The road to becoming “America’s Advocate” was a highly personal one for Areva Martin, as her journey began after her son Marty’s diagnosis wit autism. Initially trapped by fear and uncertainty, Areva leveraged her experience as a Harvard-trained attorney to learn everything she could about the state of services for children and families facing down disabilities. When she uncovered the disparities that families of color encounter, she set out to create a new and innovative model for reaching—and centering—the people who are most impacted by autism and special needs, especially those who are most often overlooked and ignored. Her inspiring speeches are a catalyst for change as she challenges experts, advocates, and community members to create new paradigms grounded in the wishes and wisdom of people with autism and other developmental disabilities.