Kemekea Washington, B.A., M.A. graduated from Wright State University with her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in 2014. According to Kemekea being in part of the Applied Behavioral Science Master’s program was the best decision she has made to date. Her research project “Effective Policy: Individuals with Developmental Disabilities and Community Employment” focuses on identifying the issues that individuals with developmental disabilities experience when trying to gain and maintain community employment by utilizing the resources already available, at no additional cost to taxpayers. Using previous research and statistics she revised the Employment First policy currently being utilized by Montgomery County Board of Developmental Disabilities. This research has directly applied implications since Kemekea is currently employed as a Service and Support Administrator with the Montgomery County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Ms. Washington’s ultimate goal is to develop effective policies within her organization that will help assist employees to navigate individuals with developmental disabilities to gain and maintain community employment of their choice. Kemekea’s future career goals include opening a behavioral health facility for individuals with developmental disabilities. Moreover, she would like to acknowledge persons without whose support she would find this academic journey impossible. She gives special thanks to her peers and family (Tia, her parents, Michaei, Michael, Lanae, and Jaila) and her awesome work family at MCBDDS. A special thank you and recognition are given to Dr. Oswald, Professor Flowers-Taylor and Dr. Small.
