National Disability Navigator Award

Congratulations Lia (Weiler) Gallagher, Disability Program Navigator at Arapahoe/Douglas Works!, for winning the Judy Emery “Genesis” Award. Lia was recognized for her leadership in navigating employment services for job seekers with disabilities at the June 11, 2024 National Navigator Exchange meeting hosted by the National Disability Institute. The award recognizes her passion, valuable community leadership, and innovation.  

The award was named after Judy Emery who was a Project Manager at A/D Works! and the Colorado Urban Workforce Alliance (CUWA) Director. Judy served as the Lead for a Colorado ‘systems-change’ grant in 2000. Judy and her team piloted the establishment of a “Navigator” in workforce systems through this initiative. The model was expanded nationally in 2003. Judy’s vision and approach with workforce systems in alignment to strengthen the inclusion of people with disabilities in employment services was the genesis of a national phenomenon that continues in many workforce systems and states without federal grant support.

Lia “is the embodiment of Judy Emery’s spirit in this role” said Robin B.

Read more about Lia and other Colorado Navigators who were awarded ‘National Navigator Awards.’