Mothers Leading Change:
3-Day Retreat
MOTHERS LEADING CHANGE:
A Statewide Advocacy & Leadership Retreat for Mothers and Caregivers of Individuals with Down Syndrome
Hilton Tamaya Resort | February 19–21, 2027 | Albuquerque, New Mexico
All retreat costs are covered including accommodations and meals.
The Down Syndrome Office and Resource Center (DSORC) is excited to invite mothers and caregivers of individuals with Down syndrome from across New Mexico to apply for our Mother’s Leading Change Retreat.
All participants will leave with a personalized Community Action Plan to introduce to their community.
Caring for and advocating alongside a person with Down syndrome can lead us down paths we never expected. Along the way, we become problem-solvers, advocates, educators, connectors, and leaders—often without ever giving ourselves those titles.
This three-day retreat is designed to recognize that leadership and help strengthen it.
Keynote Presenter: Jawanda Mast
Grassroots Advocacy Manager
National Down Syndrome Congress
ABOUT JAWANDA MAST
Jawanda Mast is the NDSC Grassroots Advocacy Manager. She has been involved in disability policy advocacy since her daughter Rachel was born with Down syndrome. Jawanda has graduate and undergraduate degrees from the University of Arkansas and was honored with the 2017 Alumni Community Service Award for her body of advocacy work. She and Rachel spent eight years advocating for the passage of the federal ABLE Act and have spoken around the country on ABLE, Advocacy, and Inclusion. She has provided written and oral testimony on a variety of federal and state policy issues and has served on many state-appointed committees.
Jawanda believes we all have a story and we can use those stories to impact change at all levels. She is passionate about the meaningful inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities in all aspects of the community and has presented at many conferences. Jawanda gives leadership to the NDSC National Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition (NDAC) and the NDSC Advocacy Training Boot Camp at the NDSC Convention. Jawanda says her work is a #laborofloveandconviction. Jawanda, her husband Jonathan, and Rachel live in Olathe, Kansas.
The Mother’s Leading Change Retreat is made possible through the support of the Gonzales Trust Grant, a program managed by the ARC of New Mexico. (grant details)
The Mother’s Leading Change Retreat will bring together 12-15 women from communities throughout New Mexico for a weekend of learning, connection, reflection, wellness, and leadership development. Through workshops, peer-to-peer conversations, advocacy training, wellness activities, and time to recharge, participants will gain practical tools they can use not only within their own families but also in their communities.
This is more than a retreat, It is an opportunity to build a statewide network of informed, confident women who can help other families navigate the opportunities and challenges that come with raising, supporting, and advocating alongside a person with Down syndrome.
Together, retreat participants will help develop resources and materials to be taken back and shared with families and communities throughout New Mexico.
Details and Application Link below.
What Is Mothers Leading Change?
Mothers Leading Change is an intimate, three-day leadership and advocacy retreat bringing together approximately 15 mothers and caregivers of individuals with Down syndrome from communities across New Mexico.
The weekend will combine learning, conversation, advocacy training, leadership development, wellness, and time to connect with women who understand many of the same opportunities and challenges.
Participants will leave with a personalized COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN, including practical tools, new relationships, and ideas they can put into action in their own communities.
What Is a Community Action Plan?
Mothers Leading Change is designed to turn ideas into action.
During the retreat, every participant will develop her own Community Change Action Plan—a practical, achievable plan for making a difference in her community.
Your plan will identify an issue or opportunity that matters to you, define the change you want to help create, and outline specific steps you can take when you return home.
Your plan might focus on education, healthcare, employment, housing, inclusion, family support, access to resources, or another need you see in your community.
You don’t have to change everything. You just need to decide where you want to start.
By Sunday morning, every participant will leave with a clear plan and specific next steps.
Who Is This Retreat For?
We are seeking mothers and caregivers of individuals with Down syndrome from across New Mexico.
This is only open to New Mexico based caregivers for the benefit of individuals with Down syndrome currently living in New Mexico.
We especially want a group representing different communities, backgrounds, perspectives, and stages of life—from mothers of young children who are just beginning to navigate services and systems to women who have spent decades advocating alongside their adult children.
You do not need previous advocacy or leadership experience.
Lived experience matters.
We are looking for women who are curious, willing to share, ready to learn, and interested in helping make their communities stronger.
What to Expect
The retreat will include a mix of:
Advocacy and leadership workshops
Conversations with people who have created change in their communities
Education about navigating systems and resources
Peer-to-peer learning and discussion
Wellness and self-care activities
Time for reflection and connection
Practical planning for creating change at home
Opportunities to develop resources that can be shared with other New Mexico families
The weekend is intentionally small, allowing participants to build real relationships and have meaningful conversations.
What Do We Mean by “Leadership”?
Leadership does not necessarily mean running an organization, speaking at the Legislature, or having a title.
It might mean helping another parent prepare for an IEP meeting.
It might mean approaching a local employer about inclusive hiring, talking with a healthcare provider about better care, helping a family find services, or advocating for greater inclusion in a school or community.
Leadership starts by recognizing that what you have learned can help someone else.
Mothers Leading Change is designed to help you turn that experience into action.
What Happens After the Retreat?
All participants will leave with a personalized Community Action Plan designed to address a specific goal or change they would like to see in their community.
The Community Change Action Plan is not simply an exercise completed during the weekend, it is a step by step guide to advocate for change in your community.
After the retreat, participants will continue to receive encouragement, connection, and support from the Mothers Leading Change team and fellow participants.
We will check in on progress, help participants work through obstacles, celebrate successes, and provide accountability for the commitments made during the retreat.
You will leave with a plan. You will know your next step. And you won’t have to take it alone.
What does it cost?
There is no cost to participants.
Retreat expenses are covered, including lodging, meals, retreat programming, workshops, and activities.
Please let us know if you require transportation assistance to get to and from the Retreat.
We do not want the cost of participating to prevent someone from applying.
When, Where, and What is Provided?
Location: Hilton Tamaya Resort (hotel website)
February 19–21, 2027 | Albuquerque, New Mexico
The retreat begins Friday afternoon, continues throughout Saturday, and concludes Sunday morning. The full program schedule will be available shortly.
Participants are required to attend the full retreat, including sessions and all meals.
All participants receive a private, single room at the resort throughout the weekend. All meals are provided.
Additional travel and schedule information will be provided.
Do I Need Advocacy Experience?
Absolutely not.
You do not need to consider yourself an advocate, activist, leader, or expert.
If you have supported and cared for someone with Down syndrome, navigated schools or healthcare, searched for services, solved problems, asked questions, celebrated successes, or helped your family through challenges, you already bring valuable experience to the room.
We can build from there.
About the DSORC
The Down Syndrome Office and Resource Center (DSORC) is a recently formed 501(c)3 non-profit whose purpose is to connect people with Down syndrome and their families with information, support, resources, and opportunities throughout New Mexico and beyond.
Through education, advocacy, healthcare navigation, employment and housing resources, training, community engagement, and family support, DSORC works to help individuals and families navigate today while creating greater opportunities for tomorrow.
Questions?
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions about the Retreat os the DSORC:
Lena Armstrong-Strober
(917) 597-4222 | Lena@DSORC.com
Based in Albuquerque, NM
APPLY TO ATTEND
Participation is limited to 15 women from across New Mexico.
The application is not intended to test your knowledge or previous advocacy experience. It simply helps us learn about you, your family, your community, and what you hope to gain—and contribute—during the weekend.
We encourage women from every part of New Mexico and every stage of the Down syndrome journey to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
Mothers and caregivers of individuals with Down syndrome who live in New Mexico are encouraged to apply.
Can I apply if my child is an adult?
Yes. We want participants representing every stage of life, from mothers of young children to mothers and caregivers of adults with Down syndrome.
Do I need to belong to a Down syndrome organization?
No. You do not need to be a member of DSORC or any other Down syndrome or disability organization.
Can rural families apply?
Absolutely. We especially encourage applications from rural communities and communities throughout New Mexico. Our goal is to bring together women representing different parts of the state.
What if I’ve never done advocacy work?
That’s okay. No previous advocacy, leadership, or organizational experience is required. Your lived experience as a mother or caregiver is valuable experience.
The Retreat is designed to provide all participants with the tools, resources, and support to return to their community empowered to advocate for change.
How many people will participate?
Approximately 15 women from across New Mexico will be selected for the retreat.
How are participants selected?
We hope to create a diverse group representing different communities, experiences, perspectives, and stages of life. The application helps us learn more about you, your community, and what you hope to gain from the retreat.
When and where is the retreat?
The retreat will take place February 19–21, 2027, at the Hilton Tamaya Resort.
All attendees must participate in the full program.
Arrive at the hotel no later than 5:30pm, Friday and remain until 12:00pm on Sunday.
Hotel website:
Is there a cost to attend?
No. There is no cost to participants. All accommodations and meals are covered.
Please indicate on the application if you would like to request assistance with transportation costs to and from the Retreat. We will see if we can assist.
Is lodging included?
Yes. Lodging for selected participants is provided as part of the retreat. All participants receive private accomodations at the hotel.
Are meals included?
Yes. Meals, refreshments and non-alcoholic beverages during the retreat are provided at no cost to participants.
Is transportation covered?
Travel assistance may be available for participants traveling from outside the Albuquerque area. Details will be provided upon request.
Can I bring my child or other family members?
The retreat is designed exclusively for participants, so unfortunately we are unable to accommodate children or other family members.
At this time, we cannot provide childcare or support services, and all retreat sessions and meals are reserved for participants only.
The weekend has a full schedule, and participants are expected to take part in all scheduled activities and meals throughout the retreat.
Do I have to attend the entire weekend?
Yes. Because the retreat is intentionally small and the sessions build upon one another, selected participants should plan to attend from Friday evening through Sunday morning.
What should I expect during the weekend?
Expect a combination of workshops, conversations, advocacy and leadership training, practical resources, wellness activities, reflection, and plenty of opportunities to connect with other women from across New Mexico.
Will I be expected to speak in front of the group?
Expect a combination of workshops, conversations, advocacy and leadership training, practical resources, wellness activities, reflection, and plenty of opportunities to connect with other women from across New Mexico.
Will I be expected to do something after the retreat?
Yes. Every participant will leave the retreat with a Community Change Action Plan—a realistic plan for creating positive change in her own community. Your plan will include a specific goal, clear next steps, and a timeline for action. After the retreat, the Mothers Leading Change team will stay connected to provide support, resources, encouragement, and accountability as you put your plan into action.
The goal is not simply to leave inspired. The goal is to leave ready to create change.
When will applicants be notified?
Selected participants will be notified after the application period closes on December 1. After December 1, applicants will be reviewed and notified on a rolling basis.
What happens if I’m selected but later cannot attend?
Please let us know as soon as possible. Because participation is limited, early notice may allow us to offer your place to another applicant.
What if I’m not selected?
Because the retreat is limited to approximately 15 participants, we may not be able to accommodate everyone who applies. Not being selected does not mean your experience or application was less valuable, and we hope to offer additional opportunities to connect with DSORC in the future.
Who can I contact with questions?
Lena Armstrong-Strober
Down Syndrome Office and Resource Center (DSORC)
Lena@DSORC.com
917-597-4222
DSORC
Down Syndrome Office & Resource Center
Resources, support, and advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
Quick Links
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Contact
- Lena Armstrong-Strober
- (917) 597-4222
- Lena@DSORC.com