he SCV Mayors Committee on Employment of Individuals With Disabilities has appointed officers for the 2018/2019 term. Congratulations and Thank You to the following individuals for their willingness to serve the community: Chairperson Araz Valijan; Co-Vice Chairpersons Jennifer Zimmerman and Kris Hough (shared appointment); Treasurer Alma Terranova; Event Chairperson Kathleen Secchi; Website Committee Chairperson Scott Shepard and Secretary Lisa Kimura.

We deeply appreciate the efforts of the outgoing officers and thank them for a very successful year full of growth and events to be proud of. Outgoing Chair, Ken Wiseman, had this to say about past efforts and the incoming officers: “It has been a joy to be the Chair for the committee, and I am so pleased that Araz will be taking my place. I am very confident that she will provide great leadership to our Committee.”

The new Mayor’s Committee Chairperson, Araz Valijan, began working for the City of Santa Clarita in December 2006 as a Community Services Coordinator. In 2010, Araz was transferred to the recreation division as the City’s Inclusion Coordinator where she implemented, evaluated and promoted programs and events to include children with disabilities. She also oversaw the City’s scholarship program Santa Clarita’s Opportunity for a Recreational Experience, (SCORE). In 2016 she was promoted as the Public Works Analyst.

Araz holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychology from California State University, Los Angeles and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from California State University, Northridge. She has been a Santa Clarita resident for the past 13 years and lives with her husband, Arthur and their 8 year old twins, Derek and Olivia.

Speaking about her hopes and plans for the next year, Araz said, “I am humbled and honored to have been appointed Chair of the SCV Mayor’s Committee. I am confident our dedicated board will continue its mission to Educate, Empower, and Employ while striving to be the resource the community needs for individuals with disabilities. I look forward to pledging our mantra of being “Bias Busters” to as many people as possible this next year. I welcome and encourage those interested in joining our board, to visit our website or follow us on Facebook or Instagram!

Congratulations once again to all of the new officers. We look forward to great relationships and much progress in the next year.

Araz Valijan
Mayor’s Committee Board Members