Eradicating use of the ‘R' word is Fairfax woman's top priority

Even though the organization’s mission is to assist and advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, some in The Arc of Northern Virginia were taken aback when Executive Director Nancy Mercer wanted to bring on Jill Egle as co-executive director.

“They weren’t used to thinking about someone with an intellectual disability in a leadership role,” Mercer said. But she recognized leadership abilities in Egle, who originally joined the Arc staff as an administrative assistant.

“It’s amazing what this nonprofit has done for me,” Egle said of The Arc, while dabbing tears away.

Read more here: Eradicating use of the ‘R’ word is Fairfax woman’s top priority.