Paula F. Goldberg
Champion for Children with
Disabilities Award
This award, announced during PACER’s Gala, recognizes an individual or group who has demonstrated exceptional advocacy and leadership in support of the rights of children with disabilities and celebrates Paula’s extraordinary 40+ years of leadership as PACER’s executive director.
Paula Goldberg was a great leader who made the world a better place for countless children with disabilities through her work at PACER Center. This award was created in her honor to encourage and recognize advocacy and leadership in support of the rights of children with disabilities.
Watch for 2026 award information
Seeking 2026 award nominations
Nominations are closed
The winner will be presented with $5,000 to support their ongoing efforts and will be honored at PACER’s Gala on April 25, 2026. They will also be recognized on PACER’s website, social media, and other communications.
The deadline for nominations is March 6, 2026.
The recipient of the Paula F. Goldberg Champion for Children with Disabilities Award is:
- A visionary leader. The award winner is both a dreamer and a doer. They are able to look at an issue and envision a path to positive change. They take initiative, and through their vision, are able to inspire others to join together to achieve great things for children with disabilities. They not only have a vision to execute, but also a plan to succeed.
- A tenacious advocate. The award winner is unwaveringly persistent in their advocacy for children with disabilities. They are undeterred by challenges and even failure, understanding that there are often setbacks on the road to success.
- A true role model. The award winner is a person of achievement, integrity, and dedication, whose positive attitude and commitment to the cause inspires others to follow in their footsteps.
Questions? Contact [email protected]
PACER Center is delighted to present Haley Brunelle with the third Paula F. Goldberg Champion for Children with Disabilities Award
Haley Brunelle
2025 Winner
Haley Brunelle exemplifies the spirit of the Paula F. Goldberg Champion for Children with Disabilities Award in her personal and professional life. As a mom to an eight-year-old with a rare genetic condition, she understands the challenges caregivers face. Haley has used her experience to advocate for adult changing tables to be required in new construction buildings, host a podcast where parents of medically complex children share their stories, and teach yoga classes to adults with disabilities. Haley is a Family Engagement in Research Coordinator at Gillette Children’s Hospital, where she works to meaningfully engage families with the hospital’s research projects.
Haley’s Gillette colleague, Rhonda Cady, said this of Haley in her nomination:
“Haley was thrown into navigating the world of complex health and disability services. Her positive view of the world and ability to give grace to any and all situations transformed a former marketing executive into a fierce advocate who is focused on helping persons with rare and complex health conditions navigate ‘the system’ and obtain the resources they need to thrive. Haley has taught our research teams how to authentically partner with [families] and embrace open, honest communication and ‘outside the box’ ideas. Her vision is directly impacting the care and quality of life for children with disabilities.”
Haley received a second nomination from her friend Tram Nguyen, who stated:
“Haley is a dedicated advocate, leader, and innovator in the disability community who is using her lived experience and professional expertise to create a lasting impact. As a mother of a child with complex medical needs, Haley has transformed personal challenges into systemic change through legislative advocacy, community engagement, and leadership.”
