International Women's Day: Celebrating the Inclusive Women of One Accessibility

Celebrating the Inclusive Women of One Accessibility

International Women’s Day is a time to honor those who break barriers and build bridges toward a more inclusive future.

Today, we shine a spotlight on five incredible female members of the One Accessibility Initiative. These women are leaders, educators, and advocates ensuring that “Accessibility” is a lived reality on Google Maps across the globe.

Milestones & Roles

1. Jesica Lichtensztein (Level 10) – Argentina Based in Buenos Aires, @Jesi Jesica is a dedicated photography enthusiast and Accessibility Champion. As a long-standing mentor in the community, she bridges the gap between local contributors and global standards. She is a core contributor to the “Accessibility Uncovered” article series, where she translates complex mapping features into actionable advice. Her leadership in the “Accessibility Without Borders” webinars has helped countless participants understand the technical side of inclusive mapping.

2. Chinonso Onukwugha (Level 7) – Nigeria / USA @ChinonsoOnukwugha Chinonso is a professional in the education sector with a deep interest in cognitive accessibility and learning disabilities. Her journey as a Local Guide is driven by the desire to help others navigate the world with dignity. She is a frequent host of the “Accessibility Without Borders” webinars, where she describes her work as “grassroots impact at a global scale,” ensuring that businesses in her community are visible to those who need them most.

3. Isha (Level 10) – India An Accessibility Champion known for her vibrant community engagement, @Globe_trotter_Ish Isha is the creative force behind the “Women & Allied Series” on Connect. Through her contributions to “Accessibility Uncovered,” she focuses on “invisible disabilities” and sensory-friendly spaces. Her presence in the “Accessibility Without Borders” webinars has been vital in inspiring new mappers to move beyond data entry and toward true advocacy.

4. Juliet Ezego (Level 9) – Nigeria @Julietezego Juliet is a dedicated researcher and Local Guide who focuses on providing the visual evidence needed for accessible navigation. She has hosted key sessions of the “Accessibility Without Borders” webinar series, focusing on how local efforts in Nigeria can create global impact. Her work ensures that users with mobility needs have the confidence to visit new locations, backed by the verified data she provides.

5. Deliana Permatasari (Level 10) – Indonesia Based in Semarang, @doc_dells Deliana is a dedicated doctor and a prominent voice for accessibility in Southeast Asia. As a high-level Local Guide, she has been a driving force behind the “Accessibility Uncovered” series, using her storytelling skills to explain the importance of inclusive infrastructure. Through her participation in the “Accessibility Without Borders” webinars, she shares her expertise in community building and local advocacy, inspiring a new generation of Indonesian mappers.

Team Achievements: Accessibility Without Borders & Accessibility Uncovered

As a collective, these women have transformed the One Accessibility initiative into a global educational powerhouse:

  • Accessibility Without Borders (Webinars): The team hosts a consistent series of virtual meet-ups that serve as a global classroom. They teach map-editing techniques and facilitate critical discussions on disability rights and regional infrastructure challenges.
  • Accessibility Uncovered (Articles): Through this collaborative series on Local Guides Connect, they have published dozens of guides. These posts demystify features like wheelchair ramps, braille signage, and hearing loops, making accessibility knowledge digestible for the entire community.

To Jesica, Chinonso, Isha, Juliet, and Deliana: Thank you for your leadership, your empathy, and your relentless pursuit of a world without barriers. You make the One Accessibility initiative and the entire Local Guides community stronger every single day.

Also to our former team members Marine @MarineSergent Penny @PennyChristie Megan @Kwiksatik Erna @Erna_LaBeau and others… Not forgetting our “inspirator” @Traci

Thank you All!

Let’s keep working together to foster accessibility everywhere for everyone!

Happy International Women’s Day

#LocalGuides #OneAccessibility #IWD2026 #InternationalWomensDay #AccessibilityWithoutBorders

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“Happy International Women’s Day” to all women out there especially the women Local Guides, through the efforts we can spread the word widely to the universe. Let’s change a day at a time to create an equality and inclusively to all human being. Thank you @EmekaUlor, @Globe_trotter_Ish @Jesi @doc_dells @Julietezego @ChinonsoOnukwugha

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This is so touching. Thank you for the highlight and putting this together @EmekaUlor — our rock that holds the team together!!

So many beautiful ladies doing wonderful things. Cheers to us!

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All inspiring women you are great with you courage, kindness and strength :purple_heart::purple_heart::purple_heart:

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@EmekaUlor Es inspirador ver a tantas mujeres trabajando por la accesibilidad y la inclusión dentro de la comunidad. Su trabajo realmente hace que más personas puedan explorar el mundo con menos barreras.

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Felicitaciones @Jesi !!

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Hola @EmekaUlor. Que sensacional publicación para un dia tan importante. Excelente elección de estas mujeres que hacen tanto para beneficio de tantas personas en cualquier parte del mundo.

Un gran abrazo para ellas y para las que estuvieron en su momento, aportando tanto para la sociedad. A todas y cada una de ellas Gracias.

A ti, gracias por la publicación y un abrazo apretado desde Uruguay :uruguay: :uruguay: :uruguay:.

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Hola @Jesi. Felicitaciones, por integrar el núcleo seleccionado y gracias por el gran trabajo que haces.

Saludos del vecino del otro lado del rio. Saludos desde Uruguay :uruguay: :uruguay: :uruguay:

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Thank you, @EmekaUlor , the One Accessibility team, and to all the incredible women​:cherry_blossom:. Accessibility is a mission everyone can contribute to. Let’s keep working together to build a world without barriers​:globe_showing_asia_australia::handshake::wheelchair_symbol::sparkles: !

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Happy International Women’s Day to you, too mbak @Erna_LaBeau :two_hearts:
Step by step, day by day—let’s work together to create a world where equality and inclusivity are a reality for everyone. By changing just one day at a time, we can foster true equity and a spirit of inclusion for all of humanity. :globe_showing_europe_africa::sparkles:

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A truly inspiring post, @EmekaUlor. Celebrating the dedication of these women who are advocating for accessibility through Google Maps is very meaningful. Their work in educating and guiding the community through webinars and articles is helping build a more inclusive world. Wishing all of them continued success and impact. Happy International Women’s Day! :cherry_blossom::clap:

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Well done @EmekaUlor and kudos to the inspirational women of the accessibility initiatives!

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