Houston Mayor Whitmire Names New Metro Board Member
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November 6, 2024 ~ Houston Mayor Appoints Disability Advocate to METRO Board of Directors

In a unanimous decision, the City Council has approved Mayor John Whitmire's appointment of Angel Ponce to the METRO Board of Directors. Ponce, who currently serves as the director of the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD), brings over 15 years of experience in advocating for individuals with disabilities and historically underrepresented groups.

Ponce's journey as a disability advocate began in 2004 when he sustained a spinal cord injury in a vehicular accident, resulting in him becoming a wheelchair user. This personal experience has given him firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by people with disabilities in the Houston Metropolitan area. Since then, he has dedicated himself to serving as an advocate for their rights and needs.

During Wednesday's city council meeting, Mayor Whitmire expressed his excitement about Ponce's appointment, stating that it is one of the most rewarding things he gets to do as mayor. He also praised Ponce for his dedication and understanding of the community's needs, saying that his leadership will be a valuable asset to both the City of Houston and METRO.

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Ponce's extensive experience in both advocacy and government service provision makes him well-suited for this role. As MOPD Director, he leads efforts to ensure comprehensive access and integration for all citizens. One notable initiative is the pedestrian access and review program, which aims to bring sidewalks to neighborhoods with limited mobility residents. He also serves as a crucial liaison between the City of Houston Mayor, city council, various city departments, and other public and private entities.

METRO Chairman Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock expressed her confidence in Ponce's abilities, stating that his experience and insight will complement the Board's commitment to growing ridership while highlighting accessibility as an essential aspect of customer experience.

Aside from his role at MOPD, Ponce also plays an integral part in various special projects, including the Annual Disability Emergency Preparedness Workshop, the Houston Disability Celebration, and the Annual Reel Abilities Art and Film Festival. He also conducts disability awareness workshops for employers and educational presentations for youth and professionals. In partnership with local organizations, Ponce has also assisted in connecting people with disabilities to durable medical equipment and resources in the aftermath of natural disasters.

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In his remarks, Ponce shared his personal experience with METRO's services, stating that they played a crucial role in helping him regain his independence after becoming disabled. He expressed his honor at being appointed to the METRO Board of Directors and his commitment to delivering equal, safe, clean, viable, and accessible public transportation for all Houstonians.

Ponce's educational background includes a bachelor's degree in leadership and management from the University of Houston. He is also the co-founder of the National Coalition for Latinxs with Disabilities (CNLD), further showcasing his dedication to promoting inclusivity and accessibility within the Houston community.

Ponce's appointment is effective immediately, replacing Chad McMillan, who stepped down to focus on his health. With Ponce's expertise and passion for advocating for individuals with disabilities, it is expected that he will make a significant impact on METRO's efforts to provide accessible public transportation for all Houstonians.

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