Dr. Souraya Sue ElHessen

Dr. Souraya Sue ElHessen is a notable figure in California who has made significant contributions to the fields of human services and disability advocacy. She earned a Master of Science degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology from California State University, Long Beach. She then went on to earn a Doctorate in Education with a focus on Human Performance Improvement from the University of Southern California. Her passion for universal design and advocacy for greater independence stems from her personal experience contracting Polio at a young age.

As the former ADA Coordinator for the City of Santa Monica, Commissioner Dr. ElHessen was a strong advocate for disability rights in the community and private industry, working to remove barriers through education. She has served on the Los Angeles County Accessibility Appeals Board, which supports the removal of barriers under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Also, she was a former Board Member for Bellflower Unified School District, where she helped students with disabilities earn college credit while in high school through dual enrollment at Cerritos College.

Commissioner Dr. ElHessen’s work in disability advocacy and education has made a significant impact in California, particularly in the areas of universal design, accessibility, and disability rights.