Disability Rights Iowa announced it will host an in-person presentation on May 10 in Des Moines featuring Dior Vargas, a nationally prominent mental health advocate. Vargas, a native New Yorker who specializes in working with universities and corporations to discuss self-care advocacy, wellness accessibility and diversity within mental health, will share her story of growing up at the intersection of being a queer Latina feminist while experiencing mental health symptoms for the first time without community or family support.

Satellite viewings of Dior’s keynote will take place in Sioux City, Mason City, Dubuque, Fairfield, Davenport and Council Bluffs.

“DRI is excited to host this event in conjunction with our amazing 18 co-sponsors,” said Catherine Johnson, executive director of Disability Rights Iowa. “We hope this celebration begins a conversation in Iowa on how we break down barriers, remove stigma and build community.”

Established in 1984, the nonprofit corporation is part of a network of protection and advocacy agencies for the rights of people with disabilities and mental illness.

To register to attend at any viewing location and for more information, visit the event website.