In recognition of Women's History Month, we’re celebrating extraordinary women with disabilities who are demonstrating leadership in our community. These women are advocating for change and creating opportunities for others. Their resilience, creativity, and commitment exemplify the strength of leadership, and we’re thrilled to celebrate them and their work. Take a moment to learn about them and support their missions!
Wendy Crawford and Cheryl Price are both members of The Raw Beauty team. The Raw Beauty Project is an innovative art platform that celebrates women with disabilities to empower, educate and inspire change. Recently, Raw Beauty Project Health was created because women with limited mobility experience challenges in accessing basic health needs such as routine physical exams, mammograms, Pap smears, and eye exams.
Wendy Crawford, a 19-year-old fashion model, was in a car accident caused by a drunk driver that left her a quadriplegic. After the crash, she worked with the Attorney General’s Office of Ontario to discuss the dangers of drinking and driving. As she adapted to life with a disability, Wendy saw a lack of resources for women like her. This inspired her to focus on raising awareness about the unique challenges women with disabilities face, such as self-image and acceptance. As a spokesperson and TEDx speaker, she has created several initiatives, including Discovery Through Design and mobileWOMEN.org, an online magazine for women in wheelchairs.
Cheryl Price has been involved in the disabled community for most of her life, having been paralyzed at birth. After studying at the University of Miami, she became the editor of S.W.A.T.s Up! ® Calendar Concepts, an internationally known fundraising calendar featuring people with disabilities. For ten years, she also edited Entertainment News & Views, a Miami-based publication that highlighted articles about the disabled community. Now living in Boca Raton, Florida, Cheryl enjoys spending time with her husband and children.
We asked Wendy and Cheryl: What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
“Even though we have come so far, there is still a lot to be achieved. Complacency is not an option, especially when our rights are being challenged. Your voice is important and we must continue to advocate. If there's a need, be creative to find a solution, as we cannot assume that someone else will do the work. Instead, try to join forces with other like-minded women to achieve the goal. The teamwork and comradery in itself is worth the effort.”
Women on Wheels is a sisterhood supporting women with spinal cord injuries and paralysis and their loved ones. Through mentorship, presentations, events, and weekly support group, WOW educates and empowers women with disabilities to advocate for themselves and uplift our communities.
Natalia Méndez is the CEO and founder of Women on Wheels (WOW). After a life-changing accident left her a quadriplegic, Natalia turned her personal journey into a mission to help others. Through WOW, she has created a supportive community where women can connect, learn, and celebrate life together. In her story, Natalia shares her transformation from rehab to navigating darker days in a nursing home, ultimately rediscovering her confidence and purpose.
We asked Natalia: You are undoubtedly busy, how do you take care of yourself and maintain a good mental health?
“Well, I make sure to see a therapist that I like. I went through a couple, but I see a therapist I like now. I try to force myself to rest, to tell myself "It's okay. We could do it tomorrow." And most importantly, I try to go out- go out with friends, go out to shows, and even while I'm in pain, I'm making a good memory."
Divas With Disabilities is a movement and community committed to increasing the participation and authentic representation of black and brown women and girls with disabilities in all areas of life, especially in mass media, television, film, publications, advertising and civic engagement. DWD helps break down internal and external barriers to their success, overcome the various types of discrimination they might face, improve their mental health, identify and achieve their dreams, and live unapologetically!
Dr. Donna Walton founded Divas with Disabilities (DWD) in 2012 as a Facebook group tailored for Black and Brown girls and women with disabilities. What started as a small online community has transformed into a significant global movement. Dr. Walton achieved her doctorate in rehabilitation counseling in 2005 and is also trained in cognitive behavioral therapy. Her personal story is detailed in her book Shattered Dreams, Broken Pieces, where she reflects on her battle with cancer, her leg amputation at 18, and the subsequent years. Through her challenges, including navigating life with limb loss and managing the complexities of being Black, female, and disabled, Dr. Walton developed profound insights into resilience and empowerment. Motivated by her experiences, she has committed her life to assisting others facing similar obstacles, providing support, guidance, and hope to those who need it most.
We asked Donna: What advice would you give to the next generation of leaders?
"We must challenge the narratives that limit us and create new stories of possibility and achievement."
We celebrate these women and many others who hold leadership positions in our community! Please share the work of other women to recognize in the comments below!
Written by Darcy Barkal, Adler University