Join us for Breaking Boundaries: Challenging Ableism — an insightful evening with disability advocate Tiffany Yu, poet and storyteller Rick Dove, and more. This powerful conversation will unpack the realities of ableism, share personal experiences, and explore actionable ways to build a more inclusive world.
From breaking down societal barriers to celebrating the strength and resilience of disabled communities, our speakers will challenge perceptions and inspire change. Whether you’re an advocate, ally, or looking to learn more, this event will leave you empowered and equipped to challenge ableism in your own circles.
Panelists
@Tiffany Yu
Tiffany Yu is the CEO & Founder of Diversability, a 3x TEDx speaker, and the author of The Anti-Ableist Manifesto: Smashing Stereotypes, Forging Change, and Building a Disability-Inclusive World. She started her career at Goldman Sachs before becoming a speaker and writer on disability. At the age of 9, Tiffany became disabled as a result of a car accident that also took the life of her father.
@Dr. S.M Rodriguez
Dr. S.M. Rodriguez is a scholar-activist and Assistant Professor of Gender, Rights, and Human Rights. Their research examines the impacts of racialisation, criminalisation, ableism, and gendered control on people of African descent. They are the author of *The Economies of Queer Inclusion: Transnational Organizing for LGBTI Rights in Uganda* (2019), which explores the effects of transnational advocacy on Uganda's LGBTI movement during the "Kill the Gays Bill" period. Dr. Rodriguez's current projects include a monograph on abolitionist feminist praxis across Africa, the Caribbean, and their diasporas. They also lead the Nonbinary Identity Project and initiatives like Black Queer Movements and The Black Professors Pipeline. A Research Member of the Mannheim Centre for Criminology, Dr. Rodriguez’s expertise spans transnational social movements, penal abolition, queer theory, and transformative justice, making significant contributions to scholarship, legal practice, and activism.
@Rick Dove
Rick Dove is a queer, disabled, and neurodivergent writer and activist from South London. Widely anthologised since 2016, Rick has brought his signature blend of lyrical storytelling to stages across the UK and internationally, becoming UK National Poetry Slam Champion in 2021. Equally at home on a stage, a page, or a march, Rick has a vision of a fairer world and he wants to take you with him.
Hosted by
@Chantelle Young
Chantelle Young is a dynamic leader with over a decade of experience in strategic roles spanning education, community building, and entrepreneurship. As Programme Lead at Tech Nation, she has spearheaded initiatives like Libra, Creo, and Rising Stars to support diverse founders and drive innovation across the UK tech ecosystem. Chantelle’s career is defined by her commitment to equity and amplifying underrepresented voices. She has developed award-winning educational programmes reaching over 1,200 schools and built global communities to support entrepreneurs. Her expertise includes strategic partnerships, team leadership, and executing programs that align with both organisational goals and societal impact. Through Libra, she empowers underrepresented founders with resources and mentorship; Creo supports disabled and neurodiverse entrepreneurs; and Rising Stars enhances visibility for early-stage startups. Passionate about systemic change, Chantelle continues to shape inclusive ecosystems at the intersection of technology, education, and community impact.
*Please note The Common Press is wheelchair accessible. Our toilets are currently unavailable but you will be directed to the nearest toilets next door.