October 26, 2022

State of Washington

At the Governor's Committee on Disability Issues & Employment (GCDE) 30th Annual Governor's Employer Awards Program, six public and private employers were honored for their work recruiting, hiring, retaining and advancing workers with disabilities. Two individuals were also recognized for their commitment to improve the lives of those with disabilities. Recipients of the awards were: Walgreens in Sedro-Woolley for Youth Employer of the Year; Spectrum Studios in Kennewick for Small Nonprofit Employer of the Year; Seattle Children's Hospital for Large Nonprofit Employer of the Year; Restoration Management in Kent for Small Private Employer of the Year; JCPenney in Marysville for Medium Private Employer of the Year; and ABM Business & Industry in Seattle for Large Private Employer of the Year. The committee also honored Ivanova Smith and Mary Sabetto. Smith was awarded the Governor's Trophy in Memory of Carolyn Blair Brown. This award, named after a former GCDE member, is the highest honor given to someone with a disability who has significantly empowered people with disabilities in Washington. Sabetto was awarded the Direct Support Professional of the Year Award. Sabetto works for Washington Vocational Services, where she has helped numerous employers recognize the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities. A panel of GCDE members, business representatives and previous award recipients selected this year's honorees. The GCDE advises the governor, Legislature, state agencies and other policy makers on issues important to people with disabilities.