Uplift Darvin
First Project
United, Promoting Leadership & Innovation of the Disabled (UPLIFT’D) was a project by Johileny Meran, Mariela Regalado, and Latinas & Líderes. Our mission at the time was to foster disability inclusion in the organization. The project aimed to uplift youth with disabilities in under-resourced communities in Dominican Republic. We provided funding for disability-related accommodations while promoting leadership and innovation in in the live of Darvin in an effort to nurture a balance of interdependence. UPLIFT’D and Latinas & Líderes seeked to provide these resources as a means to uplift disabled youth to blaze their own trails to leadership and self-sufficiency.
The Uplift'D Project started with an initiative is to Uplift Darvin.
The Uplift Darvin Team
Johileny Meran
Johileny Meran is a young Dominican immigrant who lives with Cerebral Palsy.
After returning to Dominican Republic during her freshman year Johileny was inspired to pursue a career in international work with a focus in Latin America. She believes that limited resources and how it impacts the quality of life of people with disabilities is an obstacle. People with disabilities have the right and desire to contribute to society.
Mariela Regalado
Mariela Regalado is a Dominican immigrant from Brooklyn, the first in her family to attend college. She has served students in her neighborhood Bedford Stuyvesant, as well as, Uptown NYC, The Bronx and virtually. Mariela received the Daily News "Hometown Hero" in Education award. She is a College Access Professional, who specializes in college application and financial aid support for low income students. needed to provide top-notch educational services.
Darvin Received
Accomplished!
- A brand new power wheelchair and other medical equipment.
- Educational Games and tools.
- And support for him and his family.