Shamra Baez, Executive Director
The world would be a better place if everyone in it had at least one friend with a disability. My youngest daughter has Down syndrome, and she has made me a better person. Because of her, I became involved with the Walla Walla Valley Disability Network shortly after moving from Grand Rapids, Michigan to Walla Walla in 2015. I grew up in Western Washington, moved to UC Berkeley where I attained a BA in Applied Mathematics, settled in southern California for 18 years, and then went on a 12 year adventure to Michigan. It is good to be back "home" in Washington. During our time in Michigan, my daughter experienced medical issues that led me to start homeschooling her in first grade. She has now completed high school and the STEP (Students Transitioning into Employment Possibilities) Program at Wa-Hi. Our next steps include envisioning and building a plan for her to live the life she wants now that public school is complete.
From 2018 to 2021 I served on the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council, which advocates with our state legislators and state agencies to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families. It is my hope that people with disabilities become more and more visible, valued, and appreciated.
