Saran Tugsjargal - Policy Maker, Advocate, Mongolian-American, and a College Freshman

Our Superstar Guest

Saran Tugsjargal is a student with ASD, SLD, ADHD starting her freshman year at Rice University. She is an advocate for equitable education with a goal is to prove that disabilities don't hinder leadership. Collaborating with ACLC's special education department, she amplifies disabled student experiences. Initiating the Mongolian American Disability Mentorship program in Summer 2023, she mentored over 50+ families. In October 2023, she became one of California's first student commissioners with disabilities, representing over 800,000 students. Speaking at conferences like Breaking Barriers and CarsPlus, she's influenced over 400+ educators. Notably, she championed bill AB2173, changing "emotional disturbance" to "emotional disability." Recognized with awards like the Rotary Youth Leadership Award and the Ronald Reagan Leadership Medal, she's celebrated for her exceptional leadership and advocacy.

LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/saran-tugsjargal/

email: sara.tugsjargal@gmail.com

Our Host

Dennis Tran is a social impact storyteller, DEIA speaker, and consultant committed to fostering a neuroinclusive and accessible world. As a queer, partially blind, late-identified autistic-ADHDer (AuDHD) Vietnamese American with C-PTSD and glaucoma, Dennis channels his lived experiences to support others navigating similar challenges. Holding a degree in Public Health Policy with a Business Management minor from UC Irvine, Dennis has successfully built a multi-faceted career across sectors, including digital media, technology, healthcare, entertainment, and philanthropy.

Through storytelling, cultural and disability inclusion consultation, and accessibility advising, Dennis empowers neurodivergent and disabled individuals to live fulfilling lives. His advocacy work emphasizes the transformative power of representation and the importance of creating inclusive spaces where individuals don’t have to hide or “overcome” who they are. Dennis is passionate about uplifting the AANHPI community, addressing cultural stigma, and bridging intergenerational gaps.

Dennis has spoken at UCSF, CSUF, Autodesk, Steelcase, and Heap, sharing insights on neurodiversity, anti-ableism, and DEIA best practices.

He is one of the co-hosts and co-producers of the Innovating Inclusion podcast.

His work is driven by the belief that disability and neurodiversity are not a limitation but a source of resilience and creativity.

CONTACT DENNIS

www.innovatinginclusion.org