Our team
Equivalent has a vision for a more inclusive future. Our software easily converts your SVG files into high-performance, dark mode, and mobile responsive Smart SVG™.
Heather S. Neff, Co-Founder & CEO
Heather S. Neff
(She/Her)
Heather is a visionary entrepreneur with accessibility and design expertise. She Co-Founded Equivalent, a trailblazing graphics technology startup that is redefining the way we experience visual content. She is an Adobe Creative Cloud expert and has over 24 years of professional design and management experience. Heather completed the JP Morgan Chase Techstars Catalyst Founder program in the Fall of 2023. Heather has been honored as a finalist for the EDDIE Awards by Synergies Work, as well as for the NC BIOTECH Venture Challenge and the NC IDEA SEED Grant in Spring 2024.
She is also an educator, focusing on accessible graphic design principles with her first book, Equity Through Graphics. Heather is a thought leader and advocates for disability inclusion, gender equality, and LGBTQ representation in technology. Her commitment to accessible design is evident through their involvement in the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) and as a DEI committee member for the American Institute for Graphic Artists (AIGA). Heather is available for international speaking engagements and educational seminars.
Connect with Heather Neff on Linkedin.
Paul J. Neff, Co-Founder & CPO
Paul Neff
(He/They)
Paul Neff is a seasoned expert in the realm of coding and an acclaimed specialist in Smart Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG). With a passion for precision and a keen eye for detail, Paul has dedicated his career to mastering the art of creating stunning visuals through SVG, pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in the digital world for accessible graphics. Beyond his technical achievements, Paul's dedication to innovation and his genuine enthusiasm for SVG have solidified his status as a thought leader.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of digital design, Paul Neff stands as a true visionary, continuously pushing the boundaries of SVG's potential. His passion, expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence make him a sought-after collaborator and a respected authority in the world of Smart SVG™ research and customized coding.
Volker Sorge, Chief Technical Officer
Volker Sorge
(He/Him)
Volker Sorge is a leading expert in advanced diagram accessibility, math accessibility and web accessibility, having served as invited expert on a number of W3C working groups and community groups. He is an accomplished researcher, with over 100 published papers in a number of different areas.
As Chief Technical Officer, Volker has overseen and directed the product development team, using his expertise in realms of accessiblity, SVG, and product development to drive the creation of the app.
Valerie Miller, CMO & Head of Design
Valerie Miller
(She/Her)
She is an expert in Adobe Creative Cloud and Figma, has a background in printmaking and photography, and a degree in Multimedia Design from the University of Oregon. Prior to her work in tech, Valerie spent years as a full-service designer for various non-profit and socially conscious for-profit organizations and community-driven brands — those who’s passions align with her own desire to meaningfully impact the human experience through the power of connection and storytelling.
Valerie's work at Equivalent is a true labor of love, combining technical expertise with her personal mission to put good into the world.
Valerie Miller is based in San Francisco, CA. With 17 years of design expertise — across both agency and in-house roles at major tech brands, including Twitter, Amazon, Samsung, Verizon, Walmart Connect, and LG — she has proven project success from concept to delivery. Specializing in the creation of visual identity systems, digital illustration, animation, UX and UI, Valerie works to imbue the highest level of quality and attention to detail in all her work.
Rob Robinson, SVG Software Engineer
Rob Robinson
(He/Him)
Rob is a graphic and web designer with 6 years of professional experience. He specializes in video and audio engineering, Javascript and CSS. His portfolio includes a variety of graphic design projects, including branding, packaging design, web design, 3D modeling, and motion design. Robert is also a music producer, honing his songwriting skill in his spare time. He brings his experience with ADHD and anxiety to his work in accessible design to better create user experiences for those who experience similar cognitive barriers. He also identifies as a member of the queer community.
Mike Paciello, Senior Advisor
Mike Paciello
(He/Him)
Among his other notable achievements, he was recognized by President Bill Clinton for his contribution to the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) and was the recipient of the 2016 Knowbility Lifetime Achievement and the 2020 ICT Accessibility Testing Symposium Social Impact awards. He also wrote the first book on web accessibility and usability, Web Accessibility for People with Disabilities, which has undoubtedly provided keen insight and a platform of knowledge for the community.
Mike Paciello has been a pioneer and influential figure in the accessibility industry for more than three decades. Mr. Paciello served as co-chair of the United States Federal Access Board’s Telecommunications and Electronic and Information Technology Advisory Committee (TEITAC) and is also the co-founder of the International Committee for Accessible Document Design (ICADD).
Equivalent helps create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all your customers. We are always looking to add accessibility experts to our team. Please drop us a line anytime. We offer a safe space to LGBTQIA and people of color.