Cynthia “Cindy” Bentley is the executive director of People First Wisconsin and a fearless advocate for people with disabilities. She is a survivor who endured institutionalization at Southern Wisconsin Center to go on to become a leader in Wisconsin. Cindy leads other self-advocates across the state of Wisconsin in making our communities more accessible. She is passionate about voting rights, long-term care, housing, community inclusion, mental health, employment, sexual violence prevention, and accessible transportation.
Cindy serves on several boards and works closely with other agencies/organizations that work for equal opportunities for people with disabilities. These include: The Governor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Member and co-chair of its Opportunities and access Sub-Committee, Milwaukee County’s Combined Community Services Board (CCSB) Board Member, Life Navigators Board Member, Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (BPDD)-partner agent, The Survival Coalition of Disability Organizations, The Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition Partner, Shirley Ryan Abilities Lab-Home and Community Participant Council Member and on the IDD-MH System Improvement Initiative: Community of Practice Steering Committee. Cindy is a decorated Special Olympics athlete who has served on the Wisconsin Special Olympics Board and traveled the world as a Global Messenger.
Cindy has spoken at the local, state, and national levels on the following topics: sexual violence prevention, self-direction, plain language, employment, and Home and Community-Based Services. She has also worked to stop seclusion and restraint and to close institutions. She has testified to Congress on guardianship and supported decision-making.
Cindy is a co-author of a biography about her life called, Cindy Bentley: Spirit of a Champion. She is currently working on another book about her life.
In December of 2021, Cindy was named as one of Wisconsin’s most influential black leaders.
June 1, 2024 marked 40 years of Cindy living in the community. Cindy shares her story in the video,“Choose the Pond.” In recognition of this important milestone, Governor Tony Evers sent a letter and a video message, State Representative Darrin Madison presented a proclamation in her honor by the Wisconsin State Assembly at her anniversary celebration, and the City of Milwaukee also honored her with a Cindy Bentley Day proclamation. More information and links can be found on the People First Wisconsin website: here.
Learn more about Cindy by following these links:
01/23/2023 Article in UpNorthNews, 20 Black Men & Women Who Shaped Wisconsin History”
Self-Determination YouTube Channel, In the Spotlight | Black History Month | A conversation with Cindy Bentley | WBPDD
Article on the Special Olympics website: “Leading from the Heart Meet Cindy”
Video from Special Olympics Wisconsin: Cindy Bentley: A Special Olympics Story
