New appointments as Empower Ryde prepares to launch
The appointment of a Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson to Council's new Empower Ryde program marks an exciting new development as the disability employment initiative prepares to launch on Wednesday 26 February 2025.
City of Ryde Mayor Trenton Brown is proud to announce the appointment of Chairperson Maina Gordon and Deputy Chairperson Sonia Bedrosian to lead the inaugural Empower Ryde program.
Empower Ryde is a peer-led program where individuals with lived experience of disability come together to collaborate, discuss, and solve complex challenges related to inclusive employment. Empower Ryde is designed to create a network of support that fosters confidence and builds valuable skills.
"Both Maina and Sonia are passionate advocates for people with disability in the City of Ryde, and they both bring a wealth of experience and transferable skills from their professional and voluntary work," Mayor Brown said. "Whether they are looking at their first job, career progression or starting their own business, I believe that Maina and Sonia will be able to effectively engage, inspire and support people living with disability on their employment journeys."
Bi-monthly meetings facilitated by Maina and Sonia will help participants navigate challenges with finding a job, changing jobs, getting adequate support at work, opening a business and building new skills. Their work will also provide valuable feedback to Council and the City's Chambers of Commerce on how we can create a more inclusive local economy.
Become an Empower Ryde participating member
The program is open to any person 18 years of age or older living with disability, who lives, works, or studies in City of Ryde.
Members will gain access to valuable information at the bi-monthly Empower Ryde meetings, including:
- Understanding transferable skills, knowledge of the disability employment space, and tools to enhance confidence with job hunting and successful employment.
- Maintaining meaningful employment by understanding your rights and responsibilities, the laws around inclusive employment, and where to go for information and support.
- How to open a business, and much more.
To get involved, please visit www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/EmpowerRyde.
Support Empower Ryde as a local business
The City of Ryde invites all local businesses to participate in this initiative and contribute to the continued growth and development of our community.
