Leroy Stanford

SOAR365

Leroy Stanford is nominated for the Tom Miller Advocacy Award. Stanford speaks from the heart when he shares his experience as a person with a disability to ensure people with disabilities are seen, heard, and valued in the workplace and society. Stanford is a supervisor for SOAR365 on an AbilityOne contract at the Defense Supply Center's Richmond Visitor Center in Virginia. Stanford has attended SourceAmerica’s Grassroots Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C. for the past four years. While meeting with members of Congress and staffers, he advocated for increasing the federal procurement goal for AbilityOne contracts from 0.55% to 1% to create more jobs for people with disabilities. He also educated lawmakers on the need for SSI reform and the challenges that come with working while living with a disability, including the loss of benefits. Stanford is also active in his community, engaging with local leaders and organizations to promote accessibility and opportunities for people with disabilities across Virginia.