For 65 years, Fello has championed the rights of people with disabilities—creating opportunities for independence, fostering dignity and choice, and building communities where everyone belongs.
But we did not get here alone.
Every milestone in Fello’s history has been shaped by people who believed in a more inclusive future: supporters who stood by us, advocates who pushed systems forward, self-advocates who used their voices to create change, and partners who helped turn vision into action.
On Saturday, October 3, Fello at 65 will celebrate more than our history—it will honor the people who have helped shape it. Fello will recognize four extraordinary honorees who represent the many people and communities working to advance opportunity, inclusion, and belonging throughout Maryland.
“The story of Fello is really the story of people who have believed in what is possible,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of Fello. “When we look back on 65 years, we see more than an organization—we see a community of people who have come together to create change. Our honorees represent the leadership, advocacy, and partnership that have carried our mission forward for generations and will continue to guide us into the future.”
Our Honorees
Across 65 years, countless people have helped shape Fello’s journey. The four honorees we recognize at Fello at 65 represent different paths of leadership—those who have helped build the foundation, those advancing change today, and those shaping the future of our community.
Steve Brennan
For over 20 years, Steve has been a dedicated ally and champion of Fello’s mission. As a former Board Chair, he helped guide us through periods of growth and transition, providing leadership that helped shape the Fello we know today.
Beyond his service on the board, Steve’s generosity and ongoing commitment to the disability community have changed the lives of children with disabilities and their families across Maryland. His belief in Fello’s mission, continued partnership, and lasting impact make him a trusted advocate and an important part of Fello’s story.
Jake Day, Secretary, Department of Housing & Community Development
A native Marylander, servicemember, and dedicated public servant, Secretary Day has spent his career working to strengthen communities and expand opportunities across the state. Through his leadership at the Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development, he has championed the importance of safe, quality housing as a foundation for thriving communities.
Sharing Fello’s belief that housing should provide choice, connection, and opportunity, Secretary Day has helped advance the policies, partnerships, and investments that make these opportunities possible. His leadership is positioning Maryland as a model for accessible housing statewide.
Joseline Peña-Melnyk, Maryland House Speaker
Speaker Peña-Melnyk has spent her career advancing equity and advocating for Marylanders whose voices are too often overlooked. Through her leadership in the Maryland General Assembly, she has been a committed partner in efforts to strengthen supports, expand opportunities, and improve systems for people with disabilities and their families.
As a longtime advocate for the disability community, Speaker Peña-Melnyk has worked alongside advocates and self-advocates to turn community priorities into meaningful action. Her leadership, including her work as the lead sponsor of the End the Wait Act, reflects a commitment to building a Maryland where people with disabilities have access to the services, supports, and opportunities they need to live the lives they choose.
Living Boldly
Founded in 2022, Living Boldly is Fello’s self-advocacy group, created by and for people with disabilities who are committed to using their voices, building leadership skills, and creating change in their communities. Through education, collaboration, and community involvement, members have become a powerful voice for inclusion and self-advocacy across Maryland.
Living Boldly represents the importance of people with disabilities leading conversations, shaping decisions, and advocating for the changes they want to see in their communities. Their leadership reflects the strength of self-advocacy and the continued movement toward a future where every person has the opportunity to live the life they choose.
Celebrating 65 Years of Impact, Together
Join us on October 3 as we celebrate the leaders, advocates, and partners who have helped shape Fello’s story and honor the four leaders whose work reflects the impact of our shared mission. Fello at 65 brings together visionaries, advocates, and friends committed to building a more inclusive Maryland.
With great food, live music, and powerful stories, we’ll look back on 65 years of impact and look ahead to the future we will continue building together.
We invite you to be part of this milestone celebration as we honor the people who have helped make Fello what it is today.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Location: The Hall at Live!
Tickets: $150
Get Your Tickets Today
Individual tickets are available now. You can also reserve a table for eight—contact us to secure yours today.
Tables will fill quickly, so reserve your spot soon.