Anupa Iyer Geevarghese: A Leader in Disability Advocacy Joins OFCCP

On September 3, 2024, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) brought in Anupa Iyer Geevarghese as its new Deputy Director. Geevarghese steps into this role with a wealth of experience in both public and nonprofit sectors, particularly in advocating for individuals with disabilities. Her previous role as the Chief of Staff at the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) highlights her deep-rooted commitment to improving employment opportunities for people with disabilities, a focus she is likely to carry forward at the OFCCP.

While her specific responsibilities at the OFCCP are yet to be officially defined, it is expected that Geevarghese will play a key role in advancing the agency’s enforcement of laws related to disability rights within federal contracting. Her appointment is part of a larger leadership team that includes Acting Director Michele Hodge and Acting Deputy Director Tina Williams.

Before joining the OFCCP, Geevarghese’s career took her through numerous influential roles. She spent seven years at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), where she contributed significantly to policies that improved federal employment opportunities for people with disabilities. She also held advisory roles at the Department of Defense, focusing on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives.

Her academic background includes a Juris Doctor from Seattle University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UCLA. Starting her career as a union organizer, Geevarghese soon pivoted to disability advocacy, holding key roles in organizations like Disability Rights Washington and the Mental Disability Advocacy Center.

OutSolve's Take

Anupa Geevarghese’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the OFCCP, as the agency continues to emphasize the importance of diversity and inclusion. With her extensive background in disability rights and advocacy, Geevarghese is poised to bring fresh perspectives and initiatives to the forefront of federal contract compliance. As the OFCCP charts its course for the future, Anupa Iyer Geevarghese’s experience and passion for disability inclusion are expected to play a crucial role in shaping policies that will impact federal contractors and the diverse workforce they employ.