2024 Committee Members (from left to right): Melanie Alt Sinohui, Sheila Young, Anthony Akamine, Amanda Selm, Zelda Gebhard
Mission
To honor the memory and contributions of ACB pioneer Durward K. McDaniel, the DKM First Timer Committee annually selects two rising leaders - one from east and one from west of the Mississippi River - to attend the national conference and convention for the first time as guests of the committee and ACB.
Committee Leadership:
Zelda Gebhard, ND, Chair
(701) 709-0262
Melanie Alt Sinohui, AZ, Vice-Chair
Committee Members:
Anthony Akamine, HI
Donna Clarke, VA
Todd Fahlstrom, MT
Greg Lindberg, FL
Rachel Schroeder, IL
Sheila Young, FL
Officer Liaison: David Trott, AL
ACB Offers 2025 Leadership Development Award Opportunities!
Back Row: Kenneth Semien, Chair and Zelda Gebhard, Vice Chair Front Row: 2024 DKM First Timers Cassie Trosper and Jason Miller
Back row: Kenneth Semien, Chair and Zelda Gebhard, Vice Chair with 2024 ACB JPMorgan Chase Leadership Fellows Ebony Thompson, Patty Slaby Front Row: Kaila Allen, Doralee Martinez, Jennifer Bazer
Award Announcements
From the January 2025 issue of the Braille Forum: Take the Next Step in ACB
Apply to Become a 2025 Recipient of the Durward K. McDaniel First-Timers Award
From the February 2025 issue of the Braille Forum: Are You a Leader Searching for More?
Apply to Become a 2025 ACB/JPMorgan Chase Leadership Fellow
Apply to become a member of the Class of 2025 DKM First-Timers and/or ACB JPMorgan Chase Leadership Fellows
Deadline: April 1, 2025
2025 Durward K. McDaniel First-Timers and ACB JPMorgan Chase Leadership Fellows Awards
Application Form link:
<https://forms.gle/vAPV5CFoVBsjG4f19>
Recommendation Form link:
<https://forms.gle/gPJKg21tipw4YGqT7>
Encouraged Reading
"People of Vision", a story of the Founding Father of ACB, Durward K. McDaniel and others who joined him in forging ACB ahead. Download it from the NLS BARD site. Access to the BARD web site is restricted to eligible
readers. You will need a login ID and password to access it. If you do not have them, review the criteria for participation by reading the BARD application instructions and, if you qualify, request an account. Search for DB56115, People of Vision (A history of the American Council of the Blind).
Comments
Read comments from the recipients of the Durward K. McDaniel First Timer and J.P. Morgan Chase Leadership Fellow Awards after their attendance at the 2024 ACB Conference and Convention in Jacksonville, Florida!
“As a JP Morgan Chase Leadership Fellow, attending the American Council of the Blind (ACB) national convention in Jacksonville, Florida was a transformative experience. It provided numerous opportunities for learning, networking, and personal growth, and it deepened my commitment to the American Council of the Blind.” Jennifer Bazer, ACB JP Morgan Chase Leadership Fellow
“There were so many leadership programs available to help me grow with my leadership skills along with advocacy and how I can get more involved to promote some of our initiatives moving forward.” Cassie Trosper, DKM First Timer from the West
“Listening to and viewing the general togetherness, structure and organization of the convention made me want to increase my participation, become one of the committee members and aid in improving the mission of the Council.” Jason Miller, DKM First Timer from the East
“I found the general sessions interesting and educational. I really liked the speakers and their contributions to the blind community. I’m proud to be part of an organization that everyone has the opportunity to have their voice heard. Overall, I had a great convention learning lots making great connections and growing as a person and leader.” Kaila Allen, ACB JP Morgan Chase Leadership Fellow
“I was deeply humbled and honored to come to the convention in person. This was truly an amazing experience. This is a big organization, and I choose to join it because I want to make a difference and I too believe in the values and American Council Of the Blind mission. I love the fact that most of the members walk the walk and talk the talk.” Doralee Martinez, ACB JP Morgan Chase Leadership Fellow
“I received many ideas and techniques to try from attending the leadership events. I am hoping to share some of the information with my state affiliate to get people excited and eager to do more in ACB.” Patty Slaby, ACB JPMorgan Chase Leadership Fellow
“The convention was filled with dynamic people—leaders, professionals, and advocates—who have not only navigated their own challenges but have also made significant contributions to the community. It was profoundly motivating to witness their achievements and determination. Each interaction served as a reminder that I was not alone in my journey; instead, I was part of a larger community that thrives on support and encouragement.” Ebony Thompson, ACB JPMorgan Chase Leadership Fellow
This webpage was updated on February 24, 2025