Gabriela Salcido, J.D., L.L.M., M.Ed.
Founder/Owner
Roman Empire Agency
Gabriela Salcido, J.D., L.L.M., M.Ed., is the CPO and owner of Roman Empire Agency, which she founded in 2010 with her husband to service consumers with developmental disabilities. Having worked in the industry in the years prior, she made it her goal to serve their clients by providing them with the best services tailored to meet their needs so they can learn, grow, and gain the skills they need to live as independently as possible.
Salcido oversaw a partnership with State Farm Stadium for the 2024 Arizona Cardinals season, renovating their sensory room, and recently oversaw the opening of the new sensory room at Chase Field.
What drew you to your profession?
I was a social worker for 10 years and fell in love with the job. Being able to help those who don’t always have the skills to help themselves is very fulfilling and rewarding. I also wanted to help those with learning and to increase their self-advocacy skills. Working with individuals with developmental disabilities has allowed me to become more aware of the growing need for different types of services.
Ok, so sensory rooms at State Farm Stadium and Chase Field?! Tell us about them!
It has been amazing to be part of and be the leaders in sensory rooms. This is an underserved population, and it is great knowing that we are providing an opportunity for people to join social events they may not have been able to join before. Also, being able to bring exposure to our community is important to ensure that more organizations like the Diamondbacks and Cardinals follow in their footsteps and create a space for those with sensory issues.
Why do you think having something like that at those locales is important?
It is very important to allow all members of our community to feel included. These sensory rooms allow people to join events they may not have felt comfortable doing so before. Whether it’s the actual room or the sensory/fidget items we provide that draws people to the sensory room, it has been such an important and great journey to be part of. We want to continue to provide opportunities for inclusivity and support those with developmental disabilities and/or sensory issues.
We want to continue to provide opportunities for inclusivity and support those with developmental disabilities and/or sensory issues.
Tell us about Roman Empire Agency.
I opened up Roman Empire Agency in 2010 and have been providing services to consumers of Regional Center in the state of California since. Right now, we are contracted with various regional centers and are currently in the process of contracting with more. In 2016, we opened up our Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program and have contracted with all major health insurance companies. We are now providing services to clients in CA, AZ, HI, NV, TX, TN, FL and WA. We want to continue to grow and support this underserved population.
Professional achievement you’re most proud of?
Honestly, just being able to open a business and provide services to those who need additional support and who can’t always advocate for themselves. I am grateful to have built the relationship I have with those my company has served.
Favorite thing to do when you’re not working?
I love to spend time with my family. I have three young kids, an adult son, a daughter-in-law, and beautiful granddaughters. Family is so important to me.
Person who inspires you and why?
Mother Teresa is an inspiration to me. She was very generous and cared about others in a way I want to follow.
The one item you can’t live without?
My phone. I am available 24/7 and I have a lot of staff and clients who depend on me.
The book you couldn’t put down …
Any National Geographic magazines, I love reading about geography and various topics.
