Meet Angel Ponce: METRO’s Newest Board Member and Advocate for Accessibility

METRO is proud to welcome Angel Ponce, an advocate for individuals with disabilities, as the newest member of its Board of Directors. Ponce, who serves as Director of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD), was unanimously appointed by City Council in November.

Ponce brings over 15 years of experience in disability advocacy and government service. As a wheelchair user since a spinal cord injury in 2004, he has firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by people with disabilities in navigating public spaces.

"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 Chair 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’s relationship with METRO goes back to his early days as a wheelchair user.

"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.

Ponce is involved in numerous projects, including the Annual Disability Emergency Preparedness Workshop, the Houston Disability Celebration, the Annual Reel Abilities Art and Film Festival, and workshops promoting disability awareness for employers.

Ponce is also a co-founder of the National Coalition for Latinxs with Disabilities (CNLD) and holds a bachelor’s degree in leadership and management from the University of Houston.

Ponce replaces Chad McMillan who stepped down from his position to focus on his health.