In a collaborative effort, Arizona Public Media and Tucson Spotlight hosted a storytelling screening and panel discussion centered around the theme of being "brave.”
master/object/2026/8/31/swf/attach1.xmlOn Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, at the Baker Center for Public Media, four storytellers—Iris Label, Stephanie Lopez, Tyler Martin, and Kristi Ambrosini—shared personal digital narratives exploring moments of transition, vulnerability and resilience.
Iris Lobel detailed her journey of applying, interviewing and ultimately securing her first job at the Tucson Jewish Community Center’s coffee shop. Reflecting on her experience during a post-screening panel, Lobel shared that she "relearned patience” and learned she should “just go for anything you want to go for."
She said she hopes that her narrative inspires others with developmental disabilities to pursue employment.
Tyler Martin shared her memories of undergoing major heart surgery. Accompanied by a comfort plushie toy named "Diaper Puppy," Tyler recalled the anxiety of the operation alongside the comforting presence of her loved ones.
"I felt brave, but mostly I felt supported," Tyler said, describing her surgical scar that she nicknamed her "zipper."
Stephanie Lopez used her presentation to honor her late father, an artist who enjoyed painting as much as Lopez does.
As a participant of the Tucson J’s day program for 28 years, Lopez explained that sharing her story helps her process her grief and keep his memory alive.
Kristi Ambrosini recounted relocating from Staten Island to Arizona during the Covid-19 pandemic. She spoke candidly about wanting to be treated with respect, stating that day programs must treat participants like adults rather than babies, while highlighting her goals of working, making art and maintaining independence.
The showcase concluded with a live Q&A panel featuring the storytellers, Taglit art instructor Matt Katz and direct support staff member Rachel Scoggins, who is a member of the disability community.
Scoggins praised the participants as dedicated, hard workers.
"We are humans, too. We have stories. We have feelings... and we're going to shout them to the rooftops,” she said.
