From Survival to Systemic Change: El Gibbs on Leading with Lived Experience

What happens when a life of systemic exclusion fuels a passion for transformative leadership? In this powerful episode, Kate and Jenn sit down with El Gibbs, newly appointed CEO of DANA and longtime disability rights advocate, writer, and policy strategist. El shares her journey from early medical trauma and poverty to discovering a place of belonging in the disability community—and ultimately becoming a national leader. With unflinching honesty, she speaks about the challenges of a late autism diagnosis, internalised ableism, and the failures of policy systems meant to support disabled lives. Yet, at the heart of her story is hope, community, and the unwavering belief that disability leadership must center those most marginalised.

From regulating the NDIS to calling out ableism within our own spaces, El offers sharp insight into what true justice looks like. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever felt “too much” or “not enough”—and a reminder that real change is possible, especially when led by those with lived experience.

Trigger warning: This episode contains discussion of poverty, trauma, medical neglect, and suicidal ideation. If you need support, please contact Lifeline at 13 11 14.

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To find out more about DANA, visit the website www.dana.org.au or check out their facebook https://www.facebook.com/disabilityadvocacynetworkaus 

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