Marlene Sallo

Marlene Sallo is a prominent attorney and advocate known for her significant contributions to disability rights and civil rights. Currently, she serves as the Executive Director of the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), where she is recognized as the first woman, first Latina, and first person with a disability to hold this position.123

Career Background

Before her role at NDRN, Sallo was the Director of Preventing Targeted Violence at the McCain Institute for International Leadership. In this position, she oversaw international programs aimed at addressing targeted hate-based violence and domestic terrorism. Her responsibilities included managing training, grants, technical assistance, and providing information resources related to these issues.123

Sallo's career has been marked by her dedication to advocacy for people with disabilities. She previously served as the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Disability Law Center, where she focused on legal services for individuals with disabilities and worked on issues related to child welfare and special education.12 Additionally, she was appointed by President Barack Obama as the staff director of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights in 2013 and later held a position at the U.S. Department of Justice Community Relations Service as chief of staff and senior counsel.12

Education

Marlene Sallo holds a Bachelor of Arts from Manhattanville College and a Juris Doctor from Florida State University.13

Advocacy Focus

Sallo is particularly passionate about amplifying the voices of marginalized communities within the disability rights movement, emphasizing the intersectionality of disability with identities such as LGBTQIA+, non-native English speakers, and people of color. She believes that inclusive advocacy is crucial for effective change.123

Her leadership in various capacities has made her a notable figure in advancing civil rights and advocating for those with disabilities in the United States.