Kelly Rouba

Kelly Rouba is an accomplished journalist and public speaker, having started her career at age 19 when she took a position as a stringer for the Trenton Times while still in college. Among the various publications she now writes for is Action magazine, thisabled.com, and mobilewomen.org. She is also the author of Juvenile Arthritis:  The Ultimate Teen Guide.

Ms. Rouba works full-time as a Communications & Emergency Management Specialist for the State of New Jersey and is also a DAE/Special Needs Specialist with the Dept. of Homeland Security/FEMA Region II. Outside of work, she is a member of the Patient Advocacy Institute, the NJ Independent Living Council, the Hamilton YMCA’s Advisory Board, and the Hamilton Township’s Special Needs Commission. She also serves on the Boards of the Arthritis National Research Foundation and e-Quality Productions. She previously served on the Boards of Enable Inc. and Project Freedom.

Ms. Rouba was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 2 and later became an advocate for those living with all types of disabilities. She held the title of Ms. Wheelchair New Jersey from December 2006-February 2008 and has been featured in numerous news publications and shows, from ABC’s television show Perspective New Jersey to the Wall Street Journal.