FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 1, 2025
BERKELEY, CA — The Board of Directors of DREDF is proud to announce the appointment of seasoned disability rights leader Michelle Uzeta as the organization’s permanent Executive Director, following her year of service in an acting capacity. This leadership transition reflects Michelle’s decades-long commitment to disability justice, her deep understanding of DREDF’s mission, and her proven ability to guide the organization with integrity, clarity, and resolve during an especially challenging time for civil and human rights.
Michelle brings more than 30 years of experience as a disability rights attorney, advocate, and movement leader. Her career has been defined by landmark litigation, high-impact policy advocacy, and a steadfast commitment to advancing the rights of people with disabilities—particularly those at the intersections of multiple systems of marginalization. She has held leadership roles at several disability rights organizations, litigated precedent-setting cases under the ADA, Section 504, the Fair Housing Act, and other federal and state civil rights laws, and worked closely with community partners, coalitions, and grassroots advocates to expand access, equity, and justice nationwide.
During her year as Interim Executive Director, Michelle strengthened DREDF’s organizational infrastructure, advanced its legal and policy advocacy, expanded its partnerships, and helped solidify DREDF’s role as a national leader in disability rights. Her thoughtful, steady leadership has guided staff and partners through a period marked by escalating threats to civil rights protections, ensuring that DREDF remains a powerful and principled voice for equality and justice.
In accepting the permanent role, Michelle shared:
“I am honored to step into this position at such a pivotal moment. We are living through turbulent times when disability rights, and civil rights more broadly, are increasingly under attack. I am deeply committed to supporting our dedicated staff, partnering with our communities, and guiding DREDF’s work to defend and advance the rights of people with disabilities. I could not be more proud of this organization or more energized for the work ahead.”
DREDF Board Chair Steve Kaye celebrated the appointment, stating:
“Our decision to appoint Michelle as Executive Director reflects her proven dedication, her clarity of purpose, and her ability to lead with both vision and compassion. Under her leadership, we look forward to deepening DREDF’s impact and responding effectively to the urgent challenges faced by the disability community.”
Michelle’s decades of expertise, her vision for the future, and her unwavering commitment to justice will help ensure that DREDF continues to lead the nation in advancing the civil and human rights of people with disabilities.
Please join us in congratulating Michelle Uzeta and celebrating this exciting new chapter for DREDF.
Media Contact
Tina Pinedo
Communications Director
(510) 644-2555
media@dredf.org
About Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund
Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF), based in Berkeley, California, is a national nonprofit law and policy center dedicated to advancing and protecting the civil and human rights of people with disabilities. Founded in 1979 by people with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities, DREDF remains board- and staff-led by members of the communities for whom we advocate. DREDF pursues its mission through education, advocacy, and law reform efforts, and is committed to increasing accessible and equally effective healthcare for people with disabilities. DREDF supports legal protections for all diversity and minority communities, including the intersectional interests of people within those communities who also have disabilities.