Special Needs Advocacy Bogdan Radich Memorial Scholarship

My name is Maria Mata, and I am a first-generation Latina graduate student pursuing a Master’s in Counseling Psychology. I am also a caregiver to my two younger siblings, both of whom are on the autism spectrum. My experience supporting them has profoundly shaped who I am and the direction of my life. It is because of them—and the service providers who supported our family—that I’ve committed my career to helping individuals with special needs, particularly children and adolescents from underrepresented communities. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the challenges families face when navigating systems that are not built to accommodate neurodivergence. My parents, both Mexican immigrants, often faced language barriers, long waitlists, and an overwhelming lack of culturally appropriate resources. I became an advocate early on—learning how to communicate with educators, attend IEP meetings, and explain things to my siblings in ways that made sense to them. These moments, while often difficult, taught me patience, empathy, and the critical importance of access and inclusion. What stood out to me most were the professionals who truly made a difference—speech therapists, behavioral aides, school counselors—who approached my siblings with compassion and respect. These individuals didn’t just provide services; they helped my family feel seen, heard, and supported. Their presence and advocacy planted a seed in me: I wanted to do that for others, too. Today, I work full-time in special education in an elementary school that serves primarily low-income, Latinx students. In addition to my job, I work two part-time roles to support myself and contribute to my family’s expenses. While the balance is challenging, these experiences have deepened my understanding of the structural inequities children with special needs face in education, healthcare, and mental health systems. I see the disparities every day, and I carry these stories with me into my graduate studies. My goal is to become a bilingual, culturally responsive therapist working in school-based or community mental health settings. I plan to specialize in working with children and families with neurodevelopmental differences, including autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities. I want to create therapeutic spaces that are not only accessible and inclusive but also empowering for families who may not have felt welcomed or understood before. By using my lived experience, cultural competence, and professional training, I hope to help close the gap between service systems and the families they’re meant to support. I also believe in the importance of advocacy beyond the therapy room. I plan to work alongside schools and community organizations to improve outreach, reduce stigma, and make services more accessible to Spanish-speaking and immigrant families. I want to be part of building systems where families feel supported, informed, and empowered to advocate for their children. Receiving a scholarship like this would not only alleviate financial pressure—it would be a direct investment in the kind of future I’m working hard to build. A future where all children, regardless of ability, background, or language, have access to the services, respect, and support they deserve. Thank you for considering my story. I am dedicated to serving the special needs community with compassion, advocacy, and deep commitment, and I am excited to continue this journey.