"... I Can Achieve Everything in Life!"

DDD Member and Former Intern Completes Graduate School and Excels in Her Career

Selene is a vivacious, professional woman who loves to learn and help others. Formerly an intern with the Department of Economic Security (DES) and a volunteer for the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), Selene learned how DES helps clients, “with anything from diapers to financial or any resources that you need. I learned for myself [too], because I also have DES; I’m a client as well.”

Selene has been a DDD member for the majority of her 27 years of life. She used to receive physical and speech therapies, and currently receives respite services “… because that’s what I really need help with – especially with moving around, I don’t have that independence yet because I don’t have a car and I can’t drive.”

Selene on graduation day raises her cap in celebration of earning her Master’s degree in Business Administration.

DES was also able to support Selene’s education through the DES Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS) Vocational Rehabilitation program. “Also, one time, DES offered me a computer when I was going through community college,” Selene continued. Thanks to DES, “I was able to just sit down on my bed and do the homework from there.” Previously, she didn’t have the money to buy a computer and relied on the library to finish her assignments.

Since her time as an intern with DES, Selene put herself through college and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a Master’s degree in Business Administration. “Even though law is not what I was studying for, it got my attention because it’s very interesting.”

For the past four years, Selene has been working for the Maricopa County Public Defender’s office, initially as a receptionist, but two years ago she was promoted to a Justice System Clerk in the Records Department where she opens and tracks felony cases. Mondays are her busiest days. “On Mondays there’s usually 300 cases – that’s because it’s including the weekend from Friday to [Sunday].” Other days, her caseload runs from 50 to 80 cases.

Selene also handles the sex crime report, and twice a week, she and her colleagues handle incoming phone calls. “We talk to inmates, attorneys, [investigators,] anybody that is calling our office.” She also interprets and translates Spanish communication provided to the Records Department, including phone calls from Spanish-speaking inmates.

She advises other individuals who have disabilities to “Never give up! There are a lot of opportunities. Even though I’m disabled, I can achieve everything in life.”

Thank you, Selene, for taking the lead and showing others the way to a successful career and life!