In an apartment just outside of UC Davis, four women are building a life together—planning meals, playing games and sharing chores. 

“It feels like home,” said Cristina Riegos, one of four Redwood SEED graduates now living together off-campus. “My friends are like my family.” 

This may sound like an ordinary housing arrangement, but what these women are living through is a shared achievement that is monumental. Olivia Adams-Falconer, Karis Chun, Sophie Howarth and Cristina Riegos are part of the first graduating class of UC Davis’ Redwood SEED Scholars Program. Together, they are redefining what’s possible for adults with intellectual disabilities. 

Changing the Narrative 

The first of its kind in California, the Redwood SEED Scholars is a four-year college program serving individuals with intellectual disabilities. Launched through a U.S. Department of Education TPSID grant, the program provides a true college experience, from campus living and coursework to career preparation. The program is managed by UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education in collaboration with the UC Davis MIND Institute and the Office of Inclusive Excellence. Redwood SEED Scholars supports full-time non-degree students through their personal journeys of academic achievement, job skills training, socialization and health and wellness. 

As Redwood SEED Scholars, students live in on-campus housing and participate in campus clubs and organizations, in addition to taking specialized core classes and traditional courses. The program plants the seeds of self-determination and agency with the goal that scholars achieve competitive, integrated employment after graduation. 

“When I got my diploma, I was really proud of myself,” Cristina said. “I had tears of joy. It’s a big feeling to have graduated.” 

Eight months after graduation, Olivia, Karis, Sophie and Cristina—all employed by UC Davis—prove that this goal is not only attainable, but simply one step toward lasting personal and professional fulfillment. 

My dream job came true, and I love it so much.” — Sophie Howarth 

Beth Foraker, director of the program, explained how momentous their milestone is. 

“Currently, only 15% of adults with intellectual disabilities have any kind of paid work, and only 12% live independently,” she said. “These four are absolutely changing the narrative of what's possible. They’re showing the world the value of their presence in the workplace and in the larger community.” 

Achieving Independence and Giving Back 

Now working in the mailing room at the UC Davis Department of Chemistry, Olivia recalled how the program helped her work towards her goals of being independent one step at a time. 

“My reading skills have improved. I have no problem asking for help. I learned how to get to new places on my own, organize my schedule and take care of my apartment,” she said. “The most important skill that I have learned is solving problems on my own.” 

Karis, who now works at Shields Library, also stressed the importance of economic and social independence. 

“My favorite part of having my own place is being independent with a job, in a community that I help build,” she said. 

In addition to their on-campus roles, Olivia and Karis are also working as mentors with Redwood SEED Scholars. 

“I love helping others and supporting them in their journey of independence,” said Karis. 

Mentorship has allowed them to return with a fresh perspective to the environment where they flourished as students, continuing the cycle of learning from another angle. 

“I love being a mentor and seeing the scholars,” Olivia said. “I learn new things when I work with them.” 

Impacts of the SEED Program 

For Olivia, taking on the role of mentor is a natural continuation of her love for learning. Before she joined the Redwood SEED Scholars, her older brother attended UC Davis, and she visited him multiple times. Becoming a SEED scholar allowed her to fulfill her intellectual curiosity in an environment she already loved. 

“I’ve always wanted to go to college after high school,” she said. “I couldn’t believe it when the SEED program was opening at UC Davis! I applied right away and cried when I got accepted. I wanted to try to leave home to be independent.” 

Sophie, who works at the UC Davis School of Education CARE Lab, also feels that participating in the program allowed her to turn her dreams into reality. 

“My dream job came true, and I love it so much,” she said. “I want people to understand that it’s a lot of fun living with roommates and having a job.” 

Cristina works at the UC Davis Mail Distribution Center. Her mode of transportation, bicycling, is also a personal hobby that she picked up during the program. 

“I’m proud because I ride my bike every day to work, and I love riding my bike,” she said. “I learned to ride my bike at the SEED Scholars Program—we learned the path to our classes on our bikes. The first time I went to downtown Davis, I was nervous about cars, but now I have the hang of it.” 

Though her work is important to her, Cristina balances these responsibilities with the time she spends with her friends. 

“I like to cook for my friends, and we have plans like game night, baking parties or potluck,” she said. 

Dreams Coming True 

When they first started as Redwood SEED Scholars, the four roommates felt nervous about navigating certain aspects of independent life. Now, they are confident in their abilities and are excited about what the future has in store for them. 

“My dream for the future is to continue living in Davis,” Olivia said. “Eventually I would like to have my dog, Arty, come live with me.” 

The four women share a common dream—to build on the independence they have carved out for themselves while living together and engaging in meaningful work. 

As they continue to navigate residential life and employment, Olivia, Karis, Sophie and Cristina have built lasting bonds with each other and the environment around them. Like Elliot Weier Redwood Grove from which the Redwood SEED Scholars takes its name, these four women have nourished a network of roots that support them as they flourish through their own efforts.