Known for her authenticity, transparency, and vulnerability, Bela unapologetically disrupts spaces to create change. She leverages her lived experiences and intersectional identities as a neurodivergent, queer, and physically disabled Latina to educate folks on disability, accessibility, diversity, inclusion, and equity. Since becoming Co-Lead of Pantheon’s LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group, Pridetheon, Bela has introduced speaker sessions, bringing in intersectional LGBTQ+ folks to discuss targeted topics. She has been instrumental in creating awareness for accessibility issues, as well as diversity initiatives focused on marginalized groups, to include an LGBTQ+ focus. Bela also volunteers as a member of Pantheon’s Diversity Task Force, working to embed equity, inclusion, and belonging while driving organizational change. Externally, Bela recently spoke at the Lesbians Who Tech Summit in San Francisco, as well as at the Accessible and Inclusive Design Conference on inclusive accessibility and the importance of providing digitally accessible spaces that prioritize psychological safety, diversity, and amplifying underrepresented groups. She is a former volunteer crisis counselor with The Trevor Project, a nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention efforts among LGBTQ+ youth and young adults. During Mental Health Awareness Month, she also spoke at Egencia, an American Express GBT company, discussing how intersectional identities impact mental health.
