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Founding Director of Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation Appointed to U.S. Department of Education

posted September 15, 2009
Rayna Aylward, founding Executive Director of the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF), has accepted a Presidential appointment to become Special Assistant in the office of the US Secretary of Education.

Aylward leaves the Arlington, Va.-based Foundation after 19 years of service, where she guided MEAF in its mission of assisting young people with disabilities to maximize their potential and participation in society. This experience has prepared her for her new position with the Department of Education, where she will focus on a number of projects such as building federal-foundation partnerships and strengthening special education programs. Aylward will assume her new duties as of October 5th.

The Mitsubishi Electric Corporation of Japan and its US subsidiaries established MEAF in 1991, one year after the adoption of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Foundation board chose to focus on helping young people with disabilities and hired Aylward to lead its efforts. Under her direction, the Foundation has worked with its nonprofit partners to provide more opportunities for youth of all abilities. Aylward has also been instrumental in engaging thousands of Mitsubishi Electric employees across the country in supporting their local communities through volunteer efforts.

Aylward is a recognized philanthropic leader and advocate for disability rights and has received national awards for her achievements. During her tenure with the Foundation, she served on numerous boards and helped establish a number of organizations, including the Affinity Group on Japanese Philanthropy, Disability Funders Network, the Youth to Work Coalition, and the Committee on Disability Power and Pride.

MEAF Program Officer Kevin R. Webb will manage Foundation operations until the board selects a successor in late October to continue the legacy Aylward leaves behind.

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