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Lourdes Salinas grew up as a child of a migrant seasonal farmworker family. She has studied Sociology with a minor in English, and is still in the process of continuing education.

Her experiences are in administering public assistance programs for the needy, transitional and permanent supportive housing programs for the most vulnerable residents living outdoors. She is bringing her expertise and is excited to join CFILC. She is here to make a positive difference in the lives of people with disabilities. 

Outside of work she enjoys walking, hiking, biking (bicycle), kayaking, and barefoot gardening, as well as playing with her elderly puppy, EmmaSue, and spending quality time with her family. 

Nieya grew up in San Diego, CA, moving to Arizona, Florida, and finally back to California to settle in Sacramento in 2016. They earned a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Sonoma State University in 2013 and are currently attending UC Davis to obtain a Master’s in Community Development. They have been involved in community organizing and advocacy for several years. Their goal is to increase empowerment of marginalized individuals while improving accessibility to community services.

Nieya enjoys writing, filmmaking, and singing, and have a background in theatre and film. They have written one novel, and are currently working on a sequel.

Michelle Rosado is a Program Coordinator II at CFILC, having joined the organization in March 2023. With over six years of experience as an AT and ILS Advocate, Michelle has served people with disabilities in more than six Counties in Central Valley and Motherlode regions before joining CFILC. In 2013 Michelle acquired her Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies and has always been drawn to advocating for people’s rights on a professional and personal level.

She is most proud of her work at Disability Resources Agency for Independent Living (DRAIL) in assisting hundreds of consumers with securing benefits to maintain financial stability, acquiring low-income housing vouchers, and most of all assisting consumers navigate home modifications to improve accessibility. Michelle has expertise in leveraging funding grants and loans, as well as providing tips and tricks for selecting contractors to ensure her consumers have safe and accessible homes. In her current role, Michelle provides support to the Ability Tools suite of programs and is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of people with disabilities. Outside of work, Michelle enjoys spending time with family, acrylic painting, home renovation, and travel.

Brett is the Executive Director for the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers as of March 2023. His former position was with the Bronx Independent Living Services (BILS) and with his leadership, BILS grew by more than 300%.  Brett has created and implemented numerous programs including employment training, youth services, diversity and inclusion training, and more. Brett spent several years at AIG leading their Disability Initiatives. As Disability Coordinator, he led AIG’s Disability Initiative programs in various areas including recruitment and retention, corporate affairs, assistive technology, and products and services. He created programs whereby AIG is able to focus on the disabled population to better serve their needs and the needs of AIG. 

Over his career Brett has also been appointed to several statewide councils including the New York State Independent Living Council, State Rehabilitation Council, and the Commissioners Advisory Panel.  Brett’s extensive involvement and outreach to assist people with disabilities in finding employment goes beyond his daily work. Brett has not only served on the local organizing committee for Disability Mentoring Day (DMD), but he was also Co-Chair for the Mentor Recruitment sub-committee for several years. In addition, he has previously contributed his time, talent and energy as a member of six Business Advisory Councils, including Abilities, Inc., Just One Break, Inc. (JOB), and Fedcap.  Brett holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting with a concentration in Management from Nova Southeastern University. In 2008 Brett received the prestigious Paul G. Hearne/AAPD Leadership Award.