Christina Ryan is the founder and CEO of the Disability Leadership Institute, Australia’s largest professional network of disability leaders. In 2016, she took the bold step of putting “disability” and “leadership” in the same sentence, sparking a movement that has since influenced governments and major corporations.

A lifelong changemaker, Christina brings decades of experience in disability activism, community sector leadership, systemic advocacy, and international work, including at the United Nations. She mentors disability leaders across Australia and heads an organisation that delivers specialist programs, coaching, and membership services to grow and support disability leadership.

Christina was named a finalist for the 2025 ACT Australian of the Year in recognition of her impact.