Diana Diaz-Harrison is the Lead Founder of Arizona Autism Charter Schools and the 2022 Yass Prize winner. Her pioneering work creating schools and services tailored for the autism community has earned national recognition. She currently serves as Principal Deputy Commissioner of the Administration on Disabilities within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Diana joined HHS following a distinguished career in education leadership, disability advocacy, and public service, including her recent role as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services at the U.S. Department of Education.

As founder and CEO, Diana guided the Arizona Autism Charter Schools network from a single campus to six schools offering holistic education and integrated healthcare for neurodiverse students. She also launched the National Accelerator of Autism Charter Schools to support the development of specialized charter schools nationwide.

Throughout her career, Diana has championed expanded access, inclusion, and opportunity for children and adults with disabilities. Her work has earned multiple national honors, including the National Title I Distinguished School Award (2024) and the Rosa Carrillo Torres Humanitarian Award (2019).
At HHS, Diana will play a key leadership role in advancing Secretary Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, with a particular focus on proactive lifespan and health-span strategies that strengthen services for individuals with disabilities and their families.