SDSU Alum Named 2024 Inductee in Susan M. Daniels Disability Mentoring Hall of Fame

Pearl Burgin, a graduate of San Diego State University, has been named a 2024 inductee in the Susan M. Daniels Disability Mentoring Hall of Fame. Burgin, who is currently on the staff of the SDSU Student Disability Services Office, is one of six candidates to receive the honor this year.

The award was created through the National Disability Mentoring Coalition on the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It honors those who are make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities through mentoring. And it aims to raise awareness of the importance of mentoring for individuals with disabilities.

“Being the only career counselor for a year was just a really heavy load and I think this was my friends way to uplift me make sure l I get the recognition for all the hard work I’m doing,” said Burgin on the nomination.

Burgin was first introduced to student disability work at SDSU as part of her own undergraduate journey. As a first-generation student who didn’t know at the time she was neurodivergent and had a learning disability, the services were a great resource for her.

“Without those accommodations and the support of these offices, it was a challenge,” said Burgin.

Inspired by the resources she received, she pivoted from plans to pursue marriage and family counseling to pursuing a rehabilitation counseling degree.

Through her position at the Student Disability Services Office, she now gets to support current students and alumni with their career goals and the jobs they apply to. Her day-to-day revolves around resumes, cover letter reviews, and empowering students to enter the workforce.

“We’re preparing them for the world and how to navigate their identity,” said Burgin. “How to find their strengths and utilize their uniqueness and their problem-solving skills, and how to apply that into the jobs that they desire.”

“Pearl connects with students during a transitional time in their lives,” said Melinda Lara, a former associate director for SDSU’s Student Ability Success Center. “Upon graduation, disabled students often feel a significant amount of pressure to find a job that fits their interest and skill sets.”

A critical part of her job is to also prepare employers to not just remove barriers but to be inclusive in their hiring practices.

“And a lot of that does include combating ableism and the stigma and challenging them to think in other ways and to find value in hiring folks with disabilities,” said Burgin.

Although Burgin says the recognition is out of her comfort zone, she couldn’t help but be reminded that this win also has a bigger message for the people around her.

“Disabled people are not celebrated in a lot of places — it’s got to be more common,” said Burgin, “I want to see more disabled people leading, making decisions and being valued for all that they have to offer.”

The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on Tuesday, July 23, at 3 p.m. Those interested in attending can register for access to the zoom link here.