Mulu Haile Wins Virginia DSP of the Year Award

Celebrating Virginia DSP of the Year Honoree Mulu Haile

This spring, members of our community traveled to Boston for ANCOR Connect ’26. The national conference focuses on innovation, advocacy, and leadership in disability services. For our community, the conference carried special significance: L’Arche GWDC assistant Mulu Haile received ANCOR’s 2026 Virginia DSP of the Year award.

Throughout the conference, Mulu attended trainings and workshops focused on strengthening supports for people with disabilities. Sessions explored life skills development, remote support technology, and person-centered care. She also represented L’Arche in a video interview with ANCOR, where she spoke about L’Arche’s mission and global community.

But perhaps most meaningful was the opportunity to celebrate the work of Direct Support Professionals alongside peers from across the country. “I also enjoyed meeting other DSPs participants and other colleagues from different states and learned how similar our duties and routines were,” Mulu reflected.

Mulu’s daughter, Solome (pictured in the header), accompanied her to the conference. She reflected on the experience of seeing direct support professionals from across the country recognized for their work.

“It made me deeply appreciate the work DSPs do especially all of L’Arche employees because of the love and care you pour into everyone around you on a daily basis,” Solome shared.

“Honestly, more of an appreciation for L’Arche’s approach-a lot of the other service providers are a lot bigger [and] more corporate feeling than L’Arche (employing and supporting thousands of people), and L’Arche’s size and ethos allowed for a better care model! But that’s my opinion.”

Odile also spoke to the experience strengthening her own leadership journey: “Participating in the conference deepened my commitment to growing as a leader and contributing thoughtfully to the future of services and supports for people with disabilities.”

A Community Rooted in Relationship

At L’Arche GWDC, we believe direct support is more than a job. It is relationship-centered work rooted in dignity, mutual transformation, and community. Opportunities like ANCOR Connect help our team members grow professionally. They also give staff the chance to share the unique spirit of L’Arche with the broader disability services field.

Mulu’s recognition is a celebration of her dedication, compassion, and leadership—but it is also a reminder of the extraordinary people who make up our community every day.