RDA Strategies

When discussing inclusion, we often focus on services, timelines, and transitions, but it’s a community that sustains families. On May 6, 2025, I represented Inclusive Sol at the Early Start to Early Childhood Transition Resource Fair hosted by Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center. The event paired with celebration, with playful glasses, warm hugs, and meaningful conversations. It served as a reminder that while we can keep the tone light, the work lives within a larger, shifting system.

A day after the event, conversations resumed in Washington around the federal Medicaid budget, including proposals to cut funding. While decisions were postponed until the week of May 12, the implications were clear: what happens in policy directly impacts the supports, providers, and families represented at this fair.

That’s why these local gatherings matter. They make policy personal. They remind us that behind every funding line item is a child, a caregiver, and a community striving to thrive.

As we continue advocating for systems change through Inclusive Sol, let’s keep working toward a world where budgets reflect the value of every life and every voice. These moments remind me that policy isn’t abstract—it’s personal. And when the community shows up, change feels possible.

It was a joy to attend RENEW 2025: LA Cultural Forum on Disability & Community Engagement – Part I. On April 29, 2025 the event felt like a reunion and a powerful reminder of what’s possible when the disability community leads.

One of the most resonant moments came from Coco Atama (aka Blind Thrasher), who shared: “When you are at your lowest, look at what broke you down. Weather the storm. You are not less than.”

That reminder stayed with me—it spoke to our resilience, power, and capacity to reframe the narrative. It grounded the day’s discussions in lived experience, access, and voice.

The forum also explored how Los Angeles prepares for the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics, with an eye toward inclusion and long-term impact. From performances that opened minds to policy conversations rooted in community leadership, the day reflected celebration and urgency.
As the City’s Department on Disability faces significant budget cuts, we must continue showing up, speaking out, and pushing for systems that center dignity and access. Inclusion requires more than conversation—it calls for commitment.

“EDUCATION IS THE KEY TO UNLOCKING THE WORLD, A PASSPORT TO FREEDOM.” ~ OPRAH WINFREY

“PROGRESS IS THE ACTIVITY OF TODAY AND THE ASSURANCE OF TOMORROW.” ~ RALPH WALDO EMERSON

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I’m ecstatic that the first-ever Cerebral Palsy motion in Los Angeles has passed! Voted on by the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors on March 6, 2024, this historic achievement was initiated by Inclusive Sol, a dedicated cerebral palsy (CP) hub I created to provide support and guidance for parents and caregivers of children with cerebral palsy as they navigate caring for a child with a disability.

Inclusive Sol didn’t just advocate for a proclamation—the focus was on tangible change!

Los Angeles County is poised to lead the nation in fostering a more inclusive environment for individuals with cerebral palsy and their families. Through enhanced local resources, refined data collection at the county level, and streamlined access to essential services, we can make a significant impact.

Inclusive Sol envisions a world where families navigating the challenges of cerebral palsy find solace, support, and empowerment within our community. Through collaborative efforts, we strive to break down barriers and create a more inclusive society where all individuals have equitable access to the resources and opportunities they deserve.

A sweet highlight was seeing all five of the Board of Supervisors wearing green ribbons, and a few wore green tops to honor Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month.

NO ONE IS YOU, AND THAT IS YOUR SUPERPOWER!

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Honored to be recognized as a recipient of the Pow(HER)ful Nonprofit Leader Award!

I was genuinely surprised to receive the Pow(HER)ful Award at the Love Hutt event on February 17, 2024. Thank you to L.A. Councilwoman Heather Hutt’s office and the entire Tenth Council District for this incredible recognition.

It is truly humbling to be acknowledged by other community leaders. It is a testament to the dedication, leadership, and impactful work that we’ve collectively contributed to our community.

Congratulations to Tammi Mac, an uplifting honoree and multifaceted talent, for sharing Claudette Colvin’s under-the-radar story. An unsung hero, Colvin fearlessly challenged bus segregation long before Rosa Parks. Her courage reverberates through generations!

Likewise, the event was filled with unsung heroes in their homes, workplaces, and communities everywhere.

As Tammi eloquently said, “Heroes don’t have to shine bright, just a little.”

The Love Hutt event was a celebration of self-love and empowerment, bathed in hues of pink and red. Women from all walks of life congregated in the hillside Baldwin Hills neighborhood of L.A. for an afternoon brimming with inspiration, yoga, soulful music, and the camaraderie of fellow Pow(HER)ful women.

On stage, I echoed Maya Angelou’s timeless words: “Try to be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.” Let’s continue to illuminate each other’s paths and embrace servant leadership.

“WE HAVE TO BE MORE HUMANE, EMPATHETIC, AND BEYOND CHARITABLE!” ~ WILL.I.AM

To will.i.am’s quote – Absolutely!

It’s an exhilarating moment to immerse yourself in a global gathering of social impact visionaries for an inspiring two-day event brimming with high-caliber programming, meaningful conversations, and authentic networking prospects.

Hats off to Landmark Ventures for orchestrating the Social Innovation Summit, their esteemed annual summit on June 6-7, 2023.

Now is the time to foster continued collaboration as we explore the pressing issues related to the future of work, social impact, artificial intelligence, and upskilling.

“PUBLIC HEALTH IS A POWERFUL TOOL TO LEVEL THAT PLAYING FIELD, TO BEND THE ARC OF OUR COUNTRY AWAY FROM DISTRUST AND DISPARITIES AND BACK TOWARDS EQUITY AND JUSTICE.” ~ LEANA WEN

I have long supported the Downtown Women’s Center (DWC) and have immense respect for its mission.

The panel on “Housing is Health: Housing as a Determinant of Health Equity & Outcomes” at the Social Innovation Summit left a lasting impact with its profound insights.

We must acknowledge and address our biases concerning individuals experiencing homelessness. For instance:

Misconception: Homeless individuals should merely secure employment to resolve their homelessness.

Reality: Many people experiencing homelessness are employed, some juggling two or three jobs. The National Coalition for the Homeless suggests that as many as 40%-60% of people experiencing homelessness in the United States are employed. Nonetheless, having a job doesn’t permanently alleviate their homelessness or other challenges.

Lastly, the presentation on June 14, 2023, in collaboration with DWC for The California Behavioral Health Planning Council (CBHPC) meeting, provided an excellent opportunity to emphasize the value of employment social enterprises and the LA:RISE program.

Were you aware that REDF collaborates with social entrepreneurs, offering them financial support, expertise, and a sense of community to enhance the success of their businesses and the individuals they employ?

“A RIOT IS THE LANGUAGE OF THE UNHEARD.” ~ MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. 

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It was a sun-soaked week on June 19, 2023, at the “City of Lakes” when REDF hosted 150 inspiring Social Entrepreneurs at the Partner Retreat.

One of the highlights was when Maria Kim shared the beautiful story behind her name and celebrated the amazing social enterprise leaders in the room. “Separately, we are rivers, but together, we’re the world’s biggest lake!”

Let’s take a moment to envision the world we all aspire to see, where every person is cherished and the days of “othering” are long gone.

I am grateful for the connections made within this incredible community. The activities were fun and meaningful to exchange knowledge and support each other.

Shoutout to Team “Purple Rain” for their boundless creativity and unwavering spirit. Site visits to employment social enterprises always left us in awe! And let’s not forget the powerful experience at the George Floyd Global Memorial – a reminder that we can strive for racial justice and equity together.

In the spirit of Ubuntu, let’s continue to make the impossible possible.