Hiring Persons With Disabilities - Lunch and Learn

Description

Speaker Robert Loeun, CA DOR Inland Empire District Administrator, will be discussing the advantages of hiring persons with disabilities and the Department’s Apprentice Program. 

Robert's Bio
I was born in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and I escaped from the Khmer Rouge regime genocide from 1975 to 1980.  As a child, I was forced to work 10 to 14 hours a day in a labor camp.  I was separated from my siblings and parents for 5 years.  During five years of my life, I was forced to witness torture, murder, and executions of innocent people by the Khmer Rouge military. I found out that my older brother and father were executed also among 3 millions of innocent people were killed by the hands of Khmer Rouge regime.
 
In July 16, 1981, I arrived to United State of America searching for freedom and land of many opportunities. When I arrived to the States I could not speak, read, or write English, and had no formal education. My family had nothing, and we depended on government assistance benefit.  I had a difficult time living in a new country because I faced many challenges and cultural barriers in a new home. I had to work hard and have self-determination in order to achieve my education goal.  I graduated with Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration and Masters of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. I believed in myself in order to achieve an impossible dream, especially without guidance and direction from my parents. My education has leaded me to many employment opportunities serving low-socioeconomic, multicultural, and disabled people for the California Department of Rehabilitation.
 
I have been employed with the California Department of Rehabilitation for 18 years as a Counselor, Rehabilitation Manager, and Empire District Administrator. In the past 6 years as an Inland Empire District Administrator, I have inspired, motivated, and assisted thousands of people with disabilities to have hopes and dreams in which they too can achieve the American Dream to become successful. My passion and commitment drives me towards helping people with disabilities by providing them with counseling, mentoring, and guidance to the right direction.  I have over 24 years of experience serving people with disabilities and helping them return to work. Throughout my career I have successfully implemented and accomplished expending programs for people with disabilities.
 
My commitment and involvement serving in an America with Disabilities Act (ADA) Taskforce, Ethnic Under-Served Population Workgroup, Autism Committee, Asian Taskforce, and Riverside County Department of Mental Health Adult System of Care Committee to ensure people with disabilities has a voice and receives excellence of service.
 
I have inspired staff by giving back to the community by volunteering monthly to feed the homeless in downtown Riverside and participating in fundraising for "Toys for Tots" every Christmas holiday.  My key to success of humility is listen one voice at time and taking action to resolve the problem. Your passion will lead you to success. A leader will do the right thing at the right place for the right reason.