06/29/2026
Super honored to recieve this.
To me, being a good mom and business owner means giving more to my community than taking from it.
As a person who didn't get handed the silver spoon, and came from a family tree filled with entrepreneurs and career folk I learned the value of hard-work and the importance of taking care of the community you live in.
The past three years I have been working 6-7 days a week, while simultaneously going to school part-time online, and raising two boys as a single parent. I do everything for my kids and I try to use my lived experience as a person with disabilities to make the programs I teach more inclusive to diverse families and cultural identities.
Being a mom is hard, but my children are my greatest gift I ever requested and recieved. Its moms who move mountains for their children ahd heal communities with their nurturing and care. Moms matter. Moms advocate for changes in their communities by getting involved and I love seeing happy healthy children. Children should be protected at all costs, as they are our future.
When trying to make the world a more inclusive space we are often told we are just a minority so our quality of life is simply not a priority or of importance.
People often tell me im strong and not everyone can accomplish what I have with my life and not become a statistic. The thing is though, thats not by accident. Ive been working hard to build a good life for myself since I was 17, and ive learned more from my mistakes and the school of hard knocks more than any educational program Ive completed.
Im grateful for all the help Ups ive recieved and for the blessing of being a public speaker/public health & disability advocate. It sounds like a compliment, but I want inclusivity to be the norm. I desire to see families and communities working together and not divided over politics. Communities where we recognize every humans value equally and try our best with what we can to make each other's lives better with consciousness moments of kindness. We dont have to understand or know someones entire life history to operate from a place of ethics and integrity. Treat natire, animals and humans with the goal of doing no harm, do unto others as youd do onto yourself. This is how you bring real super heros into the world with everyday human strength.....try to put yourself into anothers shoes
Im not perfect. Im learning and growing everyday. But I want better for me, my children, and all children and adults with disabilities. Over the years ive worked tirelessly to show people through my own accomplishments of what people with disabilities can do, to take up space, so when I leave the room there is space for others like me at the table.
Im okay with being at times controversial and misunderstood, because Im always open to dialogue with people who are interested in being the lightbearers of change in this world.
I walk my talk. Everyday. I dont hide who I am and am not with zero shame, because id love to see more people with disabilities of all kinds in the gym, in positions of leadership that have valuable skills and talents to offer this world.
I will never apologize for being different because nobodys the same, and I like unique people with stories who can help me to ascend to a higher level of consciousness.
Im here to listen, and hopefully help you on your journey. Maybe I offer you a solution, maybe just a hug or words of encouragement.
I promise you that im fighting for you in the gym, in dance studios, community centres, or wherever I go to teach or perform. Im trying to be the human carebear, where even if we dont speak you feel love from me to you.
Just know I believe in you, want the best for you, and I hope you are willing to believe in yourself despite where you come from or what you are going through right now.
Stay blessed. Remember, you are loved. Hope to see you soon
