JENA CRAFTON | 34 DISABILITY ADVOCATE

Hometown: Valdez

Current City: Eagle River

Education: 34 years of lived experience; SCUBA certified; high school diploma; circumnavigated the world for seven years

Community Work: Multiple years of advocating for disabilities in Juneau with Key Coalition, Peer Power and Governors Council on Disabilities and Special Education (GCDSE); Member, Committee Chair and current Vice Chair of GCDSE, honored on the Senate floor for my work; Guest Page on House floor; Recipient of the April Dunn Champion of Equal Opportunity Award from National Association Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD); Multiple trips to Washington, D.C., to advocate with national senators and representatives; Lions Club member for six years; Several public awareness messages via radio, video and television Family: I live with my parents, grandmother and younger brother. My middle sister is a teacher in Seattle. I am lucky to have two parents that have done everything possible to support all of our needs. Having three children with special needsmy sister is gifted and my brother has some challenges - forced my parents to do something different. Sailing around the world for seven years was the best thing that all of us could have done. We were, and still are, very close. We were a close-knit team. I was able to use my strength of meeting people all over the world. We had the best education!

What is your favorite place in Alaska and why?: Denali in the fall with the prettiest colors I love. Valdez - on a good day! I was born there and love the mountains.

Name the person you respect and why: Martin Luther King Jr. is someone I respect. He knew he had to make a difference for African Americans to get rights. He did not stop doing what he thought was right.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?: Pottery, gym, zumba, music, friends, life!

What was your first job?: Sailing around the world on my family's sailboat. I have an eye challenge that kept me seasick a lot. I learned about being dependable, reliable and a hard worker. I never missed work, nor complained. I was the conduit to meeting people from all over the world. I did not get paid with money, but was rich! What has been your most rewarding community service?: Advocating for human rights for all of us. In Washington, D.C., I led a panel of self-advocates from around the country which was broadcast nationally and attended by national senators and representatives.

In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling?: Being a core member, committee chair and Vice Chair of the Alaska Governors Council on Disabilities and Special Education. I am very good at drawing others into the conversation and helping them get more involved. It has been a difficult challenge for me since I have intellectual developmental disabilities, but it keeps me learning and growing. I love challenges!

Based on your own experiences, what advice would you give on maintaining a good work-life balance?: Some say I am very wise. I do not get lost in the race for power, money or at someone else's expense. I know what is important in life. I help others learn this through showing.