Meet Elizabeth Jinzo | Founder of DESI and Person Centered Planning Expert

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elizabeth Jinzo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elizabeth, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
After 15 years working as a case manager at an agency that referred clients with developmental disabilities to day programs/learning centers I realized that I was going to have to soon refer my daughter to one of those agencies. She also was a client of the agency I was employed at and would very soon be graduating to one of those agencies. I quickly realized that those particular agencies although doing the best the could, would not be the best fit for my daughter, especially since she was already experiencing the “integration” in her school setting.

It was then that I decided that if such an agency was needed because there were none available where we lived that I would have to create one. I started my business , Designated Exceptional Services For Independence, because I was a parent seeking a very tailored service for my daughter who has a disability. If my daughter was truly going to have a chance at being as independent as I wanted her to be, I would have to create a business that provided services during nontraditional hours . I was unsatisfied with the options given to us for Desirae to attend a program that would teach her how to live independently. First of all their hours of providing services was extremely limited 8am-3pm and during that time she was not given the choice of what she would want to learn on that particular day because she would be in group setting.

Her Independent Living Skills training would not be tailored to her specific needs. She would be faced with so many critical shortcomings in these traditional programs, such as restrictive hours and generic “group based” approaches.

I wanted to change the gaps in these types of services and I wanted to empower others through these shared experiences. I wanted to create a space that challenges the status quo. It was going to be tailored and client-centered. An approach that was being encouraged by the state of California but not practiced as much as it needed to be. My approach to teaching ILS was not going to be a one-size-fits-all programs to achieve outcomes that are meaningful to not only my daughter but other like minded families and individuals.

What should our readers know about your business?
This question excites me because my business journey has been filled with meaningful experiences that have brought us to where we are today. Originally, my focus was to empower and support individuals developmental disabilities to become as independent as possible. Over time, I realized that the principles of empowerment and growth are not limited to individuals with disabilities, they apply to anyone striving for meaningful goals.

What sets my business apart is my deep understanding of what it means to come from humble beginnings. I know what it’s like to face challenges such as a lack of education, limited opportunities, and little understanding of how to achieve a higher standard of living. This view has shaped the heart of my business. While we still serve individuals with disabilities, our focus has expanded to include at-risk youth who want to improve their lives through post-secondary education or career development. We also work with women (single moms) seeking personal growth, career development, and better parenting skills. It’s been an incredible journey to see how these diverse groups are united by a common hunger for change.

The journey, however, has not been easy. Like many entrepreneurs, I didn’t come from a background in financial literacy or business management. My early exposure to working in the clerical field of accounting and business practices was limited to office settings. But I was hungry to grow, and that hunger fueled my determination to learn and improve. I went back to school, sought out alternative education, and I stayed informed on new trends and ideas to ensure I continue to grow professionally. When I see that same hunger in the people I serve, it keeps me inspired every day.

The lessons I’ve learned along the way have been invaluable. I’ve learned to be flexible and fluid, to embrace failures and there have been many, but most importantly you can always, always learn from them. And when you are faced with another similar problem, you’ll be ready to handle it because you’ve already done it before. For every thing that happens, good, bad or indifferent you need to realize there is a gift from it. You may not realize it during the mess, but you will after. The attitude I have crucial to learning the lessons. As a business owner you need to accept constructive criticism as an opportunity to grow your organization. I’ve discovered the importance of truly listening to the insights of others, even when it’s hard to hear, because their wisdom often brings clarity and helps refine my vision.

My mission and values remain rooted in inclusivity, not segregation. I firmly believe that no one individual is better than another. Respect is fundamental—we don’t need to like each other, but we do need to respect one another.

I am a no-nonsense person, which can sometimes be intimidating to others. But I don’t take it personally; I welcome feedback, even when it’s uncomfortable, because I know it’s necessary for growth. My ultimate mission is to end segregation for people with disabilities. At a time when integration is being talked about so very much, it is more important than ever, it’s crucial to remember that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities often have so much to offer. Sadly, we sometimes fail to see their value. My work is about creating opportunities that foster inclusion and respect, ensuring that everyone—regardless of ability or background—has a chance to thrive.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Being that I’m a major “foodie” and if we’re talking about downtown Los Angeles, my itinerary would be as follows:

Day 1~ Grand Central market. That place is pretty amazing. Then we would go to the Last Bookstore, after taking a ride on Angel’s Flight
Day 2~ The Perch Restaurant or LA Live and then Olvera Street
Day 3~ Little Tokyo and sushi, and walk the Alleyways and do some serious shopping
Day 4~ Head over to the Factory for Italian dishes and over to the Arts district
Day 5 ~ Head over to grand park for their vendor food booths
Day 6~ Clifton’s Republic for drinks and then the Far Bar
Day 7~ I really enjoy Long Beach and would take them to there to enjoy the fresh sea air at Shoreline Village.

Those are some of my favorite spots that surround Los Angeles. If there was a concert at the Greek or Hollywood Bowl, I would definitely take them there too!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would say that most of my perseverance and success comes from the fighting spirit of the incredible women who surrounded me throughout my life. I was raised by three extraordinary women—‘The Matriarchs’—during the 1970s, a time when women were stepping into their power, leading their families, and embracing independence, even as single mothers. I grew up watching their grit, determination, and fearlessness in the face of the unknown. One of them was my mother, whose favorite quote has stayed with me: ‘Without dedication and hard work toward your dreams, you cannot achieve what you need to do. You are your biggest fan, and if you don’t work toward your goal, nothing is going to be handed to you.
I’m also a huge believer in the power of books and self-development. Authors like Brené Brown and Tony Robbins have shaped my understanding of leadership and resilience, while my life coach, Jessica Colp, has been a constant source of guidance and inspiration. I truly believe that knowledge is power, and I’m proud to call myself a self-help junkie!

One of the most memorable moments in my journey was sharing my business dream with my now-husband back in 2008 when we were dating. Instead of doubting me or my vision, he was excited to meet someone with such audacious goals. That encouragement gave me an extra spark of confidence to pursue this big leap. I would be remiss to leave out the most important reason for my success and it is because of my children. I want them to see and witness firsthand that anything is possible. My youngest child, who is the namesake of the company, inspired me . She showed me what it means fight to survive in this this crazy wonderful world and if you want to be purposeful in it, all you need to do is true “ganas”

Website: https://www.desisocal.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desi.socal/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-jinzo-3352011a/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/desisocal

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@desisocal