20th Annual Mayor’s Awards: Celebrating Value and Talent

20th Annual Mayor's Awards: Celebrating Value and Talent

Recognizing the Role of National Disability Employment Awareness Month in the Workplace

The City of Santa Barbara proudly celebrated the 20th Annual Mayor's Awards at Cabrillo Pavilion, honoring local businesses and organizations that champion accessibility and inclusion in the workplace. This milestone event coincided with National Disability Employment Awareness Month and reflected this year's theme: "Celebrating Value and Talent."

The breakfast event brought together community leaders, elected officials, and representatives from organizations dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities. Attendees enjoyed a video montage highlighting two decades of the Mayor's Awards, followed by a keynote address from Erika Ronchietto, owner of The Learning Den and last year's Outstanding Effort Award recipient. Erika shared her inspiring journey from student to successful business owner, emphasizing the importance of opportunity and support for all.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is observed every October to raise awareness about the contributions of workers with disabilities. It highlights the importance of creating equitable job opportunities and building inclusive communities where everyone can contribute their talents. Established in 1945 by Congress, NDEAM reinforces the importance of ensuring that people with disabilities have full access to employment and community involvement. This initiative aligns with the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities in all aspects of public life. Learn more about the history and federal language of NDEAM and the ADA on the U.S. Department of Labor's website.

Keynote Speaker Erika Ronchietto: Erika began her journey as a TPP Bridges Program student at Santa Barbara High School, with a dream of one day opening her own daycare center. With guidance from the Children's Resource and Referral of Santa Barbara County, she learned what it would take to enter the field. She went on to study Early Childhood Education at Santa Barbara City College, and in 2008, she and her husband opened The Learningden-an early learning center focused on the holistic development of young children. Since earning her master's degree, Erika has expanded her business by opening a second location, and both centers continue to thrive.

Introducing New Award Categories

In honor of the 20th year, the Mayor's Awards Organizing Committee refreshed the award categories to better reflect the evolving landscape of accessibility and inclusion. Each recipient this year is the first to receive their award in its new category:

Nonprofit Champions of Accessibility: Hearts Therapeutic Riding Program

This award honors a nonprofit organization that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to promoting inclusion, accessibility, and equitable opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The recipient actively creates programs, partnerships, or services that empower people with disabilities to thrive in their communities, education, or workplace.

Honored providing an outlet for people with disabilities and for including individuals with different needs and abilities. Their therapeutic riding program improves the cognitive, physical, emotional, and behavioral wellbeing of people with a wide range of disabilities. Board Chairman Andrew Wilson and Program Coordinator Kelly Fields-Meyer Gould accepted the award.

Beyond Barriers Business Award: Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

Honors an employer whose policies and initiatives have significantly advanced disability inclusion and reduced workplace barriers.

The Hilton Beachfront Resort exemplifies inclusive hiring practices and has been extremely accommodating to those with disabilities throughout different sectors of their operations. Hilton has been recognized for its broad efforts to create an inclusive workplace culture, participating in programs like Project SEARCH. Najah Young accepted the award on behalf of the resort.

Inclusive Leadership Award Amanda Valenzuela - Smart & Final Five Points

This award celebrates outstanding leadership in mentoring advocating for, and advancing employees with disabilities.

Amanda is the reason why many individuals from both Momentum WORK Inc and PathPoint have been employed at Smart and Final. Amanda recognizes the value and talents of those with disabilities. With boundless patience and acceptance, she works with each individual to address any challenges that come up and is incredibly receptive to all of the agencies in the community.

Mayor's ADA Legacy Award: Santa Barbara Zoo

Honors a past Mayor's Award recipient that has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to advancing the rights, inclusion, and opportunities of people with disabilities.

The Santa Barbara Zoo has been a valued community partner for over three decades, consistently supporting individuals with disabilities by providing work opportunities including paid jobs, internships, and volunteer roles. The Zoo welcomes job coaches onsite and remains committed to creating an inclusive environment for employees with disabilities. Their decades of dedication to supporting all individuals, recognizing their talent and value to the organization, is truly commendable. President and CEO of the Zoo, Mr. Charles Hopper, accepted the award.

Organizing Committee:

• Alpha Employment Services
• California Department of Rehabilitation
• City of Santa Barbara
• Tri-Counties Regional Center
• Goodwill Industries of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties
• Access Central Coast (formerly ILRC)
• SBUSD Bridges Program
• American Sign Language Program at Santa Barbara City College
• Momentum Work, Inc.
• PathPoint
• Ms. Julie Holmes
• Mr. Ignacio Ponce

Special thanks to:

• Vons-Albertsons-Pavillions
• Trader Joe's
• Albertsons
• Mo's to Go
• Santa Barbara EAC
• The Smithbot