Blog

Jem is a digital media artist, painter, photographer, and a disabled queer activist. They are classically trained in both digital and traditional art as well as communication with a degree from Saint Mary’s college. They have handcrafted an individual sense of style and creativity that is recognizable as well as memorable. She led Sacramento’s first Youth action board as its inaugural chair where she and the team endeavored to improve Sacramento’s youth homelessness systems. 

Jem strives to destigmatize mental health struggles and promote positivity around disability, gender, and sexuality in both her professional and personal life. Their passion for supporting their community has only grown as she steps into her new role as Statewide Youth Organizer. With her years of experience as a peer mentor for youth with disabilities and a passion for self-advocacy and serving the community, working with CFILC will feel like a return to form.

Amora Stahl joined CFILC in December 2023 as an AT Program Coordinator. Amora has previously worked with several organizations within the Non-Profit realm throughout California and the MidWest; truly enjoying and appreciating the work that she does from the bottom of her heart. She is very excited, focused and energetic in her efforts to provide resources and support for every community that is in need by using many effective and tactical problem-solving skills that she has developed throughout her career. 

Amora recently graduated from Cosumnes River College in August of 2023 with
her AA in Liberal Arts, with an emphasis in Behavioral and Social Sciences. As a part-time artist and creative mind, Amora brings a fresh and unique outlook on the way that we can approach Non-Profit ideas, collaboration efforts and
obstacles to continue to push forward the capabilities and breadth of these organizations in an inclusive and genuine way. On her free time, Amora enjoys spending time cultivating community within her family/friends and enjoying the
intentionality of learning to notice the little moments that create big memories. She is newly married and is spending most of her time with her new husband while watching as her Tom and Jerry-like Cat and Dog constantly create comical mayhem. You can usually find her painting, drawing digitally, at a thrift store or trying out a new cooking/baking recipe.

Russell first developed a passion for disability rights advocacy after serving for seven years as President of DOGFITE (Disability Organizing Group For Initiating Total Equality), a Sacramento-area disability advocacy group established in the early 2000s at Resources for Independent Living (RIL). While educated in the Independent Living Movement through his nearly 20-year experience as both a leader and facilitator with DOGFITE advocates, Russell was introduced to the transformational power of community organizing as an early participant in Occupy Sacramento. From this experience, he developed a commitment to accessible, affordable housing advocacy and intersectional anti-poverty community organizing.

Russell has previously served as Chair of the Sacramento City Disabilities Advisory Commission, Vice-Chair of the Disability Action Coalition (DAC), and board member of Sacramento Regional Coalition to End Homelessness. He is also a graduate of Sierra Health Foundation’s Health Leadership Program (Class XV) and Sacramento’s Boards and Commissions Leadership Institute (BCLI). 

Russell is honored to serve as CFILC’s Communications and Strategic Partnerships Manager. His personal community organizing philosophy is grounded in the promotion and development of Disabled leaders working to build power and achieve an equitable, accessible transformational justice for all people. Russell believes Disability community leaders must be at the forefront of a progressive society, because barriers to access are also barriers to progress.

Russell lives with his wife April and their ever-present canine companion, Sammie. When not working, he can occasionally be found performing standup or improv comedy — or catching a local Sacramento band. 

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. Nieya has 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 has a background in theatre and film.

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.