Congratulations to CT KASA Member Rene Lambert!

In 2011, the Association for Maternal and Child Health Programs (AMCHP) established the Ryan Colburn Scholarship Award in memory of Ryan Colburn, an extraordinary young man with diverse interests—from choir singing to sports. He left a lasting impression on everyone he met, thanks to his infectious personality and unforgettable smile. Ryan was a powerful voice in the disability community, encouraging others with disabilities to live life to the fullest. To honor his legacy, his mother, Susan Colburn—an advocate, family leader, and AMCHP member—created the scholarship to continue the work Ryan had begun in his final years.

In November 2024, PATH CT nominated one of our CT KASA young adults for the award, and Rene Lambert was selected to receive it. Rene traveled to Washington, D.C., in March 2025 to attend the AMCHP Annual Conference, held from March 15 to 18, where she was honored with the Ryan Colburn Scholarship Award.

Below are some interview questions from her CT KASA peers about her experience.

Could you share with us your thoughts and experiences attending AMCHP?
It was a great opportunity to be able to visit the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., with my mom because we had never been there before.

Did you have any expectations?
I honestly thought that I would see more people with disabilities at the conference, but as I learned more about AP, I appreciated that the conference was about motherhood and childhood development.

What would you say was a takeaway experience that was most memorable?
I appreciated the opportunity to meet different leaders and learn about this organization.

What advice would you give another CT KASA member if they were to be nominated to this conference?
I would advise my fellow members to be open-minded about the experience and try to explore different places within the city. The leader of AMCHP arranged for Mom and me to visit the African American Museum in Washington, D.C. However, if you are able to plan other outings and sightseeing, then do so.

Did you do anything to prepare for this event?
I would say try to learn as much as possible about the conference beforehand so you can be familiar with what’s going to happen, and sign up for as much workshop activities as possible, they were great!

What did you like most about the whole experience?
Meeting different people from all over the country who are passionate about child welfare.

What do you feel they could have done better or differently?
Nothing, the leaders of the conference were very much accommodating and welcoming to my mom and I.

You can hear an audio version of the interview here.