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Annual Employment First Awards

Celebrating Employment First Efforts in the Centennial State

The Colorado Employment First awards are presented annually by Colorado APSE. They recognize career seekers, professionals, businesses, and community partners who make exemplary contributions to advancing Employment First. 

 2024 Colorado Employment First Award Winners!

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Professional for Individual Award
Winner: Amanda McConnell, DDRC Employment Services

This award recognizes an individual for outstanding state-of-the-art practices and professional achievements in Employment First as a job coach, job developer, employment specialist, or other personnel.

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Excellence in Benefits Counseling Award
Winners: Lisa Linder, Ability Connections Colorado

This award recognizes work being done to promote the access to or provision of benefits counseling services within the State of Colorado.

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Excellence in Benefits Counseling Award
Winners: Lee Sylvester, DDRC Employment Services

This award recognizes work being done to promote the access to or provision of benefits counseling services within the State of Colorado.

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Personal Achievement Award
Winners: Hannah Skrastins, Chick-fil-A Team Member

This award recognizes an individual’s personal achievement, through integrated employment or self-employment.

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Wendy M Wood Emerging Leader Award
Winner: Sydney Esch, Imagine! Colorado

This award recognizes an emerging leader in Colorado that is developing a vision and creating action toward full inclusion of citizens with disabilities in our society.

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Small Employer Award
Winner: Alain Aquino with Panera Bread

This award recognizes a large employer (50+ employees) that is proving and demonstrating to be an advocate for Employment First through inclusive business practices and recognition of the contributions made to their business by hiring people with disabilities.

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Large Employer Award
Winner: April Lowden with Chick-fil-A

This award recognizes a large employer (50+ employees) that is proving and demonstrating to be an advocate for Employment First through inclusive business practices and recognition of the contributions made to their business by hiring people with disabilities.

Previous Award Winners

2023 Annual Employment First Award Winners

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