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On October 8, 2025, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs issued a proclamation for National Disability Employment Awareness Month, or NDEAM. This year is distinguished for being the 80th anniversary of NDEAM. NDEAM is a time to honor the skills, contributions, and value that people with disabilities bring to America’s workplaces.

On October 10, Professional Fellows Mai Nambooze and Kelvin Mkude concluded their visit to Tucson, Arizona. The preceding three weeks were a rich exchange of knowledge, resources, and culture; both for the Fellows and the Sonoran Center. They visited as a part of the Professional Fellows Program on Inclusive Civic Engagement.

Working as an AdvoCat has helped me see how a more inclusive and open-minded approach benefits our entire community. We all have something to offer.

Since their arrival last month, Professional Fellows Mai Nambooze and Kelvin Mkude have been hard at work, and having some fun along the way!

Imagine this: instead of just putting up a job description and hoping for the right contender to apply, we could create roles around talented individuals in our communities? That's the promise of Customized Employment, a person-centered approach that's gaining momentum across the country.

On Saturday, September 13, 2025, the Reid Park Zoo hosted their annual DreamNight once again. DreamNight is a special opportunity for kids with disabilities. Kids can experience the Zoo free of charge and with special sensory-friendly accommodations and activities, and parents and supporters can also connect with helpful resources. The Sonoran Center was among the organizations that provided resources this year.

I had the amazing opportunity to work on the Sonoran Center’s Pregnancy and Parenting Project. This experience reminded me how important it is to remember that people come from so many different backgrounds, and they may face prejudice or injustice based on their identities. For that reason, I’m very grateful that the Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities exists and takes the time and effort to educate Hispanics/Latinos with disabilities about their health and the resources that are available to them, especially when it comes to sexual and reproductive healthcare.

In June of 2025, Jessica Winchester, Employment First Program Manager, and Rosa Rojas Franco, Native Initiatives Project Coordinator, travelled to Washington DC for the Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) Employment First, Employment for All conference. As part of the conference activities, APSE coordinated a Day on the Hill so that Employment First champions could meet with members of Congress to tell them about Employment First.