Building Bridges of Inclusion – My Fellowship Journey in Tucson, Arizona

Published: Oct 22, 2025

Country: Uganda

Mai Nambooze is a 2025 Fellow in the Professional Fellows Program on Inclusive Civic Engagement. This program is sponsored by the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and is administered by the Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) at the University of Massachusetts Boston in partnership with the African Disability Forum (ADF). The following blog post was written by guest author Mai.

As a Professional Fellows Program (PFP) participant hosted at the Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona, I have spent the past weeks immersed in programs, training, and community conversations that have expanded my perspective on inclusive civic engagement. This fellowship has been a journey of learning, practical exposure, and cultural exchange all shaping how I think about disability advocacy in Uganda.

One of the most powerful experiences was visiting Project SEARCH in Tucson, a program that prepares young people with disabilities for competitive employment (Figure 1). Watching interns rotate through job placements while receiving mentorship showed me that true inclusion means more than just access: It means building confidence, skills, and belonging. Their stories demonstrated how employment can empower youth to dream bigger and participate fully in society.

Three people—two women and one man—posing for a group photo in front of a wall with artwork in the background. — Figure 1: Mai (center) and Kelvin (right) wrapping up an insightful field tour at Banner Hospital with the Project SEARCH program manager Lorretta Alvez (left).

Through sessions like the Employment First Advisory Workgroup and Customized Employment Office Hours, I learned how Arizona is making competitive, integrated employment the standard for people with disabilities. This strong link between community advocacy and policy reform struck me as a vital lesson—lasting change requires systems that support, not limit, participation.

I also gained valuable insights at the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (ADDPC) Full Council meeting and the Sonoran Center’s strategic planning session. Seeing people with lived experience contribute alongside professionals and policymakers was a reminder that inclusion must always be intentional and participatory.

Beyond policy, I enjoyed programs that highlighted the many dimensions of inclusion. Wellness Wonder activities emphasized the role of well-being in participation, while the ArtWorks cultural sessions showed how art can bridge communities by offering space for expression and celebration. Through Connecting in Community Conversations, I saw how dialogue strengthens understanding and trust.

The fellowship also offered memorable cultural experiences. At Pinnacle Peak restaurant, I joined in a Tucson tradition where novelty ties are humorously cut off, a joyful reminder that culture often lives in simple rituals of laughter and togetherness (Figure 2). Sharing a backyard BBQ with colleagues and a warm family dinner with local hosts allowed me to experience hospitality in its truest form. Exploring Mount Lemmon was another highlight (Figure 3). Standing at the summit overlooking the Tucson valley, I felt deeply connected to the land and its beauty. I was also moved by the Center’s acknowledgment that Tucson sits on the traditional lands of the O’odham and Yaqui peoples, an expression of respect that mirrors the spirit of inclusion I have witnessed here.

A woman seated at a table with two men, smiling, while a server is playfully cutting her tie as part of the celebration. — Figure 2: Mai (center) celebrating culture, food, and milestones at Pinnacle Peak with PFP Fellow Kelvin (right) and the Martinez family.

A woman standing on top of a mountain with a scenic mountainous background. — Figure 3: Taking in the breathtaking views at Mt. Lemmon – a perfect moment of reflection and adventure.

Looking ahead, I am excited to share about Ubuntu, an African philosophy meaning “I am because we are,” in an upcoming cultural presentation. Ubuntu reflects values of community, belonging, and mutual support that resonate both in my culture and in what I have observed in Arizona.

Taken together, these experiences have taught me that inclusive civic engagement is most impactful when it brings together policy, practice, culture, wellness, and tradition. Each reinforces the other, creating pathways for people with disabilities to thrive.

As I continue developing my follow-on project, I am inspired by what I’ve learned in Tucson. Uganda can benefit from programs that combine mentorship, employment preparation, cultural engagement, and policy advocacy. The Sonoran Center and its partners have shown me that inclusion is not a one-time effort, but an ongoing process built on collaboration, shared vision, and respect for every individual’s potential. I will return home with a renewed commitment to ensure that young people with disabilities in Uganda are not just included, but empowered to lead, contribute, and thrive.