The 2026 Lifeworks Annual Celebration: A Community All In on Inclusion

Blog

On April 30, more than 260 members of the Lifeworks community came together at Minneapolis Event Centers for the 2026 Lifeworks Annual Celebration – an unforgettable evening dedicated to advancing disability inclusion and building a future where everyone belongs.

Together, we didn’t just celebrate – we showed what’s possible when a community is all in.

A Night Rooted in Purpose

From the moment guests arrived, there was a shared energy in the room – one grounded in connection, possibility, and a deep belief in inclusion.

Throughout the evening, we heard powerful stories from people with disabilities, partners, and advocates who are shaping more inclusive communities every day. We were reminded that disability inclusion isn’t a side initiative – it’s essential to who we are and how our communities thrive.

Just as we’ve seen year after year, the message was clear: when we build with, not for, people with disabilities, we create stronger, more vibrant communities for everyone.

Celebrating Leadership and Impact

We were proud to honor this year’s award recipients – individuals and organizations who are leading the way in disability inclusion and setting a powerful example for what’s possible.

From inclusive hiring practices to advocacy and community leadership, each honoree represents the kind of bold action needed to make inclusion the standard, not the exception.

Employer of the Year: Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America
Jim Wolford Community Impact Award: Leah Henrikson

A Vision for What’s Next

In her remarks, President and CEO Gertrude Matemba-Mutasa challenged us to think bigger – to imagine communities designed for access and belonging from the very beginning.

At Lifeworks, that vision is already taking shape through initiatives like our Centers for Disability Inclusion – community-based, accessible spaces where people can connect, build skills, and access resources all in one place.

But this work doesn’t happen alone. It happens because of a community that believes in what’s possible – and is willing to invest in it.

Because of You

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our sponsors, donors, and attendees, we are proud to share that, together, we raised over $357,000!

Every dollar raised fuels Lifeworks’ mission – expanding access to employment, strengthening community connections, and creating opportunities for people with disabilities to live the lives they choose.

This impact is real, and it’s only possible because of you.

Building What Comes Next – Together

The Annual Celebration is more than a single night – it’s a catalyst. It’s a reminder that disability inclusion requires all of us: businesses, community members, advocates, and leaders working together to remove barriers and open doors.

Because when inclusion becomes the standard, everyone benefits.

To everyone who joined us, supported us, and believes in this work – thank you. We are deeply grateful to:

Our generous sponsors, especially Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, whose long-standing partnership makes this event, and our work, possible.
Our table captains who championed the Annual Celebration and helped bring people to our movement.
The Lifeworks Board of Directors, for their leadership and commitment to our mission.
Our emcee, Brian Lansing, for bringing warmth, energy, and heart to the stage.
Our ASL interpreters, live captioner, staff, and amazing volunteers who ensured the event was accessible and ran smoothly from start to finish.
And most importantly, each of you who joined us, donated, and committed to creating a world where no one has to wait for belonging.

We can’t wait to continue building what comes next, together.