Meet our Team!!
Sachin Pavithran:
I immigrated to the US from Dubai at the age of 17 looking for more inclusive opportunities. As a blind person who had very limited opportunities growing up, the exposure I had to meet blind people who were successful both professionally and personally, made me challenge myself to do things I was not comfortable doing. In spite of the various obstacles in my way due to accessibility, I kept striving until I was able to obtain my PhD in spite of people’s low expectations for me. I faced similar obstacles in my career where I had to continue to prove myself to others. I am now a senior executive in the federal government, overseeing the US Access Board. Much of my success is due to my perseverance and also the great role models I have had over the years. They helped guide me and challenged me to do things beyond what I thought I was capable of. I have always enjoyed the outdoors and doing things to stay fit. I have had a lot of friends over the years who never let my blindness stop me from participating in outdoor activities that I was not sure I would be able to do. I was able to push myself beyond my expectations and participate. Once such challenge was successfully finishing the LOTOJA Race which is a 206-mile, 8,500 feet elevation climb one day bike race. When I heard about the opportunity to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, I knew this was something I wanted to challenge myself to accomplish. I am excited to take up this challenge alongside my partner and my good friends!
Conchita Hernandez: I was born in Mexico and grew up in California. I grew up in public schools and did not get the best special education services due to my parents not speaking English. This led me to education as a career and I was able to obtain my doctorate degree in special education. I support families in advocating for their rights and getting the support that they need. I run my own consulting firm, Conchita Consulting, around the areas of education and disability. I specifically work with the Spanish speaking blind and low vision community. Sachin and I met in the blindness field and are so excited to be doing this adventure together. By climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, we hope to share their journey with other blind people who may want to go on adventures!
Andrew Hogan: I have been an athlete for most of my life, and a member of the adaptive sports community since 2017. I am passionate about exercise, adventure sports, and making exploring the outdoors more accessible. I have been a visual guide for multiple sports/activities including running (5k - marathon distance), hiking, obstacle courses, swimming, and triathlons. I am the current DC region Chapter coordinator for Catalyst Sports, a 501c non-profit that strives to make adventure sports more accessible to people with physical disabilities. I organize a monthly rock-climbing clinic that attracts 20-30 adaptive climbers per clinic. I also serve as the Para Liaison for USA Climbing’s Belay program, and have worked as Head Belayer or Assistant Head Belayer for multiple US & International Paraclimbing National Championships. I work as a Biologist at the National Institutes of Health; research aims focus on neurodegenerative diseases & rare lysosomal storage disorders. I am passionate about the power of micro-communities, and their ability to motivate individuals to overcome barriers of any origin and magnitude. In my free time, I enjoy swimming, rock climbing, water polo, hiking, board/video games, and spending time with my partner and pets.
Brittany Foster: As a former middle school science teacher turned teacher leader, I have always been passionate about fostering curiosity, equity, and inclusion in education and beyond. Whether in the classroom or the community, I believe in breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for all. In addition to my work in education, I serve on the executive board of three nonprofit organizations, each dedicated to empowering others and expanding access to life-changing experiences. As a lifelong supporter of nature and science, I love the outdoors and helping others discover the joy of exploring the world around them. This year, I have the incredible opportunity to climb Mount Kilimanjaro with the Accessibility Accelerator #AccessibleTogether Expedition, serving alongside my husband as a guide for my good friends Sachin and Conchita.
Andrew Foster: As an elementary school teacher with a passion for engaging students in math and science, I believe in the power of curiosity, perseverance, and teamwork—both in the classroom and in life. I am also a combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and my experiences have reinforced my deep commitment to service and making the world a better place. This August, I am honored to take on a new challenge: climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with the Accessibility Accelerator #AccessibleTogether Expedition. I’ll be guiding my best friend, Sachin, and his partner, Conchita, on this life-changing journey. My wife will also be joining as a guide, making this adventure even more meaningful. This climb is more than just a bucket list item—it’s a testament to the power of inclusion, resilience, and lifting one another up. By supporting this expedition, you're helping to break down barriers and show the world that no mountain is too high when we work together. I would love your support in making this incredible journey possible. Every contribution helps pave the way for a more inclusive world. Thank you for being part of this adventure!
