Advocacy
Disability and chronic illness is more than a trope or plot device. It is an identity and the lived experience of millions, yet we are so scared to talk about it. Heck, I was scared to talk about it. My reluctance to share what I was going through, to ask for accommodations or celebrate my differences left me feeling incredibly alone. I don't want anyone else to feel that way. The Disabled community deserves better.
Today, I'm advocating for seven year old me who studied the popular kids religiously, trying to mask her true self to be more palatable to others. I'm advocating for seventeen year old me who was made fun of by her doctor when describing her first seizure. And I'm working to amplify the voices and experiences that will never be my own, but nonetheless need to be heard.
My biggest and boldest goal is to have everything I do be a step towards more authentic representation by disabled people for disabled people.
NDMC Fellow
In 2022, I was selected as a fellow for the National Disability Mentoring Coalition. During my fellowship, I worked with other disabled leaders to create a resource page to help disabled students transition into and out of college.
Lime Connect Community Conversation Leader
I am currently working with Lime Connect to help launch their new community platform for people with disabilities. I am responsible for starting conversations and creating original articles about working with a disability.
Public Speaking
I am an experienced public speaker with experiencing connecting with and educating numerous audiences, including Disability:IN, The Pangea Network, and most recently, The Lincoln Center and ReelAbilities Film Festival.