Late 2022 saw us welcome three new trustees to our Board, and we are pleased to announce them here.
Nom Mbambo
Nom has been a member of RiDC’s panel for two years and has taken part in many different research projects. She has also represented the RiDC panel in the media – giving her thoughts on topical issues affecting disabled people today.
Nom is an advocate for equity and a society that empowers disabled people to claim the right to live their lives to the fullest.
She says:
“RiDC gives a voice to disabled and elderly people in a way that most don’t. There are a lot of organisations that believe they speak and act on behalf of disabled and elderly people when they do not. In order to be able to say that - you must have the group of people you’re claiming to speak or act for, be part of the whole conversation. At RiDC every panel member is a disabled or elderly person, this means everything put out by RiDC is coming straight from the very people being spoken about. This makes the work we do important because the information is true, not assumptions from people who believe they know what is best for us without asking us. RiDC is a leading example of what it means and looks like to act on the needs of the people, the people here being the disabled and the elderly.”
“I feel very strongly about taking part in making a difference, l recognise that sometimes as a person you must be part of the solution so, that is what l wanted to be. Being a RiDC Board Trustee gives me the opportunity to sit at a table with like-minded people, bring our heads together in figuring out difficulties faced by disabled and elderly people and together find solutions.”
Sandra Witzel
Sandra has almost two decades of marketing experience, with a major focus on technology-based, disruptive and fast-growing businesses. As CMO and board director for SkedGo, a Mobility-as-a-Service technology company, she is at the forefront of enabling a greener, more sustainable future for transport.
Sandra says:
"RiDC fills a crucial gap in giving disabled and older user groups a much needed voice and influence in shaping how we live and work, but also providing practical and constructive learnings for businesses, government and organisations."
"I hope I can contribute to this important mission with my experience as a senior executive, disabled consumer and advocate for inclusive and accessible transport."
Gregory Smith
Greg runs his own user-research and service design consultancy, having held previous roles at eBay Europe, LBiDigitas, the Disability Rights Commission, and as founder of Verko – a retailer of inclusively designed products.
Greg says:
“The more progressive public & private sector organisations are realising that they need to more fully understand the needs of their citizens and consumers and provide inclusively design products and services for an ageing population and disabled people. Most however do not have the knowledge or expertise to do this and that is where RiDC comes in. Consulting, educating and connecting organisations to people with lived experiences of disability and ageing to inform a new generation of products and services that are truly inclusive.”
“I have been a long-time follower of RiDC and when I saw the opportunity to become a trustee, the charity's aims closely aligned with my background and interests in inclusive design, user research, digital technologies, disability & ageing. I believe I can make a contribution to help RiDC meet its aim of an inclusive and accessible life for all, by increasing RiDCs research impact and reach.”
We welcome all our new trustees in helping us to advance a society that is accessible and inclusive for all, regardless of age or ability.
