Yvette Pegues

Dr. Yvette Pegues pivoted from scientist to activist after facing a life-altering brain and spinal cord injury. A multilayered professional powerhouse, Dr. Pegues powered through the trauma using the executive CxO approach she mastered in corporate life: adaptability. She repurposed both her formal engineer and education training to navigate resources for newly disabled persons. Your Invisible Disability Group (YIDG) was born. Dr. Pegues is a TED Talk storyteller, DEI Executive, Board Member at The Arc of the United States, patent-holding cloud engineer, and the first woman of color to hold the national title of Ms. Wheelchair USA. She is a catalyst for change and proof of possibilities when diversity and inclusion efforts cultivate a culture of belonging. When she’s not advocating for inclusion, launching employee resource groups, coaching, mentoring, serving on boards, leading committees, or spending time with her family, she engages in 20+ adapted sports. From scuba diving to water skiing, horseback riding to golfing, surfboarding to skateboarding, she promotes activity as activism, well-being, and self-care.