
Peter is a disability rights advocate who works to advance equity, accessibility, and self-determination for people with developmental disabilities across California. Drawing from professional expertise and lived experience, he champions policies and programs that remove barriers and empower individuals to thrive. Peter has collaborated with state agencies, advocacy groups, and local partners to strengthen inclusion and ensure that the voices of people with disabilities guide decision-making. He is dedicated to creating a California where all individuals can live with dignity and independence.
Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola, MD, PhD
Director, UC Davis Center for Reducing Health Disparities, Parent
As a clinical professor of internal medicine and founding director of the Center for Reducing Health Disparities (CRHD) at UC Davis Health, Dr. Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola has spent nearly three decades promoting equitable and culturally competent health care for underserved populations. He has led initiatives to collect and analyze racial, ethnic, and language data from patients and integrate them into electronic health records, improving both the quality and accessibility of care.
Dr. Aguilar-Gaxiola also directs the Community Engagement Program at the UC Davis Clinical and Translational Science Center (CTSC), where he fosters partnerships between academic and community stakeholders to address local and regional health needs. He has held leadership roles in the NIH’s Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) program and is a member of the National Advisory Councils for NCATS and SAMHSA’s Center for Mental Health Services.
A leading expert in mental health and population health outcomes, Dr. Aguilar-Gaxiola has authored over 200 publications, earned numerous awards, and is actively involved in the World Health Organization’s World Mental Health Surveys Consortium.


Now more than ever, DVU’s advocacy and resources are critical for our community. Please consider helping amplify our voices with a tax-deductible donation today.
Now more than ever, DVU’s advocacy and resources are critical for our community. Please consider helping amplify our voices with a tax-deductible donation today.