Our Staff

Marc Safman

Marc Safman is a respected professional in the field of disability advocacy and a respected member of the Spoken Heroes team, serving as Senior Advisor. Overcoming the challenges of living with deafblindness since 1986, Marc has made it his life’s work to empower others facing similar obstacles. He is the founder of Safman Consulting, an organization dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities that embrace intersectional solutions in the disability community.

Marc’s expertise lies in job accommodations and the interactive process, and program trainings, his work has led him to become one of the original members of the New York City Board of Elections Accessible Voting Advisory Committee (AVAC). He plays an instrumental role in advocating for accessibility and inclusion, coordinating efforts for initiatives like the New York State Funded Statewide DeafBlind CoNavigator program (S2503/A4926) and DeafBlind LeadershipNOW.

In his capacity as Senior Advisor for Spoken Heroes, Marc has facilitated trainings, expanded networks, and ensured accessibility through accommodations. His wealth of experience and strong dedication to disability advocacy make him an invaluable asset to the organization and the community at large.

Steven McCoy is the founder and President of Spoken Heroes, a dedicated advocate for empowering individuals with disabilities and promoting inclusivity. Making history as the World’s First Black DeafBlind Journalist, Steven has inspired many with his achievements. His impressive list of accomplishments includes serving as the Board of Director for the Usher Syndrome Coalition and on the Leadership Board for Foundation Fighting Blindness, the DeafBlind Facilitator for The National Federation for The Blind of New Jersey. Steven served as a fellow in a fellowship at RespectAbility in Entertainment and News Media and Writing Pad for TV Comedy 101 where he was coached by Todd Waldman on television script development. He also was a Script Writer for BET’s “106th & Park”. Steven became a Host for Radio Disney and became a Disney Alumni Inductee, he was honored as one of 2022’s AT&T’s “Black Future Maker.” He is a Representative for the State of New Jersey Rehabilitation Council and holds an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Certificate from New York State. Steven has been recognized with the Oklahoma State Award by the Oklahoma State Rehabilitation Council, the Excellence Award by the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association, and the “Take the Lead” award by the National Association of Black Journalists. Steven consulted on various animation films and gaming projects to implement inclusion.
Through his work at Spoken Heroes and the production of the “Sessions with Steven” podcast, produced under his media company Spoken Entertainment, Steven continues to make a positive impact in the community and hopes to leave a legacy through Spoken Heroes.

Marc Safman

Marc Safman is a respected professional in the field of disability advocacy and a respected member of the Spoken Heroes team, serving as Senior Advisor. Overcoming the challenges of living with deafblindness since 1986, Marc has made it his life’s work to empower others facing similar obstacles. He is the founder of Safman Consulting, an organization dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities that embrace intersectional solutions in the disability community.

Marc’s expertise lies in job accommodations and the interactive process, and program trainings, his work has led him to become one of the original members of the New York City Board of Elections Accessible Voting Advisory Committee (AVAC). He plays an instrumental role in advocating for accessibility and inclusion, coordinating efforts for initiatives like the New York State Funded Statewide DeafBlind CoNavigator program (S2503/A4926) and DeafBlind LeadershipNOW.

In his capacity as Senior Advisor for Spoken Heroes, Marc has facilitated trainings, expanded networks, and ensured accessibility through accommodations. His wealth of experience and strong dedication to disability advocacy make him an invaluable asset to the organization and the community at large.

Larry Griffin Jr

Larry Griffin Jr is a passionate advocate for the power of storytelling and community empowerment. As Program Director at Spoken Heroes, a nonprofit organization dedicated to amplifying the voices of underserved individuals, Larry Griffin Jr works to create platforms where personal narratives drive change. With a strong background in community engagement, Larry Griffin Jr leads innovative programs that foster self-expression, social justice, and leadership development.

A native of Newark, NJ, Larry Griffin Jr brings a deep understanding of the challenges and potential within urban communities. Under Larry’s leadership, Spoken Heroes has reached countless individuals, offering them a safe space to share their stories and inspire others. Larry Griffin Jr is committed to using the art of spoken word and personal storytelling as tools for healing, empowerment, and social impact.

Achievements : Larry Griffin Jr is a College Grad and alumni of 2 HBCU Colleges and 1 PWI College. Larry Griffin Worked on Wall Street doing Stocks & Bonds. Larry Griffin Jr also attended a Program in NYC called” NY YearUp” where Larry Griffin Jr learned how to build Desktop Computers and Motherboards .Larry Griffin Jr also was an outstanding athlete in Basketball,Football and Mix Martial Arts. Larry Griffin Jr is a Life Coach and also Served as a K-12 Teacher for 3 years before becoming the CPI Coordinator at Gateway School in Carteret Nj for Behavioral Issue and Autism students from the Inner City.