HOUSTON — The Houston City Council unanimously approved Mayor John Whitmire’s appointment of Angel Ponce, director of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, to the METRO Board of Directors.
According to a news release from the city, Ponce brings over 15 years of experience in advocating for individuals with disabilities and historically underrepresented groups. He will replace Chad McMillan, who Mayor Whitmire says stepped down to focus on his health.
In 2004, following a spinal cord injury resulting from a vehicular accident, Ponce became a wheelchair user.
“As a person with a disability, Ponce knows firsthand the challenges that people with disabilities experience in the Houston Metropolitan area and has devoted himself to serving as an advocate for the rights and needs of disabled citizens,” the release stated.
“As mayor, one of the most rewarding things I get to do is appoint dedicated and talented individuals who truly understand the needs of our community. Today, I’m thrilled to nominate someone who will represent the disabled community on our transit system and bring a life story of resilience and determination that inspires us all,” said Mayor Whitmire during his remarks at Wednesday’s city council meeting. “We need voices like Angel’s, committed to making real change, and I couldn’t be prouder to have him as part of our team. Angel’s leadership is a win-win for the City of Houston, METRO, and the disability community.”
Ponce has experience in both advocacy and government service provision. As the MOPD director, Ponce leads efforts to ensure comprehensive access for and integration of all citizens, like the empowerment of the pedestrian access and review program, which brings sidewalks to the neighborhoods of people with limited mobility. He advocates for the rights and necessities of people with disabilities. He is a crucial liaison between the City of Houston mayor, the city council, various city departments, and other public and private entities.
“Angel is a staunch community advocate for accessibility and a champion for Houston’s disabled population to reach their potential and live fuller, more independent lives,” METRO Chairman Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock said. “His experience and discernment will complement this Board’s commitment to growing ridership and highlight the important role that accessibility plays in the customer experience.”
Ponce plays a role in various special projects, such as the Annual Disability Emergency Preparedness Workshop, the Houston Disability Celebration, the Annual Reel Abilities Art and Film Festival, disability awareness workshops for employers, and disability etiquette and educational presentations for youth and professionals.
In partnership with local organizations, Ponce assisted with the ongoing efforts to connect people with disabilities to durable medical equipment and connected those affected to resources in the aftermath of natural disasters, such as Hurricane Harvey, Whitmire says.
“When I became disabled in 2004, I thought the world was not made for people like me. But fortunately for me and so many others, METROLift was there to help me regain my independence. METRO took me to and from my college classes and my first real job as an adult when I worked as a front desk representative. As an intern with the City of Houston, METROLift picked me up at City Hall Annex every weekday. METRO gave me something I needed at that time, a sense of direction,” said Ponce. “It is with great honor to serve my fellow Houstonians as I take the opportunity to join the METRO Board of Directors. Together, we will further contribute to delivering equal, safe, clean, viable, and accessible public transportation for all of Houston.”
Ponce is co-founder of the National Coalition for Latinxs with Disabilities (CNLD), and his educational background is anchored by a bachelor’s degree in leadership and management from the University of Houston, further enriching his capabilities in leading initiatives that foster inclusivity and accessibility within the Houston community.
