DIALOGUE A Quarterly Publication of the Regional Center of Orange County VOLUME 39 NO. 2 • SPRING 2025
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
2025 Spotlight Award Honorees REGIONAL CENTER OF ORANGE COUNTY HOSTED ITS 28TH ANNUAL SPOTLIGHT AWARDS CELEBRATION on April 25 at Garden Grove’s Embassy Suites, with 350 people attending. Special guest emcee Michele Gile, on-air reporter for KCAL News and CBS Los Angeles, joined RCOC Board Chair Sandy Martin and Executive Director Larry Landauer to present the awards. Here are snapshots about the honorees. Self-Advocate: Fernando Peña
Pictured (L-R): RCOC Board Chair Sandy Martin, KCAL News/CBS Los Angeles’ Michele Gile, Fernando Peña and RCOC Executive Director Larry Landauer.
A person served by RCOC and a longtime member of the RCOC Board of Directors, Fernando has consistently championed initiatives that drive meaningful change. In addition to his Board service, Fernando has served in various positions where the voice of strong self-advocates was needed, including the statewide Developmental Centers Task Force and later the Developmental Services Task Force. Though he faces physical challenges, he maintains a focus on his abilities and takes charge of his life -- scheduling his own appointments, contacting the Social Security Administration regarding his benefits, actively seeking employment, and even watching YouTube videos to improve himself or troubleshoot his wheelchair. Fernando has also participated in the annual American Heart Association walk for the past three years.
Direct Support Professional: Alex Sanchez A dedicated Direct Support Professional at the YMCA of Orange County, Alex was honored for a decade of service that has made a lasting impact on the lives of YMCA’s New Horizons program participants. Alex’s exceptional commitment and keen ability to foster meaningful connections is both inspiring and empowering for the individuals with disabilities he serves. Cont. on Page 7 PAGE 1 • DIALOGUE • SPRING 2025 • RCOCDD.COM