National Hispanic Heritage Month: Dynamic Women with Disabilities

I love learning about different cultures in the world! Isn’t it great that we live in a universe where everyone is different? This world would surely be boring if everyone was the same. As a person with a disability, I especially like learning how other people with disabilities are impacting and representing their culture. September is Hispanic Awareness Month, so I set out to learn how my peers are making waves in their community.

Jillian Mercado has a lot of swagger, and I love her style! Jillian, who has muscular dystrophy, is one of the most sought-after top models. She has modeled for Calvin Klein fragrance, Tommy Hilfiger, and Target just to name a few. Jillian, who is also embarking on an acting career, is taking on the role of an attorney in a television series soon! It’s awesome to see someone like Jillian take on a role that demonstrates her capacity to have a challenging career. Representation matters.

Lauren Ridloff is the first deaf Marvel superhero to play on screen as the character, Makkari. Lauren was also one of the first deaf cheerleaders to compete in an international competition. Her goals include taking the title of Miss Deaf America and storming the acting world by appearing in many television roles. Lauren is also a major advocate for the deaf community.

If you enjoy stand-up comedy like I do, check out Danielle Perez! Danielle is an amputee and a very funny stand-up comedian. She appeared on Jimmy Kimmel and the game show, The Price is Right. You can also catch Danielle on the big screen! She makes an appearance in the movie, Spider Man: Across the Spider-Verse. I applaud Danielle for being an actress that’s breaking the glass ceiling for other actors and actresses with disabilities.

Finally, the motivational speaker Tamara Mene is smart, beautiful, and changing the way we think about pageantry. Paralyzed from the chest down as the result of a car accident, Tamara was the first woman in a wheelchair to enter the Nuestra Belleza Latina beauty pageant. She has also dominated the catwalk on wheels during New York Fashion Week! Tamara is just another prime example as a baddie overcoming barriers.

As you can see, the Hispanic community of people with disabilities are truly impacting the world! I celebrate their accomplishments and their culture! Let’s embrace Hispanic Awareness Month together by championing our fellow brothers and sisters as they continue to forge ahead.