Andy Arias
Presented with the 2022 Crystal Award
Recipient Background
Congratulations to ANDY ARIAS for receiving the Crystal Award at our 2022 Be Great! Humanitarian Awards.
Andy has been a social impact advocacy professional for over seven years. He has worked as a System Change Advocate and Program Manager for Orange County & Los Angeles.
Andy created and runs a national disability/LGBTQIA group called DC Universal Pride that supports advocacy and impact to increase access for individuals with disabilities. He also run an LGBTQ group for United Spinal titled Rolling with Pride with the mission of increasing social awareness for individuals with disabilities in the LGBTQIA community.
He is a producer for a new documentary called Dani's Twins with the goal of normalizing disability. He has produced several videos for the “It Gets Better Campaign” highlighting intersectionality within the LGBTQIA community. Andy started a youth program for individuals with disabilities throughout Orange County, it serviced 150 youths over four years and it's still implemented today.
Andy has served on several boards and commissions for individual disabilities including 2Gether International, which helps entrepreneurs with disabilities develop and pitch their ideas.
He hosts a Facebook live show, Wednesdays with Andy, interviewing dynamic individuals from the arts and the disability communities. It increases awareness of equity and other important issues. Andy lectures across the country for Georgetown University on the diversity and inclusion of individuals with disabilities from marginalized communities.
Andy advocates in the entertainment industry by creating visible pathways as an actor and stand-up comedian. As an actor, Andy has had the pleasure of working with Tom Hanks, Mark Ruffalo and Hilary Swank on projects. He is often asked to consult with producers and directors to create greater media visibility for people with disabilities. He has also produced several small projects that have brought attention to persons with disabilities and the LGBTQ community.
Andy’s expertise extends to the Federal government and corporate levels. His goal is to marry his policy work with his work in the entertainment industry to create a systemic lasting change.
Learn more about Andy at https://www.theandyarias.com