My name is Leo Manriquez.
I am the Access Assistant at Disability Connection Midsouth. My first introduction to the center was through volunteering and attending their community events. At the time, I knew there was something wonderful about the center, but I wouldn’t have expected to now be working here since April 2024!
I am a recent graduate from the University of Memphis,
class of 2024. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree with two majors. One is in Communication with a concentration in Film and Video Production. The other is in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies. It was through the latter department that I learned about the internship opportunity at Disability Connection Midsouth.
During my Summer 2023 internship, I was able to grow my soft skills and meet my amazing (and future) coworkers. I am so proud of my time as an intern and I will always cherish the memories we created (e.g., my first Access Awards)!
I am usually the first point of contact for people that call or visit our office. Then I connect them to our resources and independent living specialists. Additionally, I help with everyday office tasks whether that be through assisting our team, the upkeep of our website, and completing outreach and event goals. Lastly, I help coordinate the Grey Panthers, the center’s peer support group for Seniors, with their monthly meetings and communications.
I am not only excited about my future post-graduation, but I am also elated to be a part of the Disability Connection Midsouth team and our future.
