Minutes of the
CONSUMERS COMMITTEE
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Zoom Meeting
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
MINUTES
Committee Members Present: Marcelo Maia Soares (Co-chair), John Schoepp (Co-chair), Lisa Best, Asia Betancourt, Randall Bruce, Paul Carr, Maria Diaz, Billy Fields, Lawrence Francis, Yves Gebhardt, John Goldenbridge, David Klotz, Charmaine Graham, David Martin, Rob Walker
Staff Present: Michael Navejas, Doienne Saab, Abraham Omeyoma, Daniel Bickram
Guest Present: Victor Alvarez, Ana Pizzaro
Agenda Item 1: Welcome/ Moment of Silence/Minutes
John S. opened the meeting while the rules of respectful engagement were displayed throughout the opening of the meeting. A moment of silence was followed by roll call.
The minutes of the May 20, 2025 meeting were approved with no changes.
Agenda Item 2: Table Distribution updates
During the Consumers Committee meeting, members held a detailed discussion on the upcoming 2025 RWHAP Part A Provider meeting presentation, for which CC leadership was invited to present a workshop. Held in a hybrid format at Cicatelli, the meeting included a thorough review of each slide, with committee members offering insights and thoughtful feedback that will be incorporated into the final version. The conversation was lively and engaging, ultimately enhancing the quality of the presentation. In addition to content review, the format and delivery of the workshop were explored, with members weighing in on the most effective ways to engage the audience and reflect the voices of people with lived experience.
In a separate discussion, several members raised concerns about access-a-ride services, emphasizing that reliable transportation to and from meetings is essential to ensure the meaningful participation of individuals with lived experience in the committee’s work. The discussion was passionate and heartfelt, highlighting the urgency of the matter. Michael will follow up with Asia to explore solutions moving forward.
Agenda Item 3: Public Comment
The next meeting of the Consumers Committee will be via Zoom from 2 to 4 pm on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Post Meeting Item: Table Distribution
After the meeting was adjourned, tablets were distributed to committee members. Daniel assisted committee members with use of the devices.
