Shirley Rodriguez – Women’s History Month

Women’s History Month 2023
We are truly blessed to have worked with so many wonderful colleagues who have journeyed alongside people, their families and teams to inspire confidence, hope, and faith while navigating through the obstacles and barriers to obtain the “good things”in life. We are humbled to honor four individuals this year who have truly “walked the talk” while enriching the lives of so many, including Lori and Scott.

Shirley Rodriguez may be the humblest person we have ever met, a person that consistently gives the credit, accolades and honors to others while constantly working behind the scenes to provide the support needed to promote success.Shirley has dedicated herself to advocating for others, on a local level in San Francisco and surrounding Bay Cities promoting self-advocacy and inclusive “TASH values”, on the State and National level working tirelessly for legislative advocacy on behalf of individuals with disabilities, their families, and those that support them. Shirley and Scott met each other when we were honored to be voted onto the California-TASH Board to serve with colleagues we considered to be our mentors.At the time, Shirley and Scott were the lone representatives of adult service agencies and bonded over our shared struggles with funding to provide the person-centered, quality services we feel are essential for the people we support. Over the time we have known Shirley, she has provided the quiet leadership needed to connect those with diverse opinions and to keep everyone’s focus on the important things. We are proud to honor Shirley Rodriguez for Women’s History Month.

From Shirley:

I’m honored and humbled to be recognized during Women’s History month by Avenues.  Everyone at Avenues has always held a special place in my heart, I’ve always valued their friendship and kindness. 

I have received many blessings in life, one of the most significant blessing has been to be a part of Community Employment Services (CES).  We truly are the CES family, it has been a pleasure to be one of the leaders of such a caring and progressive organization.  In 1980 we only had a vision to do things differently and $300 in donations to get started but our passion to do things the ‘right way” prevailed. Forty three years later, I  would have never imagined that CES would have made such an impact for so many of us.  It never ceases to amaze me what can be done when you value the contributions of everyone on the team.  

I have had the privilege to work with some of the most caring and loyal team members around.  I never take for granted the trust that has been bestowed on me, from those we support, their families, my co-leader, our staff and other providers of services.  At CES trust is the cornerstone of our value driven organization. 

One thing I enjoy the most is supporting folks to advocate for themselves regarding their needs, choices and preferences.  I love watching folks grow and learn to speak up for themselves and others. 

I know I shared mostly about the values and principles our organization has cultivated over the years but this is what I am most proud of and grateful to be a part of the CES family.  I am always so thankful that I have been able to walk this path with those we support, their families, my co-leader, our staff and other providers of services at CES.  Everything hasn’t always been easy and sometimes it’s been down right stressful but somehow the values we have cultivated over the years has always pulled us through. 

I know being a part of the CES family has made me a better person with an array of opportunities and many fond memories.

Thanks again Scott and Lori for the opportunity to share a little about myself with Avenues, take care, Shirley