CAC 2026 Elections Series: A New Chapter of Leadership Begins

Community EngagementBlog, Spotlight

Four people posing during a certificate presentation at a community recognition event. Two participants hold certificates while standing beside a person speaking into a microphone and another participant using a powered wheelchair. Patriotic table decorations and a presentation screen are visible in the conference room background.
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By IRC Client Advocates Gregory Harrison and Ismeth Estrada

This year’s Client Advisory Committee (CAC) Voter’s Training Night and Elections Night marked an exciting and meaningful moment for our community at the start of the new year! It was a time to learn, to engage, and to choose the CAC Officers who will represent and help guide our community for 2026!

Honoring Education and Access
On February 2nd, we were honored to have Gabe Taylor and Scott Barron from Disability Rights California (DRCA) speak to us during CAC Voter’s Training Night. Their presentation on Voter Accessibility and Rights ensured that every member felt informed and empowered to participate in this year’s General Election. They made it sound so easy to vote, because it is!

We are grateful for those two coming out to IRC Headquarters to share their expertise and support our members in understanding that every voice deserves an opportunity to be heard at the ballot box, especially during this year’s Primaries and Midterm Elections.

To show our appreciation, the IRC CAC presented Gabe and Scott with certificates as a token of our appreciation for them taking the time to pay us a visit for the 2nd year in a row!

A Powerful Night of Leadership
This year’s CAC Elections of Representatives Night was filled with anticipation, pride, and community spirit. Members gathered, candidates shared their vision in a brief 3-Minute speech, and votes were cast for their chosen representatives.

Today, we are proud — and truly excited — to officially welcome our new 2026 CAC Officers:

Josh Souder – CAC President
Josh has consistently shown dedication through his active participation in CAC Meetings and Events. His leadership reflects commitment, reliability, and a strong belief in advocacy and inclusion. As President, he will guide the CAC with vision and purpose, representing the voices of our members and helping move our mission forward. Our community could not have chosen a better representative.

Cristiana Cabrinha – CAC Vice President
Cristiana has demonstrated ongoing involvement and enthusiasm within the CAC. As Vice President, she will support the President, strengthen engagement efforts, and continue uplifting the voices of the individuals we serve.

Together, Josh and Cristiana represent leadership rooted in participation, experience, and heart. We are confident they will do great things for CAC and the Disabled Community as a whole.

Moving Forward Together
The 2026 CAC Elections Series was not just about selecting officers. It was about reaffirming our commitment to advocacy, inclusion, and community leadership.

Please join us again in welcoming our new CAC President and Vice President as we step into 2026 with renewed energy and shared purpose.

The future is bright! And it starts with leadership CHOSEN BY YOU!

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Community Engagement

Inland Regional Center's Community Engagement Unit can be reached at [email protected]

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