Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, November 18th, 2024 – Julie Strenn, President & CEO of
Opportunity Development Centers, INC. (ODC) received a state-wide recognized award, The Diehard
Advocate Award at The 2024 Wisconsin Self-Determination Conference held by The Wisconsin Board
for People with Developmental Disabilities (WBPDD). This award recognizes someone who goes above
and beyond to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. Only four Diehard Advocate Award
winners are chosen annually at the Self-Determination Conference on a state-wide level.
“Very few times I am at a loss of words. Tonight I was completely surprised and humbly honored
to receive The Diehard Advocate Award. I feel thankful, grateful, and blessed,” Strenn said.
Julie has more than 25 years of experience in long-term care. She has worked for provider
agencies, managed care organizations, and state and local government agencies including the Wisconsin
Department of Health Services. She has provided consultative services to service providers, funders, and
multiple state governments in transforming the long-term care system to focus on community
employment and community living for people with disabilities. Additionally, this year she was selected to
join The IRIS Advisory Committee. IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct) is a self-directed state program
that supports adults with disabilities and the elderly to have the freedom to make their own life decisions.
Opportunity Development Centers, Inc. (ODC) is a non-profit agency whose mission is to
empower people with disabilities to achieve their work and life goals. ODC was established in 1965 and
supports individuals in 21 counties in Wisconsin. ODC supports individuals with disabilities from early
years to adulthood. ODC provides skills training, employment services, and connects people with their
communities.
