Joe Albert to become first Frank Trippett Advocacy and Outreach Fellow.
The Arc of Northern Virginia is excited and proud to welcome Joseph Albert as he joins us as the inaugural recipient of the Frank Trippett Advocacy and Outreach Fellowship. The appointment begins in July and runs through the end of May 2023.
The Fellowship was established last year by the family and friends of the late Frank Trippett. It was created as a tribute to his enduring commitment to assisting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve lives of their own choosing within their community. Frank and Linda Trippett worked closely with The Arc of Northern Virginia to build a rewarding life for their daughter Hailey. The fellowship seeks to create an enduring legacy to Frank’s advocacy and deep personal commitment to helping other families like his connect to vital resources.
“We’re elated to celebrate the life and work of Frank Trippett, a tireless advocate for the disability community, by beginning this fellowship,” said Lucy Beadnell, Director of Advocacy at The Arc of Northern Virginia. “We can’t think of a better inaugural fellow than Joe Albert, an already budding leader and fighter for disability rights.”
“The Frank Trippett Advocacy and Outreach Fellowship was designed to honor Frank’s contributions to the disability community,’ Beadnell continued. “Our first ever Fellow has a deep passion for advocacy and change we know would make Frank himself proud.”
The Trippett Fellowship is intended to assist with grassroots advocacy and outreach to families who have a loved one with developmental disabilities. Mr. Albert will work with the Director of Advocacy to engage affected families in the legislative process, with a focus on local, state and federal policies, as well as legislative issues that impact the lives of people with disabilities.
In his position as Trippett Fellow, Albert will also help people with disabilities and their loved ones advocate for systemic change and will assist with outreach activities intended to educate families about available resources for them and their loved one.
Joe Albert brings a great deal of advocacy experience and a vital perspective to the Fellowship. A 2020 graduate of California University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Albert has worked on a number of political campaigns both as a campaign coordinator and in various other consultation roles. He has served as a precinct captain in his local community and as a member of the Arlington County Developmental Disability Committee.
“I’ve always had a passion for solving problems and working with others to advocate and promote solutions for those with disabilities,” Albert said. “Being on the spectrum myself, I’ve witnessed firsthand how advocating and sharing my experiences with others can lead to better understanding and more positive outcomes in general. I’m excited to participate in The Arc of Northern Virginia’s Fellowship.”