Claudia Gordon, a 2000 graduate of American University Washington College of Law (AUWCL), proudly represented the United States as part of President Joe Biden’s official delegation to the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. Gordon, who currently serves as Chair of the National Council on Disability (NCD), was appointed by the President to highlight the critical role of disability advocacy on the global stage.

As the first deaf student to graduate from AUWCL and the first deaf Black female attorney in U.S. history, Gordon’s participation in the Games further solidified her reputation as a trailblazer. Her involvement in the Presidential Delegation marked her second such honor, having previously been selected for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Paralympic Games.

Reflecting on her experience in Paris, Gordon expressed the immense significance of being part of an event that celebrates the achievements of athletes with disabilities from around the world. 

“It’s an immense privilege to be part of the Presidential Delegation for the Paralympics,” Gordon said in a recent NCD article. “The opportunity to witness firsthand the extraordinary talents of our athletes and the profound impact of the Games on the global stage is truly inspiring.”

Since she was appointed Chair of the NCD in April 2024, Gordon has advocated for policies that promote equality and inclusion for people with disabilities. Her extensive career in public service includes key roles in the Obama administration, where she served as Special Assistant and Chief of Staff for the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs at the Department of Labor, and as associate director in the White House Office of Public Engagement.

As part of the U.S. delegation in Paris, Gordon had the opportunity to engage with global leaders, athletes, and advocates, helping to elevate the conversation around disability rights. Her presence at the Games is a testament to her enduring commitment to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities and her influential leadership on the national and international stage.

Gordon’s remarkable career and continued advocacy have made her a source of inspiration, not only to the AUWCL community but to all who strive for a more equitable world. As she continues her leadership role with the NCD, Gordon remains a shining example of the power of perseverance, representation, and activism.