Lex Frieden Employment Awards - Past Winners
2024
Governor's Trophy Award
Rebecca Cagle (Denton)
Rebecca Cagle is a mainstay of the Workplace Inclusion & Sustainable Employment Program at the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. Serving as the Senior Project Coordinator for Supported Employment for seven years, her life’s work has been supporting people with disabilities, empowering them to lead more fulfilling lives, equipping them to, not only reach for success in employment, but to reach success on their terms and in the way that best suits them.
This has been her pursuit for more than 30 years. She advocates in securing employment for others. She serves on various committees at the local, state, national, and international levels to bring change to support systems vital to the success of her students. Playing an active role in development and provision of training for rehabilitation providers has made her legendary in this challenging and rewarding field. She is recognized as a leader and at the forefront of comprehensive and integrated service delivery. In terms of accommodations and assistive technology, Rebecca Cagle meets the definition of “best practice” and “cutting-edge”.
Rebecca Cagle embodies the true essence of the Texas spirit by always lending a helping hand and by demanding for her students, her co-workers, and herself what she knows is right.
Martha Arbuckle Award (Co-Winners)
Houston/Harris County DAFN Committee (Houston)
The purpose of the Disability Access and Functional Needs (DAFN) Planning Committee is to bridge the gap between the whole community and emergency management before, during, and after a disaster by advocating for equitable and accessible best practices, programs, and services. An inclusive workshop was conducted for individuals with disabilities, their caregivers, and families to enhance their preparedness for the range of threats and hazards that may impact the area. Whether the disaster is caused by a storm, flood, fire, or other event, readiness is a key component of acquiring, accessing, and utilizing resources which are available to those needing assistance. This project was a partnership between the Mayor’s Office of Public Safety & Homeland Security, the Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and Houston Health Department- Public Health Emergency Preparedness, Community Service and Response.
Dallas Regional Chamber: Disability Inclusion Toolkit (Dallas)
The Dallas Regional Chamber (DRC) launched its Disability Inclusion Toolkit, a first for a major metropolitan chamber of commerce in Texas. The effort included partnerships with local service providers, corporations, and business leaders. This toolkit promotes competitive and integrated employment of persons with disabilities, while promoting an increased employment pipeline and supporting local and regional organizations. An inclusion conference provided the opportunity to bring together businesses, employers, service providers, and job-seekers for a face-to-face discussion of innovative ways to expand disability inclusion.
Large Employer Award
Toyotsu Texas (San Antonio)
Toyotsu Texas (TTTX) is committed to being a leading employer which is also actively engaged in the community. Toyotsu recognizes the benefits of having an inclusive workforce and places a strong strategic focus on creating local, state, and national partnerships with organizations that work with diverse populations. Anyone who is interested in growing their career with Toyotsu Texas is encouraged to contact them. The company engages in the interactive process to determine accommodations that best support an applicant’s or an employee’s needs to help them be successful in their positions. It is their hope to motivate employers to become engaged and to encourage individuals with disabilities to plan for the future and consider a career in manufacturing, especially with Toyotsu Texas!
Medium Employer Award
Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q (Pharr)
A key component in successful employee hiring for Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q (Rudy’s BBQ) involves effective partnerships with other community agencies. The combined goal is to efficiently interview and place candidates in roles that match their skills and career aspirations. They also support their employees who may need additional assistance with the basics of food, shelter, transportation, healthcare and more. Rudy’s approach to leadership and understanding contribute to the integration of individuals with disabilities into their workplace. The diverse range of positions held by employees with disabilities highlights Rudy’s commitment to inclusivity and the value placed on the unique contributions of each team member. By prioritizing reasonable accommodations, Rudy’s allows all employees to perform their jobs effectively and respectfully. This also teaches everyone the important lesson and the benefits of teamwork and support.
Small Employer Award
Global Data Technologies (San Angelo)
Global Data Technologies’ (GDT) philosophy revolves around the principle of hiring the most qualified individuals based on their skills, qualifications, and ability to contribute effectively to the team. The employer is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where diversity is celebrated and each employee, including those with disabilities, can thrive and advance in their careers. Hiring is based on meritocracy and fairness. GDT offers tailored accommodations, specialized offices, flexible work schedules and much more with the goal that all employees thrive and contribute to the company’s collective success.
Non-Profit Organization
Morgan’s (San Antonio)
A core value of Morgan’s is to empower; empower individuals with disabilities to do things they may have thought were not possible. This may include anything from riding a wheelchair accessible Ferris Wheel to working at an organization that lives and breathes a philosophy of inclusion and accessibility. The organization’s leadership actively seeks to hire individuals with disabilities at all levels of employment and provides disability inclusion training to all employees. The philosophy at Morgan’s is to assess what people can do, and not focus on any perceived limits. They look at an individual’s interests, skills, and abilities then find the right fit, the right job, the right team for that employee.
The Entrepreneurship Award
Tiffani Martin
Tiffani Martin is the CEO of Jancynco, a leading company in digital strategic planning. As a 100% woman-owned, minority-owned, and disability-owned enterprise, Jancynco brings over 50 years of collective experience in blending digital strategy with artificial intelligence. Their diverse team is their greatest asset, providing unique perspectives and expertise. This diversity, combined with a deep understanding of AI, enables the business to deliver innovative, data-driven digital strategies. They excel in integrating human creativity with AI analytics to create solutions that are not just efficient, but also visionary. Jancynco is a certified Disability:In disability-owned business enterprise working toward supporting and serving all customers including people with disabilities.
2023
Governor's Trophy Award
Dr. Lidia Fonseca (McAllen)
Dr. Lidia Fonseca of the Valley Association for Independent Living in McAllen works around the clock to enhance employment opportunities for people with disabilities through coordination of job fairs, assistive technology demonstrations, employment preparatory programs, ensuring accessibility of facilities, and other support. Dr. Fonseca has a broad reach with impact on transportation programs, education, healthcare, youth employment, community engagement, and statewide and national leadership with various organizations focused on the goal of competitive integrated employment. Her efforts are marked by a passionate and unwavering sprit of advocacy and empowerment. She embodies the principles of disability justice and leaves her mark on a wide range of disability issues covering local, state, and national levels.
Martha Arbuckle Award
Valley Association for Independent Living (McAllen)
With a core principle of consumer control, the Valley Association for Independent Living (VAIL) in McAllen is actively managed and staffed by people with disabilities. VAIL collaborates with other service providers, educational institutions, commercial business, and other supportive organizations to help their constituents identify employment opportunities, participate in job fairs, earn certifications for specific careers, access assistive technology, and work toward permanent employment. VAIL’s program can and should be easily implemented in communities across Texas.
Large Employer Award
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (Edinburg)
Located in Edinburg, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is dedicated to upholding Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action principles. The institution adheres to all governmental directives to ensure nondiscrimination across all educational programs and student activities including employment. Among other proactive efforts, UTRGV stepped onto the world stage by nominating their Sustainable Opportunities for Advancement and Recruiting (SOAR) Project to the ENACTUS EXPO and brought home first prize. SOAR collaborates with Texas Workforce Solutions VR Services, the Valley Association for Independent Living, and the Disability Chamber of Commerce Rio Grande Valley and addresses all aspects of the employment experience, including interests, application, interview, accommodations, job retention, and advancement.
Medium Employer Award
TrueHarvest Farms (Belton)
Fully inclusive hiring, including applicants with disabilities, is a commitment honored by TrueHarvest Farms. TrueHarvest is growing their operation through their extremely talented employees, hand-picked from one of the most underrecognized populations in the community. In fact, employees with a disability represent 25% of TrueHarvest’s work group. TrueHarvest is committed to helping ensure all of their employees are successful, and diligently matches job applicants with right job that is best for them. The company’s “Disability Awareness Training” also fosters comfort, accommodations, inclusion, team support, supervision, promotion, and success. TrueHarvest Farms also partners with local vocational rehabilitation services and school districts.
Small Employer Award
Nacho's Restaurant Cantina & Grill (San Angelo)
At Nacho’s Restaurant Cantina & Grill, employees, managers, and owners support new hires in both learning their jobs and providing reasonable accommodations in the workplace—leading to success and job retention among employees with a disability. Whether the job is as a server, a dining room attendant, or in the kitchen, Nacho’s understands the value of having employees who are content and comfortable in their jobs. Providing natural accommodations is even in their employee handbook.
Non-Profit Organization
Upshur County Library (Gilmer)
Coworkers at the Upshur County Library in Gilmer are quick to help teach, guide, understand, and retain new employees. Library trainees may move into permanent clerical, library assistant, or production positions. At the Upshur County Library, there is known value in providing extra training, creating task lists, and accommodating needs for breaks or flexible work schedules for employees with a disability.
The Entrepreneurship Award
Christian Torres, Christian's Cookie House (Pharr)
Christian Torres, owner and founder of Christian’s Cookie House in Pharr, embodies resilience and determination. Growing up, Christian overcame difficulty with social interactions and understanding subtle nuances of communication and nonverbal cues. This experience made Christian a stronger person—someone who would go on to hold two jobs while building his dream career. Today, Christian’s Cookie House presents stuffed cookies and other sweets to Texans in the Rio Grande Valley. Christian is a member of several community organizations and donates to charitable causes near home. Christian’s story is a perfect example of empowerment, community, and passion pursued with heart.
2022
The Governor’s Trophy
Ms. Bobbie Hodges (Fort Worth)
The Texas Governor’s Trophy award honors Bobbie Hodges, Senior Director of Workforce Development for Goodwill North Central Texas. Bobbie started her career in 2000 and has been a steadfast advocate and mentor for people with disabilities. Bobbie is especially proud of her work with the Summer Earn & Learn program and Camp Independence. These two summer programs allow youth with disabilities to obtain workplace readiness training and work experience. Bobbie has served on the State of Texas Governor's Rehabilitation Council since 2018, and in 2015 was named Manager of the Year by Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana. In 2010, she received the HERA Award from the Shreveport Mayor’s Women’s Commission. The award honors unsung heroes who have made a positive difference in Shreveport, Louisiana, in the areas of advocacy, education, and quality of life.
Martha Arbuckle Award
Fun for All Playground (College Station)
The Fun for All Playground grew out of a desire to fill in a missing piece of the puzzle in the Brazos Valley community. The vision was to create a playground where entire families can play together, including families who include people with disabilities. The hope was to create a melting pot of people with different cognitive and physical abilities and to promote and encourage playing and engagement with each other. A public-private partnership in an unusual alliance including the City of College Station with the Lions, Rotary, and Kiwanis Clubs moved this vision of a playground to reality. In addition, Texas A&M Architecture program students worked on projects as class assignments and submitted ideas that ultimately were merged to create the concept for the local playground. Thereafter, the City of College Station agreed to partner with Fun for All to develop and maintain the park. This is a key factor in the ongoing sustainability and success of the program. Using creative partnerships across organizational boundaries provides not just an immediate asset for the community, but an ongoing benefit and support for years to come.
Large Employer Award
Advance Auto Parts (Houston and Dallas)
Advance Auto Parts is accelerating its efforts to hire individuals with disabilities throughout the organization. After successful pilot programs at distribution centers in 2019, the People with Disabilities Hiring Initiative has grown to include 17 distribution centers and stores in 14 metro markets across the US, as well as to remote and in-person positions in the corporate offices. This includes stores and distribution centers in the greater Dallas and Houston areas. The initiative includes enhanced training for the team members, and frequent communication with local organizations helping job seekers with disabilities find employment. To date, Advance Auto Parts has hired over 500 team members as a direct result of this initiative.
Medium Employer Award
Bakery Express (Lewisville)
GCPD recognizes Bakery Express of Central Texas as the 2022 Medium Employer of the Year (26 to 500 employees) fostering a work culture that includes tolerance, diversity and acceptance as Bakery Express continues to employ workers with disabilities. In 2018, Bakery Express began working with Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Services and has maintained an ongoing relationship to gain access to qualified applicants. They work closely with the TWC Summer Earn and Learn program, Lewisville Independent School District Project Search, and placement partners Work Ready Texas and Quest Employment Services.
Small Employer Award
Home2 Suites (Abilene)
GCPD recognizes Home2 Suites in Abilene, Texas, as the 2022 Small Employer of the Year (25 employees or less). Home2 Suites provides natural supports for recruiting, employing and advancing Texans with disabilities including providing necessary accommodations and mentoring. Home2 Suites partners with the local vocational rehabilitation office to ensure they are giving Texans with disabilities an opportunity to join their company where almost twenty-five percent of their employees are persons with disabilities.
Non-Profit Organization
Goodwill Central Texas (Austin)
GCPD recognizes Goodwill Central Texas as the 2022 Non-Profit Employer of the Year. For more than six decades, Goodwill Central Texas has relentlessly focused on a single goal, transforming generations by empowering people through education, career training, and work. They believe that education and work are the only true pathways out of poverty and strive to provide opportunities for people in the community who face obstacles to sustainable employment by providing programs for people with disabilities. In addition, Goodwill boasts that 27.52% of Goodwill employees had a significant disability in 2021 and work at all levels of the organization, including leadership and board service. Goodwill not only offers an inclusive environment as an employer, but also promotes a more inclusive workforce through outreach to community employers, changing the face of the local labor market.
2021
Governor's Trophy
Kristi J. Avalos
The Governor's Trophy is awarded to the person who has achieved the highest success in enhancing the empowerment and employment of Texans with disabilities. This award recognizes long-term commitment and outstanding efforts at both the community and state level. GCPD is proud to honor Kristi Avalos, CEO of Accessology Too, LLC, as this year's Governor’s Trophy winner. Kristi is a longtime advocate for people with disabilities beginning her journey in 1977 when she worked at a convalescent home for children. She was later hired by American Airlines to implement the Air Carrier Access Act and in 1990 created Accessology to provide training and consulting services on ADA compliance to architects, contractors, designers, building owners, universities, municipalities, commercial lenders, attorneys, and others throughout the nation. For more than 30 years Kristi has provided onsite direction and expert technical support to bring state and local governments into compliance through their legally mandated Transition Plans. Her entire adult life is dedicated to removing barriers for people with disabilities and bridging the gap between what people with disabilities need/want and what business or agencies can provide. As a consultant for many large projects around the country, Kristi insists upon developing advisory boards made up of individuals with disabilities, giving each group a voice within their own community. Accessology Too is based in McKinney, Texas.
Martha Arbuckle
Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) Texas Chapter
This award honors the most innovative local disability committee project and is presented in memory of Austin's long-time disability advocate, Martha Arbuckle. In 2017, the Texas Chapter PVA recognized the shortage of accessible parking places for people with disabilities due to the overuse of eligible Disabled Veteran (DV) license plate users, by people without a mobility disability. Working with the Texas Legislature over the past four years, following many sessions providing testimony and educating the legislature on this issue, SB 792 87th Legislature was signed into law by Governor Abbott, becoming effective January 1, 2022. This law will ensure better availability of accessible parking spaces across the state for anyone with a mobility disability and license plate that includes the international symbol of access or valid parking placard. PVA Texas is based in Crosby, Texas.
The Entrepreneurship Award
Gregory Stavinoha
This award is presented to a living entrepreneur with a disability who has shown extraordinary ingenuity and drive in creating and sustaining a successful business. The Entrepreneur award is awarded posthumously to Gregory Stavinoha. Mr. Stavinoha was legally blind and successfully operated a business in the Mickey Leland Federal Building in Houston Texas through the Federal Randolph Sheppard program from 1996 until his recent passing in September 2021. The business included food service, vending and the production and sale of United States Passport photographs. Mr. Stavinoha was an outstanding business mentor to other aspiring entrepreneurs with disabilities wishing to achieve his same level of success.
Large Employer
Lockheed Martin (Fort Worth)
Lockheed Martin has been recognized as one of the best places to work for disability inclusion for the sixth straight year. This Fort Worth-based corporation received the top score on Disability:IN’s 2020 Disability Equality Index®, which recognizes employers for creating equitable and accessible opportunities for all potential employees. Their Able & Allies Business Resource Group continuously works to increase access and opportunity for employees with disabilities, developing strong partnerships with corporate allies who are committed to advancing disability inclusion and equality across their businesses in the United States and around the world. A commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace helps drive innovation at Lockheed Martin by ensuring a range of perspectives are represented.
Medium Employer
Kumori Sushi & Teppanyaki (San Antonio and Rio Grande Valley)
GCPD recognizes Kumori as the 2021 Medium Employer of the Year (26 to 500 employees) for fostering a diverse and accessible workplace. Kumori is the first Modern Japanese restaurant and has 11 locations in South Texas. Kumori believes everyone deserves to excel in competitive employment and treats employees as if they were family with a strong commitment to see each employee succeeds. Currently over 10% of employees at Kumori have a disability and are employed in a range of positions from cooks to HR personnel and management.
Small Employer
ServiceMaster Commercial Cleaning by Legacy (El Paso)
GCPD recognizes Heidi Avedician, owner of Service Master by Legacy as the 2021 Small Employer of the Year (25 employees or less). This cleaning and disinfecting company boasts that 25% of staff are people with disabilities. The positions held by employees with disabilities are mainly, but not exclusively, operational support roles - the ones that the company could not succeed without.
Non-Profit Organization
Endeavors Unlimited (San Antonio)
GCPD recognizes Endeavors Unlimited. They believe that everyone deserves a chance to obtain and maintain gainful employment in a position that fits their skills and abilities. Approximately 75% of the employees have disabilities and Endeavors encourages all employees to grow and develop. They promote advancement by providing accessible training and learning opportunities at all levels. They have been recognized by the National Organization on Disability as a Leading Disability Employer in 2020 and 2021 due to the organization’s focus and policies towards individuals with disabilities.