Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse and local service organizations recently honored businesses, community partners, and individual leaders for their commitment to advancing accessibility, inclusion, and employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
Those recognized at the Santa Barbara 21st Annual Mayor’s Awards, held Oct. 21 at the Cabrillo Pavilion, included: Santa Barbara City College (Mayor’s ADA Legacy Award), Santa Barbara Public Library (Champions of Accessibility), Deckers (Beyond Barriers Business Award), and Anita Kwok of Rosewood Miramar Beach (Inclusive Leadership Award).
Held during National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), the Mayor’s Awards celebrate employers and community leaders who advance the intent of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) through inclusive hiring practices, accessible environments, and commitment to equity.
This year’s NDEAM theme Celebrating Value and Talent recognizes the skills, perspectives, and contributions people with disabilities bring to workplaces, communities, and the economy.
The event brought together community members, disability advocates, employers, service providers, and local leaders to honor recipients who reflect the evolving landscape of accessibility and inclusion.
Keynote speaker was Pearl Moratilla, a lifelong disability advocate and office manager at PathPoint.
Moratilla first joined PathPoint through a Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) referral, working with an employment specialist to secure an administrative internship. Her dedication and strong work ethic led to a permanent position and eventually her promotion to Office Manager.
Today, Moratilla is a cornerstone of the PathPoint office, creating a welcoming environment for staff, clients, and visitors while helping ensure daily operations run smoothly.
Beyond her role as office manager, Moratilla is a disability advocate who uses her voice and lived experience to inspire and empower others.
“I believe every person has something to contribute,” she said in her keynote speech. “Sometimes they just need an opportunity to show us what it is.”
This year’s event organizers included representatives from California Department of Rehabilitation, City of Santa Barbara, Tri-Counties Regional Center, Santa Barbara Unified School District Bridges TPP, County of Santa Barbara Workforce Development Board, Santa Barbara City College, Momentum WORK, Inc., Alpha Resource Center, and PathPoint; and community volunteers Ignacio Ponce and Julie Holmes.
PathPoint is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that partners with children, adults and families to find hope and empowerment, build life skills, access systems of support, and develop meaningful relationships.
Founded in 1964, PathPoint offers services in five Central Coast and Southern California counties: Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles and Kern. For more, visit www.pathpoint.org.