SCV Mayor’s Committee Breakfast – October 2025: Celebrating Value and Talent in the SCV
W.S. Hart Hall, 24151 Newhall Avenue, Santa Clarita, CA 91321
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On October 23, 2025, Santa Clarita held its annual NDEAM Mayor’s Committee Breakfast at Hart Hall. The event brought together city officials, employers, and local nonprofits to talk about how the community can better include people with disabilities in the workforce. It was timed to National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which marked its 80th anniversary in 2025.
Mayor Bill Miranda said these workers are often overlooked, even though, given the chance, “sometimes they make some of the best employees.” He described the breakfast as a place to address the uncertainty many people with special needs feel about their futures. He also stressed getting the word out that support is widely available.
The program featured speakers from four local businesses: Jeff Murphy of Quest Pacifica LLC, Robert Shen of Remo Inc., Hilary Kokenda of Zavikon, and John Prabhu of LA North Studios. They covered skills-based hiring, the benefits of hiring people with disabilities, on-the-job coaching, support for employers, and paid internship opportunities.
Golden Valley High School’s Grizzlies Cafecito showed those skills in action by serving drinks to guests. The coffee service is part of the school’s Adult Transition Program for special education students ages 18 to 22.
The program featured speakers from four local businesses: Jeff Murphy of Quest Pacifica LLC, Robert Shen of Remo Inc., Hilary Kokenda of Zavikon, and John Prabhu of LA North Studios. They covered skills-based hiring, the benefits of hiring people with disabilities, on-the-job coaching, support for employers, and paid internship opportunities.
Golden Valley High School’s Grizzlies Cafecito showed those skills in action by serving drinks to guests. The coffee service is part of the school’s Adult Transition Program for special education students ages 18 to 22.
Councilwoman Marsha McLean said awareness has grown and more employers are finding that common misconceptions don’t hold up. She praised these workers’ dedication and hopes the community keeps supporting job seekers while showing employers they can be valuable hires.
