Crossing the Intersection: A Reflection on the 2025 Inland Empire Disabilities Collaborative Conference

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By Monica G. Munguia, Community Engagement Program Manager

On June 17, 2025, the Inland Empire Disabilities Collaborative (IEDC) brought together thought leaders, advocates, and community members at the IEHP Atrium in Rancho Cucamonga for a powerful and inspiring event titled “Crossing the Intersection.” This year’s conference focused on a vital and often overlooked theme: the intersectionality of disability and culture.

The day was filled with rich dialogue, compelling stories, and a unified call to action. From grassroots organizers to high-level policymakers, each speaker added depth to our understanding of how race, ethnicity, language, gender identity, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status shape the disability experience.

Among the highlights was a panel discussion featuring Dr. CJ Cook, DBA, Program Administrator at Inland Regional Center. In his address, Dr. Cook delivered a resounding message:

“Disability is not a one-dimensional experience. It is shaped by race, ethnicity, language, gender identity, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status. Our discussion underscored the urgent need for culturally and linguistically responsive systems, inclusive policies, and intentional outreach that reflects the diverse realities of those we serve. This is not just a conversation—it is a call to action.

We must build systems that see the whole person, uplift marginalized voices, and dismantle structures that perpetuate inequity. The time to act is now—and it starts with listening, learning, and leading with purpose.”

Inland Regional Center (IRC) was well-represented at the event, with team members from the Client Advisory Committee (CAC), Service Access and Equity (SAE), and Community Engagement (CE) units present to listen, learn, and connect with community partners. Their presence reinforced IRC’s commitment to equity, advocacy, and collaboration in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities across the Inland Empire.

This year’s speaker lineup featured an extraordinary array of changemakers, including:

Jan Garrett, Deputy Director, Pacific ADA Center
Mary Lambert, Artist and LGBTQ+ Rights Advocate
Stephanie Weaver, Administrator, CalVet
Pete Benevidez, CEO, Blindness Support Services
Lisa Hayes, Executive Director, Rolling Start Inc.
Faustino Alvarez, Executive Director, Community Access Center
Lisa Price, Regional Director, CODIE

Their voices amplified the importance of equity in service systems, independent living, accessibility, veterans’ care, and cultural inclusion.

The conference wasn’t just a platform—it was a movement. A moment for the Inland Empire community to recommit to justice, inclusivity, and transformation in the disability space.

As we reflect on the connections made and the inspiration shared, we are reminded that the work continues. The dialogue sparked at IEDC must now echo into policies, programs, and everyday practices across our region.

Together, we are crossing the intersection—toward a future where every voice matters and every person belongs.