Leroy Stanford

SOAR365

Leroy Stanford is nominated for the Tom Miller Advocacy Award. Leroy's experience as a person with a disability and his passion for advocacy demonstrate that disability does not limit leadership, excellence, or impact. As a supervisor for SOAR365 on an AbilityOne contract at a DLA Visitor Center in Richmond, Virginia, Leroy leads a high-performing team and champions the belief that having a disability does not equate to an inability to thrive. Beyond his supervisory role, Leroy speaks to community organizations about accessibility, equity, and meaningful employment for people with disabilities. His advocacy expanded to the national stage in 2023 through SourceAmerica's Grassroots Advocacy Conference, where he has since emerged as a mentor to fellow advocates and a leader in conversations with Members of Congress to expand employment, reform SSI, and strengthen pathways to independence. Leroy's personal story—and his encouragement for others to share their own—illuminates systemic challenges and inspires change. His greatest strength lies not only in his voice but in how he empowers others, advancing the movement for disability inclusion nationwide.