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities opened my eyes to the diverse experiences of individuals with disabilities beyond my own. Through daily interactions with community leaders and members who have disabilities, my understanding and empathy grew exponentially.
Inspired by these encounters, I developed a passion for advocating for the rights of Houstonians with disabilities. Today, I am honored to serve as the Director of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, striving to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all members of our community.
How do you approach and manage the challenges that arise when working towards creating more inclusive communities?
Creating truly inclusive communities requires providing opportunities for everyone to feel valued and heard. Disability education and awareness presentations are key to achieving this goal. We not only develop presentations internally but also collaborate with external agencies to foster more inclusive practices within their organizations. By offering education on the daily challenges and needs of people with disabilities, we promote empathy and understanding. Increased awareness, both individually and organizationally, leads to a greater prioritization of access and inclusion, ultimately fostering more inclusive communities.
Open dialogue is essential for fostering inclusive communities, and a key aspect of this dialogue is ensuring the active involvement and inclusion of individuals with disabilities. This principle is encapsulated in the colloquial saying, “nothing about us, without us.” True inclusivity goes beyond merely inviting people to the conversation; it also entails enhancing the accessibility of that conversation. This involves creating environments and platforms that accommodate diverse needs and perspectives, ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to participate and be heard. By prioritizing accessibility in dialogue, we can cultivate spaces where all voices are valued and respected, leading to more inclusive and equitable outcomes.
Since assuming the role of Director with the City of Houston, I’ve had the privilege of overseeing a team that has grown to include eight dedicated members. What sets us apart is not just our numbers, but the rich diversity that we embody. Among us, there are individuals who utilize mobility aids, others with various access needs and one member who relies on a service dog. Moreover, our team boasts fluency in languages such as Spanish, American Sign Language, or both. This intentional effort to assemble a team that mirrors the diversity and inclusivity of Houston has been transformative. It enables us to engage with constituents on a deeper level, meeting them exactly where they are and fostering trust within our community. By embracing our differences and leveraging our unique perspectives, we can better serve the needs of all Houstonians, ensuring that no voice goes unheard.
What innovative strategies or initiatives have you implemented or observed that effectively promote the importance of diversity and inclusivity?
I’ve actively fostered diversity and inclusion in Houston by celebrating the lives and achievements of individuals with disabilities. One significant event is the Annual Mayor’s Disability Celebration, which unites the disability community through performances and the Champion of Inclusion Awards. These awards, my personal highlight, recognize the efforts of individuals, businesses and nonprofits dedicated to promoting diversity, equality, accessibility and inclusion.
Additionally, the Houston ReelAbilities Film & Arts Festival, produced in collaboration with JFS Alexander Institute for Inclusion, provides a platform to showcase the talents and stories of people with disabilities. With generous support from Lead Sponsor TIRR Memorial Hermann and many more, the citywide festival features films, art, performances and speakers to inspire inclusivity and diversity. The festival led to the creation of the Houston Civic Award for Disability Inclusion, honoring public servants and entities actively championing diversity, equity, and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.
Furthermore, our ADA Self Evaluation and Transition Plan is pivotal in advancing accessibility and inclusivity in Houston. This long-term initiative ensures that all city facilities, programs, and services comply with ADA standards. Beyond enhancing access for people with disabilities, the plan also mitigates risks, improves data sharing and optimizes the city’s resources for asset improvement. I take great pride in our dedication to this project, as it underscores our city’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity effectively.
In your opinion, what are the key elements that make a community truly inclusive, and how can these be fostered on a larger scale?
Understanding the unique needs of each community is crucial for fostering engagement and participation. Initially, it is essential to identify underrepresented groups within the community. Once identified, consulting these groups can reveal the challenges they encounter, particularly regarding access to housing, employment and social activities.
In the disabled community, there is often reluctance to engage in government-related activities due to mistrust or lack of motivation. Many individuals also doubt the significance of their voices. Building trust and providing programs and services that restore faith in local government, such as those offered by the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, is paramount for fostering inclusivity.
To ensure accessibility, our office implements communication methods that cater to all individuals. For instance, when disseminating information via social media or other electronic platforms, we embed alternate text in images to accommodate users relying on screen reader software. This approach ensures equal access to information for all members of the community.
Moreover, proactive outreach is key. We actively disseminate information about our services and programs in venues where the disability community convenes, such as the monthly Houston Commission on Disabilities meetings. This not only keeps the community informed but also provides a platform for gathering feedback, enabling us to tailor our services to current needs effectively.
Based on your experience and research, can you please share “5 Ways We Can Build Inclusive Communities”?
1. Engaging with influential disability leaders and advocates is paramount. These individuals often serve as the voice of the disability community. For instance, my office regularly participates in meetings with counterparts from other cities to exchange insights on barriers and solutions to promote inclusivity.
2. Bringing together a diverse representation of people with disabilities is essential. It’s crucial to ensure equal access to power, respect and decision-making opportunities for all community members during initiatives aimed at advancing inclusion.
3. Promoting the importance of inclusion involves implementing accessible communication strategies, infrastructure and highlighting initiatives like the Houston Commission on Disabilities at relevant events.
4. Celebrating and raising awareness of the successes of the disability community is vital. Events like the Annual Mayor’s Disability Celebration provide a platform to showcase achievements and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. Similarly, acknowledging the accomplishments of individuals and teams practicing inclusion fosters collaboration and diversity.
5. Perseverance is key in building inclusive communities. It’s important to recognize that progress is not always linear. Continuing successful programs or events, such as inclusive job fairs, ensures sustained momentum. Partnering with organizations to support ongoing initiatives fosters independence and self-confidence within the disability community.
How do you measure the impact and success of diversity and inclusion efforts, and what changes have you seen as a result of these initiatives?
Achieving success means enabling people with disabilities to engage fully in all aspects of community life. This includes not only having access to recreational activities, social gatherings and professional opportunities, but also, being actively involved and valued members of their communities.
When individuals with disabilities are able to participate fully, it leads to significant positive impacts. They can lead fulfilling lives alongside their peers, forming meaningful connections with neighbors, friends, and colleagues. This sense of belonging and inclusion enhances their overall well-being and contributes to the richness and diversity of community life.
By fostering a culture of equity and inclusion, the City of Houston can undergo transformative changes. These changes involve not only removing physical barriers but also addressing attitudinal and societal barriers that prevent full participation. Ultimately, creating a more equitable and inclusive culture benefits everyone, leading to a stronger and more vibrant community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be?
I would initiate a movement focused on enhancing voting access and employment initiatives. This movement would aim to empower individuals by ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities to participate in the democratic process through accessible voting methods and resources.
How can our readers further follow you online?
- Website: City of Houston — MOPD
- Instagram: coh_mopd
- Facebook: Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you continued success in your great work!
About The Interviewer: Vanessa Ogle is a mom, entrepreneur, inventor, writer, and singer/songwriter. Vanessa’s talent in building world-class leadership teams focused on diversity, a culture of service, and innovation through inclusion allowed her to be one of the most acclaimed Latina CEO’s in the last 30 years. She collaborated with the world’s leading technology and content companies such as Netflix, Amazon, HBO, and Broadcom to bring innovative solutions to travelers and hotels around the world. Vanessa is the lead inventor on 120+ U.S. Patents. Accolades include: FAST 100, Entrepreneur 360 Best Companies, Inc. 500 and then another six times on the Inc. 5000. Vanessa was personally honored with Inc. 100 Female Founder’s Award, Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and Enterprising Women of the Year among others. Vanessa now spends her time sharing stories to inspire and give hope through articles, speaking engagements and music. In her spare time she writes and plays music in the Amazon best selling new band HigherHill, teaches surfing clinics, trains dogs, and cheers on her children.
Please connect with Vanessa here on linkedin and subscribe to her newsletter Unplugged as well as follow her on Substack, Instagram, Facebook, and X and of course on her website VanessaOgle.
Celebrating Diversity: Angel Ponce On How To Build Inclusive Communities was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.