Shea Savage started her job as development associate on April 3. Her primary goal is to identify resources that will enable OAR to continue providing information and services to autistic people and their loved ones. She looks forward to “connecting with donors in positive and meaningful ways” to increase OAR’s impact on the autistic community.
“I love that I’m working with an organization that focuses on quality of life and improving opportunities for autistic people and their communities in the here and now,” Savage said, noting that her younger brother, Jack, is autistic. “In my home state of Vermont, I grew up connected to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, thanks to community events I attended with my brother, volunteer positions with Special Olympics, and my time working as a one-on-one personal care provider. In addition to my relationship with my brother, I also have several close autistic friends.” Because of Jack, she is particularly excited to see that OAR’s resources don’t stop at childhood, but touch on every part of life.
Her professional experience includes a position as a personal care attendant, supporting individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities so that they could participate in community activities and volunteer work. While she was an undergraduate, Savage worked as a global human rights and advocacy intern, preparing for and facilitating an advocacy day on Capitol Hill for Special Olympics. During that internship, she also created a video on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
She received a master’s degree in ethics, peace, and human rights with a concentration in human rights and social justice from American University in 2023 and a bachelor’s degree in political science from George Washington University in 2020.
Her work at OAR is off to a good start, Savage noted, with a warm and supportive welcome from staff. “It’s clear that OAR staff is a very passionate and talented group, and I feel very lucky to be working with them.”
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