Starbridge Honors 2026 Community Champions at Decades on the Dancefloor

Rochester, NY — October 21, 2026 Starbridge will turn up the music and the momentum for “Decades on the Dancefloor”, its signature fundraising event taking place tonight from 6 to 9 p.m. at Comedy @ the Carlson.

Inspired by the music and energy of the 1970s, ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s, the event will bring the community together for a silent disco, dinner, a silent auction, the Community Champion Awards, and an evening celebrating the people and partnerships moving inclusion forward.

Starbridge will present its 2026 Community Champion Awards to six individuals and organizations whose leadership has expanded opportunities for people with disabilities:

• Aubrey Marrero, Office Manager and Adjunct Instructor at ITEC Training and Education Center

• Dr. Whitney Rapp, Professor at St. John Fisher University

• Wendy Arnold, GED Teacher and Academic Navigator at The Community Place of Greater Rochester

• Juliana Vasquez-Colindres, TIES youth leader and student advocate

• Sheryl Williams, School Counselor at Cattaraugus-Little Valley Central School District

• Somerset Patio and Concrete and Mike Taccone, employment and internship partners

“Every era has its defining moments, but meaningful progress is never created by time alone. It happens because people choose to lead, collaborate, remove barriers, and create opportunities for others,” said Nikisha Ridgeway, President and CEO of Starbridge. “Our 2026 Community Champions embody that commitment. Their work demonstrates what is possible when inclusion becomes something we actively build together.”

Celebrating Leadership Across the Community

This year’s honorees represent the many ways individuals and organizations can help create communities where everyone belongs.

Aubrey Marrero is being recognized for a career grounded in leadership, education, and service. Through her work at ITEC Training and Education Center and her previous leadership in banking, she has helped people develop skills, recognize their strengths, and pursue new opportunities.

Dr. Whitney Rapp has partnered with Starbridge for more than 20 years to advance inclusive education. An accomplished professor, author, and advocate for Universal Design for Learning, she has equipped generations of educators with practical tools for creating classrooms in which every student can participate and succeed.

Wendy Arnold provides flexible, individualized academic support to adult learners pursuing their GEDs. As both a teacher and academic navigator, she helps students address obstacles, remain connected to their goals, and recognize their potential. Her partnership with Starbridge’s Project ESTEEM has expanded educational and employment pathways for participants.

Juliana Vasquez-Colindres has demonstrated that leadership has no age requirement. A TIES participant and youth leader since seventh grade, she has promoted belonging through school leadership, athletics, the Latino Student Union, and Harmonies for Healing. Her example encourages other young people to use their voices and create change.

Sheryl Williams has championed inclusive opportunities for students at Cattaraugus-Little Valley Central School District for more than a decade. Since helping establish the district’s TIES program in 2013, she has continued to build connections through Unified Sports, Lunch Buddy Groups, and other initiatives that bring students of all abilities together.

Somerset Patio and Concrete and Mike Taccone have created meaningful, paid work experiences for students participating in Starbridge’s employment programs. Since 2023, the company has welcomed interns into its workplace and provided hands-on instruction in site preparation, formwork, concrete pouring, and other industry skills. Its team approaches mentorship with patience, consistency, and a genuine investment in each intern’s success.

“These champions remind us that connection does not belong to one program, profession, or organization,” Ridgeway said. “It takes educators, employers, advocates, young leaders, families, and community partners working together. Each honoree is helping transform a different part of our community, and collectively, they are building a future with greater opportunity for everyone.”

Moving Inclusion Forward

Starbridge partners with people with disabilities, their families, and those who support them to achieve their goals in education, employment, and community living. During the past year, the organization reached more than 17,000 people across New York State and offered more than 2,400 workshops, with total attendance exceeding 8,100.

Proceeds from Decades on the Dancefloor will support Starbridge’s work to help people pursue greater independence, navigate complex systems, prepare for employment, participate in their communities, and define what a fulfilling life means to them.

As guests dance through the decades, the evening will also look ahead to the next generation of champions, partnerships, and possibilities.