Daphne Frias

Daphne Frias, an activist and unapologetic Latina, is a trailblazer committed to amplifying the diversity and resilience of her community. Living with Cerebral Palsy and using a wheelchair for mobility, Frias is a fierce advocate for the rights of disabled people, bringing her unique perspective and tenacity to every cause she champions.

Daphne emerged as a pivotal leader in the fight against gun violence and for voting rights. As the New York State Director for March For Our Lives, she played a critical role in enacting over 15 statewide laws to strengthen gun violence prevention. Her efforts have left an indelible mark on New York's legislative landscape.

As the Founder and Executive Director of Box the Ballot (BTB), Frias pioneered a groundbreaking initiative to maximize the power of absentee ballots. Partnering with youth across the United States, BTB collected over 20,000 absentee ballots during the 2020 midterm elections, boosting voter participation in key states. Frias was honored as Agente de Cambio (Agent of Change) at Univision Networks' Premios Juventud in 2021 for her visionary leadership.

Frias’ activism extends to combating the climate crisis, where she bridges the gap between disability advocacy and environmental justice. By applying a public health lens to climate action, she has become a leading voice for inclusive environmental solutions. As the spokesperson for the historic global climate strikes on September 20, 2019, Frias demonstrated her commitment to uniting diverse communities in the fight against climate change. She was later featured as a key panelist at the New York Times Climate Hub, participating in a dialogue moderated by actress and activist Emma Watson.

Her influence further extends to her role on the Natural History Museum's Generation Hope Advisory Board, empowering young activists and ensuring their voices shape the museum’s mission and content. Most recently, Frias served as the lead accessibility consultant for the March to End Fossil Fuels in New York City, which drew over 75,000 participants. For her unwavering dedication, she was awarded the Youth Leadership Award by the National Youth Employment Coalition.

Frias' global advocacy has also brought her to the United Nations stage. Under the recommendation of Assistant Secretary for Youth Affairs Felipe Paulier, she joined a conversation with Secretary-General António Guterres to open the inaugural Summit of the Future, a testament to her role as a leader in international youth movements.

Her impactful work has been widely recognized. Frias was named to Forbes' 30 Under 30 North America List in the Social Impact category for 2025, cementing her place as a changemaker on a global scale. Her achievements have been featured in prominent publications, including The New York Times, Teen Vogue, NPR, Vice, and Elle, among others.