MEET THE TEAM!
Latif Askia Ba, USA
Hi, my name is Latif Askia Ba. I’m an American poet of Italian and Senegalese descent. I grew up in Brooklyn & Staten Island, NY and attended Edinboro University, where I received my Bachelor’s in
Computer Science. I was recently accepted into Columbia University to pursue an MFA in creative writing.
At Edinboro, I discovered a passion for language and poetry, which led to my first collection of poems, Wet Monasteries, published by Alien Buddha Press.
After being recognized in the first writing and art contest, I joined the Perceptions team. I am honored to be contributing my web development and content creation skills. It’s a pleasure to help promote disability excellence through the arts.
OUMAIMA BEN AMOR, TUNISIA
Oumaima is a renewable energy engineering college student interested in the sustainable energy transition. In my view, writing is a powerful tool that changes minds and spreads consciousness all over the world. And this is exactly the first reason that stands behind my passion for it. I strongly promote storytelling and advocating for disabled people's rights. I enjoy writing and editing Perceptions content.
WILLA POTTER, USA
Hey there! My name is Willa Potter and I am Editor here at Perceptions. I have a handful of learning disabilities which have skewed my mind towards the arts in a fabulous way. For as long as I can remember, I have turned to poetry as a passion and a creative outlet. I am a big fan of Phil Kaye, and Mary Oliver, and I love listening to obscure indie folk bands in my spare time. Most of my inspiration for poems comes from quiet reflective moments in nature.
HÜSEYN ALILI, AZERBAIJAN
At Perceptions, I am the researcher and creator of the informative videos (coming soon!). By researching and telling the stories of people with disabilities, and the obstacles they face due to the lack of inclusion and accessibility, I hope to raise awareness around the concept and history of disability. A fun fact about me is that I am an admirer of classical music! I study Bachelor's of Law in Ankara University Faculty of Law.
ZAHARA ANVER, SRI LANKA
I live in Sri Lanka--a tiny pearl-shaped island in the middle of the Indian Ocean. I also spend an inordinate amount of time running after my three cats and shaking their cat food bottle.
To be a member of Perceptions is to be constantly inspired. The organisation's goal of creating social change through the arts is precisely what made me gravitate towards it. The sense of purpose that drives the team is what has fixed me here.
LIBBY RIGGS, USA
Hello! My name is Libby Riggs, and I am the founder and executive director of Perceptions. As a teen with a physical disability, I have learned to embrace my identity through writing. I started Perceptions in hopes of encouraging and giving confidence to other young writers, artists, and musicians with disabilities. I strongly believe that these art forms have the ability to alter a person’s life. Along with reading and writing, I enjoy playing board games with my family and friends, swimming, spending time with my dog, and playing alto sax in my high school’s jazz band!
CHARLOTTE SELMER, USA
Hi! My name is Charlotte Selmer and I am the graphic designer for Perceptions' social media! I strive to create appealing designs and share people's stories. I am hopeful that as a team, we can raise awareness and provide courage to those with disabilities. In my free time I enjoy going on walks with my dogs, running, and listening to music!