The five esteemed honorees include Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, who will receive the Elevate Award. Mayor Baraka is recognized nationally as a thought leader in the field of urban revitalization. He has also gained acclaim for his commitment to reducing crime in Newark and reimagining public safety by treating it as a public health issue. Mayor Baraka opened the Shani Baraka Women’s Resource Center to provide complete care for women and families in crisis and transition. Under his leadership, the city has also undertaken a major effort to provide holistic care for residents without addresses. While serving as Mayor of Newark, he was also President of the NJ Urban Mayors Association and now its President Emeritus; Executive Board Member for the NJ League of Municipalities; Co-Chair of the National League of Cities Reimaging Public Safety Task Force; U.S. Conference of Mayors – Vice Chair for Ports, Transportation, and Communications Committee; and Member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Local Government Advisory Committee.
Liza Lawrence will be presented with the Impact Award. Lawrence is an award-winning healthcare executive, community advocate, and visionary nonprofit leader with more than 15 years of experience in healthcare operations and a deep-rooted commitment to autism awareness and advocacy. She is the founder and CEO of Perfect Connection, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2019. Perfect Connection was born from Lawrence’s firsthand experience navigating the complexities of raising two sons on the autism spectrum. Determined to ensure that other families have better access to resources, education, and support, she created the organization as a comprehensive platform for change. Under her leadership, Perfect Connection has directly impacted the lives of more than 500 children.
Maliaka Mitchell will receive the Empower Award. As the founder of Maliaka & Associates, she provides culturally competent, person-centered behavioral services across South California, including skills training and parent mentorship. Mitchell holds a Master of Science in Counseling with a focus on Rehabilitation and has contributed her expertise to initiatives such as police disability training, international outreach, and work at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Mitchell is a dedicated advocate, educator, and leader with more than 20 years of experience in the developmental disability field. With expertise in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and a foundation in special education, she has impacted countless lives through evidence-based interventions, program development, and inclusive advocacy.
Andrew Burger will be presented with the Encourage Award. Burger is a gifted artist, dedicated educator, and powerful voice within the autism community. Andrew, who is autistic himself, was nonverbal until the age of 4 and received special education services throughout his school years. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and Graphic Design from the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University and creates stunning artwork on commission. In addition to his artistic pursuits, Burger serves as a Registered Behavior Technician, working in both school and home settings to support individuals with multiple diagnoses. His journey, passion, and advocacy reflect the heart of Ryder’s Room mission.
Safiyyah Muhammad will receive the Inspire Awards. Muhammad is a nationally respected disability policy advocate, transition specialist, and Accessibility Navigator. She is the founder of Urban Matters Advocacy & Action (The UMAA Network) and a proud mother and grandmother raising five neurodivergent children across the lifespan. A Partners in Policymaking graduate, Certified Autism Travel Professional, and NJLEND Fellow, Muhammad also served on the ADA Advisory Council at the Newark Museum of Art. She is a founding member of the National Black Disability Coalition and a former chair of NJCDD’s Ad Hoc Committee on Equal Access. Her work centers lived experience, disability justice, and the fundamental right to belonging.
Ryder’s Room executive team and Board of Directors include Faith Evans (founder and Chief Executive Officer), Zakia Benyard (Executive Director), Sherry Johnson-Alvarez (President), Dollie Peterson (Vice President), Cory Taylor (Treasurer), and Adrienne Henry-Horne (Secretary). The Board of Directors include, Jalia Simms (Board Member), Andrae Crenshaw (Board Member), Cheryl Flowers-Briggs (Board Member), Dr. George Jenkins (Board Member), Courtney Terry (Chair of Special Events), Joanne Morris (Board Member), George Peterson (Board Member), Brad Beckerman (Board Member), Ellisa K. Rawls (Chair of Community Engagement), Lark Adams (Chair of Media & Communications), SuSu Stewart (Board Member), Diana Boardley (Co-Chair of the Fundraising Committee), and Hannah Holdings (Co-Chair of the Fundraising Committee).
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