Advocacy in Action: ECNV Takes on Capitol Hill
Advocacy team has been busy! On March 23, 2026, Laura Kim (Policy & Advocacy Coordinator) and Jimena Barron (Lead Community Activist) participated in the Disability Policy Seminar and on 03/24/26 attended Hill Day, which included meetings with the offices of Congressman Beyer and Congressman Walkinshaw.
29th Annual Health and Fitness Expo at GMU in Fairfax
On March 19, 2026, Margarita Baquero, Travel Trainer, and Rosalia Fajardo from ENCV successfully participated in the 29th annual Health and Fitness Expo at George Mason University in Fairfax!
Arlington County Engagement Forum
On Monday, March 16th, Andrew Shaw from ECNV tabled alongside WMATA’s Brigid Doherty and Sharita Smith at the Arlington County Community engagement forum.
ECNV Launches Knowledge + Action Support Groups
February 2026, ECNV officially started Knowledge + Action Support groups, which are co-facilitated by Community Peer Mentors with disabilities, health, and mental health conditions.
ECNV Participated in the VACOLAO Advocacy Day
On February 3, 2026, ECNV participated in the Virginia Latino Organizations VACOLAO's Advocacy Day, which was held during the General Assembly sessions in Richmond.
ECNV in the Community: River Terrace Education Campus
On 02/26/26 ECNV staff members Karen and Andrew attended a community event at River Terrace Education Campus in Washington, DC. During the event, they connected with students and families to share information about our Travel Training program.
Image: Karen Arnett and Andrew Shaw at River Terrace Education Campus in Washington, DC.
ECNV at Congressman Don Beyer's Annual Women's Conference
On Thursday, January 15, 2026, ECNV staff, Rosalia Fajardo, Samantha Wentling and Laura Kim attended Annual Women's Conference: The Ripple Effects of Resilience at Fuse at George Mason University. This conference brings together women leaders and community voices to share stories of perseverance, strength, and resilience in the face of the challenges confronting our community today.
ECNV Staff Celebrated the Holiday Season
On Friday, December 12, 2025, ECNV staff came together to celebrate the holiday season, taking time to connect, reflect, and enjoy each other’s company as the year came to a close.
ALT: ECNV staff pose for a big group photo at holiday party.
Advocating for Change
On Thursday, December 11, 2025, Laura Kim, Policy and Advocacy Coordinator, shared ECNV legislative priorities with the Arlington delegation of the General Assembly.
ALT: Laura Kim, in a tan top and black pants, standing at a podium presenting.
Bienvenidos at The Way to Transition from School to Adult Life Conference
On Saturday, October 25, 2025 Bienvenido’s Todos ECNV Project sponsored by ADA-MID Atlantic, hosted a successful Conference! We addressed The Future Plan- Guide to Transition which highlights the importance of future planning, providing a guide and information to transition for youth receiving special education after high school. For parents, learn about rights and tips to prepare for success.
Image: Panel from left Rosalia Fajrdo, black blouse Daniela Sykes, Elizabeth Noriega, and Lizzeth Uria en a light grey blouse.
ECNV's Adult Social Group
On Friday October 17th, ECNV's Adult Social Group took an afternoon adventure to Old Town Alexandria to enjoy the fall colors and lunch.
Image: Four individuals pose on Alexandria bus.
ECNV Staff Took Sail on the Odyssey for a Luncheon
On October 15th, ECNV staff and peer mentors enjoyed a wellness day aboard the Odyssey, setting sail for a relaxing luncheon-style afternoon on the water.
Image: ECNV staff (left) Emily Kudron, Maura Schmidt and ECNV volunteer, on right Kevina Brown and Paul Whitney on board the Odyssey for a health wellness afternoon.
2025 Festival Latinoamericano
ECNV participated with a table of information at the 2025 Festival Latinoamericano was held on Fri., Oct. 3, from 5-9 p.m. at Arlington Mill Community Center. Arlington County's Festival Latinoamericano is dedicated to celebrating the vibrant and diverse cultures on Columbia Pike that enrich our community. With a showcase of the rich tapestry of Latin American art, food, and culture.
Image: David Ayuago, a Hispanic male in a black and grey sports outfit, next to Rosalia Fajardo in a blouse with dots, stuffing the ECNV table.
ECNV Attends Flu Clinic
On Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Jim Scott Community Center, the Chinese American Community Health Services (CACHS) hosted its annual health Fair. ECNV generously supported this event, providing free flu vaccines to uninsured community members attending their annual community health fair in Northern Virginia.
Image: A Muslim male receiving a flu vaccine from a Walgreens pharmacist.
Congratulations to RAMP Summer 2025 Participants!
On Friday, October 3, 2025, ECNV RAMP students celebrated at their Closing Ceremony & Celebration! It was so lovely to be able to celebrate the achievements of our RAMP students together!
Image: ECNV RAMP students pose with their certificates in hand.
Arlington NDEAM Proclamation
On October 21st, ECNV's Laura Kim, attended the Arlington County Recess Meeting, where JD Spain read the proclamation of the disability employment awareness month.
Image: The Arlington DAC Chair Karen Audant and Laura.
ECNV Partners with Fairfax County at Free Flu Clinic
On Thursday, October 2, 2025, ECNV partnered with Fairfax County Health Department’s Division of Community Health Development for a free flu clinic at Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Center in Falls Church, VA.
Image: David Ayuago, a Hispanic male in a black and grey sports outfit, next to Rosalia Fajardo in a brown blouse with dots, stnding at the ECNV table.
ECNV ENDependents
On Friday, September 19, 2025, The ENDependents Social Group went out to Andy's Pizza as part of their monthly group. If you are interested in future events, be sure to review our calendar regularly or email us at info@ecnv.org for more information
Collage: The ENDependents Social Group went out to Andy's Pizza.
Big Congratulations to Our Very Own Kevina Brown!
On Wednesday, August 13, 2025, the Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL) awarded Kevina with the RAMP Coordinator Award !!!
Image: (Left to Right) Director of Programs Hannah Roberts, Manager of Youth Programs Paul Whitney, RAMP Program Coordinator Kevina Brown, and Peer Mentor Carlos Marquez. Kevina is holding her award.
2025 Virtual Special Education Summit in Spanish
On Saturday, August 16, PEATC, in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Education, held the 2025 Virtual Special Education Summit in Spanish. This virtual event, which was presented entirely in Spanish, brought together parents of students with disabilities and professionals to better understand special education and discover resources that help meet the needs of our community.
(Left): A flyer of the event reading in Spanish “Cumbre Education Especial.” ; (Right): a picture of the speakers of the event, including Rosalia Fajardo.
(Bottom): Jimena Barron wearing a red blouse and glasses.