Council Members
Council Member Listing:
- Alas Bucton, Roque
- Andrade Zuniga, Ligia
- Aquino-Irving, Kyla
- Barajas, Kathleen
- Bateman, Dwight
- Butler, Patrick
- Harris, Eric
- Hayes, Lisa
- Mendez, Maya
- Miller, Tink
- Solorzano, Jose
- Thomas, Jay’Riah
- Yang, Jenny
Ex-officio Member Listing:
- Joe Xavier, Department of Rehabilitation (DOR)
- Vacant California Department of Aging (CDA) Position
- Vacant Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Position
- Vacant Department of Social Services (DSS) Position
Council Members:
Solorzano, Jose | Council Member
Jose Solorzano has been a community health representative for the Inland Empire Health Plan since 2017. He was a disability and senior outreach coordinator for Molina Healthcare from 2015 to 2017 and was a benefits and resources specialist for Southern California Rehabilitation Services from 2007 to 2012. Solorzano is a member of the Inland Empire Disabilities Collaborative.
Thomas, Jay’Riah | Council Member
Jay’Riah Thomas has been manager of The Arc San Francisco and a summer school ISP teacher for Five Keys Charter School since 2018. She was a teacher for Fortune School of Education from 2016 to 2018. Thomas was a paraeducator for the Elk Grove Unified School District from 2013 to 2016. She is a member of the Black Women of Political Action, Sacramento Chapter and the Spelman College Alumnae Association, Sacramento Chapter. Thomas earned a Master of Education degree from the University of the Pacific.
Yang, Jenny | Council Member
Jenny Yang was Vice Chair of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities from 2013 to 2018. She was a student member of the California Community Colleges Board of Governors from 2011 to 2013. Yang was a box office clerk for the Ukiah Players Theatre from 2008 to 2010 and a guest services representative for Holiday Inn Express in 2007. She held multiple positions at Mendocino College from 2006 to 2007, including statistics tutor and teacher’s assistant.
Ex-Officio Members:
Joe Xavier | Ex-Officio Member, Department of Rehabilitation
The Department of Rehabilitation has played a huge role in my life, and I welcome the chance to give back. As a former consumer, I have a profound understanding of the barriers consumers face on their path to meaningful employment. We strive to equip each individual with a disability who enters our door with the tools to attain employment, achieve independence, and realize equality.
Near and dear to my heart is the partnership we have with our stakeholders and communities that deliver services and supports to our consumers. I am pleased to honor what we have built to date, and look forward to improving our future.
For five decades, our services to Californians with disabilities have resulted in countless lives improved, dreams realized, and accomplishments achieved. Regardless of the successes we have already attained, we must continue to find ways to advance our programs so the next 50 years find us celebrating our vision as a reality.