Kaela Talafili

Kaela Talafili serves as the Director of Education & Employment at Becoming Independent (BI), a Sonoma County nonprofit supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Since joining BI in 2010, she has helped lead the organization’s evolution toward person-centered, community-based services that empower individuals to build meaningful lives through education, employment, and community engagement. In her leadership role, Kaela oversees education and employment services, workforce development initiatives, and strategic partnerships that enhance opportunities for people with disabilities throughout the North Bay. She is passionate about developing strong teams and has created numerous staff training and leadership development programs focused on building a skilled, engaged, and mission-driven workforce. A dedicated advocate , Kaela has cultivated collaborative relationships with local agencies, businesses, educational institutions, and public safety organizations. Since 2018, she has partnered with the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office to provide training on best practices for engaging with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping strengthen understanding and collaboration between law enforcement and the disability community. Recognized for her commitment to leadership and community impact, Kaela is a graduate of the California Leadership Institute and was named a North Bay Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Columbia Southern University and remains committed to advancing innovative services, inclusive employment opportunities, and leadership development within the human services field. (Contact Kaela at ktalafili@becomingindependent.org)