Dr. LaMondre Pough is a passionate speaker, mentor, and a recognized leader for the community of People with Disabilities. As CEO of Billion Strong, he brings to the position his natural ability to empower audiences to embrace diversity and create environments where people genuinely belong.
Diagnosed before his second birthday with spinal muscular atrophy, Pough challenges people to find purpose and ways to improve themselves in every circumstance. In addition to his role as CEO of Billion Strong, he serves as the Chief Sustainability Officer for Ruh Global IMPACT, Chairman of Arts Access South Carolina, and recently was inducted into the Susan Daniels Disability Mentoring Hall of Fame, Class of 2020, for his unwavering work supporting disability justice, racial justice, and COVID-19 related issues that impact the disabled community.
Pough believes that developing a positive disability identity is a key component to uniting and elevating the community. He says, “it is vital to create environments where people with disabilities are invested and supported and can learn about the experiences of others with disabilities. A community by people with disabilities for people with disabilities. Focusing on identity is critical when we can talk about our lived experiences with disabilities. We all benefit by sharing our stories and letting others know what is happening worldwide. Much work has been done, but there is still a lot more that needs to be accomplished.
