5 Questions with NOD's Director of Corporate and Government Relations

Get to Know Charles-Edouard Catherine

The image shows a blindfolded Charles wearing a white USA team jersey and a black blindfold marked "USA" across the front. He is in motion on a soccer field, with his hand extended slightly in front of him as he moves. In the background, flags of the United States and Canada can be seen, along with a few blurred spectators. The atmosphere suggests a competitive match, with a teammate or opponent in a red jersey partially visible to the right.

Tell us about your personal connection to disability inclusion.

I have RP (Retinitis Pigmentosa), I grew up visually impaired, became blind as a teenager. For many years I didn’t want to work in the disability field, I wanted to prove myself that I could do something else, mainstream. I was also running away from my community, I wasn’t comfortable with my identity as a blind individual.

What can you tell us about yourself that we can’t learn from your bio?

I feel like a fraud most of the time!

What is your proudest professional achievement? Personal?

Professional: I feel successful when I’m able to share my passion for disability inclusion, when I’m able to truly connect with people.

Personal: being able to celebrate myself when I do something well.

What lesson would you share with your future self?

Don’t worry so much about your future, be confident, show your true self to others –  this is when you will be at your best.

What is your motto or favorite quote?

“What is well conceived is clearly stated.”

– Nicolas Boileau