A Speaker

Johileny is a Disabled Traveler who has visited eight countries and counting. She was an international exchange professional dedicated to promoting the participation of people with disabilities in international exchange.

It's not what happens to you but how you react to it that matters

A story of inspiration to motivate anyone to overcome adversity, and to assist kids struggling with disabilities, bullying, and family problems. She lived in a family shelter for five years and her goal of achieving higher education kept her focused despite the obstacles placed in her way. Johileny is a champion, a champion of overcoming physical, emotional, social, familial, and financial obstacles. She believes that setting goals and understanding the importance of achieving them is a life-altering mindset.

Disability, and believing in oneself

At a young age Johileny was forced to become aware of her own needs and rights. She learned to take care of her transportation, doctor appointments and translating important documents for her grandmother. But it was until her transition to college that she realized the value of being a self-advocate. There are many disability services afforded to students with disability during their k-12 education but the college system expects students to be fully responsible for their accomodations once in college. This is why Johileny believes that advocating for yourself is a skill that needs to be taught early on.

Redefining the public perception of disability and challenging bullying

In the short documentary, “Everybody’s Different” Johileny shares the struggles faced after immigrating to the United States. Her story reminds all of us that the differences we are born with and the challenges that come our way do not dictate our destinies. Instead, they can be catalysts for remarkable achievements. Johileny understands that sometimes the biggest battle you have to fight beings with oneself. The first step to thriving is beliving in yourself, and your own abilities because that is the one way to discover what is unique about you.

Teaching Youth

Johileny is a trained facilitator who delivers content to help youth. Specifically, she focuses on teaching youth how to foster, create, and facilitate disability-inclusive projects and environments. 

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Diversity conversations often forget to include disability. Johileny learned this as a college student when she often challenged the idea that the office for students with disabilities fulfilled all the accessibility needs of students. Johileny believes that it's crucial to include disability in all conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion.

(Any of the following topics can be incorporated to focus points into the messages above)

• Bullying
• Safety
• Goal Setting
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Community Service
• Fear
• Attitude
• Stepping out of your comfort zone
• Disability awareness