Suad Bisogno Honored with the Jynny Retzinger Community Service Award

Jul 2

Three smiling woman. The woman in the center has long dark brown curly hair and the other two woman have long blonde hair.

Integrated Resources Institute is proud to announce that our Chief Executive Officer, Suad Bisogno, has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Jynny Retzinger Community Service Award, presented at the North Los Angeles County Regional Center’s Legislative Breakfast. This year’s theme, “Breaking Down Barriers – Building an Inclusive Future for All,” resonates deeply with Suad’s commitment to disability rights and systems-level advocacy.

Smiling woman with long curly dark brown hair holding glass award next to smiling man with short black hair wearing a black shirt and blazer. — Presenting this award was fellow disability advocate, Marty Omoto, Director of California Disability Community Action Network (CDCAN). In addition to this award, Suad received multiple Certificates of Recognition from Assemblymembers Celeste Rodriguez and Nick Schultz, Congressman George Whitesides, and Senators Henry Stern and Suzette Martinez Valladares.

The Jynny Retzinger Award is named in honor of a longtime NLACRC Board member and dedicated parent advocate who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities. Jynny’s legacy includes founding NLACRC’s first Legislative Breakfast and championing inclusive policy through grassroots engagement. The award recognizes individuals who continue that spirit of service and leadership, particularly within the NLACRC region.

Since becoming CEO of IRI, Suad has been an active force in the statewide and national disability advocacy community. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for National and California APSE, California TASH, and the Department of Developmental Services Master Plan Workgroup, where she helps shape the future of services and supports for individuals with disabilities.

Three smiling woman with long dark brown hair. Woman in the center is holding a glass award.

Two smiling woman with long dark brown hair. The woman on the left presented an award to the woman on the right.

One smiling man and two smiling woman. The woman in the center was presented an award that she is holding.

Her work reflects a career-long dedication to equity, inclusion, and access, especially for those who are too often left out of public policy conversations. We are honored to see her efforts recognized in such a meaningful way and grateful for her unwavering leadership at IRI and beyond.