Tuesday, November 7, 2023
The Young Professional Award is presented to a person in the field of disabilities under the age of 40 who has demonstrated dedication and commitment to people with developmental disabilities and their families through work as a bridge between the academic sector and the community.
Jacy Farkas, MA
Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities at the University of Arizona: Tucson, AZ
"Ms. Farkas experience, passion, and commitment to inclusion for all is reflected throughout her teaching, leadership, and scholarly work. It is important to note that not only does Ms. Farkas talk about diversity and inclusion, but she also lives it – making sure that people representative of disability and diverse cultures are involved in her teaching, presentations, research, development, and grantsmanship. She models these practices for her students, staff, colleagues, and peers making an influential impact beyond the direct work that she does."
Biography
Jacy Farkas, MA is the Associate Director of the Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities at the University of Arizona in Tucson, where she oversees the interdisciplinary pre-service training programs and helps lead multiple efforts related to person-centered practices, youth to adult transition, and intersectional research. Jacy is a former UCEDD trainee and a past chair of AUCD’s Multicultural Council; she has contributed to multiple projects and publications related to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the disability space. Jacy is a doctoral candidate in Human Development and Family Science at the University of Arizona, and she also holds a Master's in Information Resources and Library Science. Jacy identifies as a neurodivergent Black-Filipina mother, scholar, and advocate.