Reimagining Purpose: Advocating for Inclusive Education at the California State Capitol
I returned to Sacramento for Legislative Sharing Day, joining fellow advocates to amplify the voices of students with disabilities and champion inclusive education that empowers every learner to thrive.
At BTR TMRW, we believe bold dreams require intentional action—and that purpose-driven steps, no matter how small, can spark generational change.
For me, this belief is personal. I’ve spent years reimagining my career to align with one mission: creating lasting impact for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. While these dreams are bold—sometimes even audacious—I’ve learned that with consistent, incremental steps, they’re not only possible, they’re inevitable.
A Return to Sacramento with Purpose
Yesterday, one of those steps led me back to Sacramento, a city filled with personal milestones—from my undergraduate days at UC Davis to my early years teaching 6th grade at Glenwood Elementary School.
This time, I stood with hundreds of special education professionals, district leaders, and parent advocates at the California State Capitol for Legislative Sharing Day.
Our mission was clear:
To share our stories
To amplify our collective voice
To fight for systems that ensure students with disabilities receive: equitable access to quality education, opportunities for inclusive higher learning, pathways to meaningful employment, and the right to live independently with dignity
In essence, we were there to breathe life into the dreams of our children.
Highlight: Inclusive Higher Education in Action
A defining moment of the day came when Beth Foraker, founder of the Redwood SEED Scholars program, took the stage alongside two incredible students.
Their presence wasn’t symbolic—it was transformative.
They proved that inclusive post-secondary education isn’t a theory—it’s a living, breathing reality that changes lives.
Beth’s work continues to inspire my own journey, reaffirming the importance of building inclusive college pathways for students with intellectual disabilities. Her leadership speaks volumes: Inclusion isn’t just a policy—it’s a promise.
Why This Matters to BTR TMRW
This experience reflects the mission of BTR TMRW: To redefine inclusion so individuals with intellectual disabilities can thrive, lead, and shape an equitable future.
By participating in advocacy efforts like Legislative Sharing Day, we stay grounded in the work that matters—connecting with real stories, real families, and real change-makers.
We understand that systemic change doesn’t happen overnight. But through sustained advocacy, coalition-building, and education, we move one step closer to a future where every student is supported and seen.
Final Thoughts: Keep Showing Up
Sacramento reminded me of something profound:
Advocacy isn’t a task—it’s a calling.
And when we show up—purposefully and consistently—we create space for every child’s dream to be possible.
We’re just getting started.
Why We Can’t Stop Searching for a More Inclusive Tomorrow
BTR TMRW launches with a mission to advance inclusive post-secondary education for students with intellectual disabilities. Learn how we’re building on decades of advocacy to help create a more inclusive and equitable future.
“When you keep searching for ways to change your situation for the better, you stand a chance of finding them. When you stop searching, assuming they can’t be found, you guarantee they won’t.”
A Timely Vision for Inclusion
In today’s world—where challenges around inclusion feel both urgent and overwhelming—some might see the launch of an initiative like BTR TMRW as poorly timed.
But we see it differently.
Now is exactly the right time to launch an organization rooted in the belief that inclusion is not just a policy—it’s an expression of love, belonging, and possibility.
Building on Decades of Advocacy
For years, educators, researchers, and advocates have fought for inclusive post-secondary education for students with intellectual disabilities. They've worked in classrooms, statehouses, and communities across the country—celebrating wins, enduring setbacks, and forging progress.
At BTR TMRW Center for Advancement, we recognize the power of their contributions. Our mission is not to disrupt the progress already underway but to build on it—to unify, uplift, and add strength to this vital movement.
We believe in asking the right questions, listening with care, and collaborating with those who’ve long been in the trenches.
Our Vision and Mission
Our vision is clear:
We envision a world where the majority of students with intellectual disabilities are pursuing post-secondary education and developing meaningful career opportunities.
And our mission?
Our mission is to deliver personalized coaching that fosters personal growth, goal-oriented behavior, and self-advocacy, while building inclusive pathways for students with intellectual disabilities to thrive in education, employment, and beyond.
Why We Can’t Stop Searching
We believe in Angela Duckworth’s wisdom: when we keep searching, we stand a chance of finding solutions. And when we stop—out of frustration or fear—we guarantee stagnation.
BTR TMRW is about momentum. Hope. And the relentless pursuit of progress.