Jillian Curwin, a champion for dwarfism and disability advocacy, discusses her journey on the “Pushing Forward with Alycia” podcast. She shares her motivations for starting her podcast, “Always Looking Up,” focusing on living in a world not designed for people with disabilities. Curwin emphasizes the importance of representation in fashion and media, urging brands to push through fear and continue championing diversity. Her mantra: “Height is just a number, not a limit.”
Jillian Curwin, also known as Jillian Ilana, joins Alycia Anderson on “Pushing Forward with Alycia” to discuss her advocacy work for the dwarfism community. From her podcast “Always Looking Up” to challenging perceptions in fashion, Curwin emphasizes inclusivity and representation. Inspired by Sinead Burke’s British Vogue cover, she highlights the importance of media representation. The episode delves into dwarfism insights, fashion advocacy, respectful engagement, and the impact of her podcast.
On International Women’s Day, I joined a diverse gathering at Humana Headquarters, celebrating women’s solidarity and power. Organized by Access, DEI, and Women’s NRGs, the event united hundreds in-person and over a thousand virtually. As keynote speaker, I highlighted disability inclusion. Notable figures like Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman and Humana CFO Susan Diamond contributed, making it a jubilant affair with music, food, and inspiring touches.
Dr. Donna Walton, founder of Divas with Disabilities Project, discusses her journey and mission with Alycia Anderson. Walton’s personal struggle with disability led to empowering others through representation and resilience. Divas aims to reshape perceptions of disability, especially for black and brown women, advocating for inclusive spaces and amplifying voices globally. Walton’s story of perseverance, from facing cancer to acting roles, exemplifies the importance of never abandoning dreams.
In this heartfelt episode of “Pushing Forward with Alycia,” Dr. Donna Walton shares her transformative journey from aspiring dancer and actress to advocate for women with disabilities. Through the Divas With Disabilities Project, she champions representation and resilience. Walton’s story, marked by overcoming bone cancer at 18, inspires listeners to pursue dreams relentlessly. Her impactful work extends globally, advocating for inclusivity and meaningful representation. The episode encapsulates resilience, triumph, and unwavering determination.
On February 21, 2024, I delivered the opening keynote at the Michigan Transition Services Association’s annual conference, addressing disability inclusion. MTSA supports educators, agencies, parents, and individuals with disabilities. Grateful for the opportunity to share “The Heart of Inclusion” and “Disabling Ableism” with over 2,000 attendees, I commend MTSA’s impactful work.
Alycia Anderson hasn’t always had a stage, but she’s always had her voice. From a young age, Anderson (Physical Education, ’05), has asserted herself by speaking up and living her core belief: she deserves to be included, just like everyone else. Now she is included and is a distinguished alumna, motivational speaker, and CEO living out her dreams.
Jonathan Goodwin, once a daredevil stunt performer turned spinal injury ambassador, shares his journey from a life-changing accident on AGT Extreme to his new roles as a hypnotherapist and keynote speaker. He emphasizes embracing challenges and transforming fear into knowledge. Goodwin’s advice to “say yes” before worrying encapsulates his resilient mindset and encourages listeners to push forward despite uncertainty.
In Episode 36 of Pushing Forward with Alycia, retired stunt performer Jonathan Goodwin shares his journey from near-fatal accident on America’s Got Talent Extreme to becoming a Spinal Injury Ambassador. From his origins in magic to navigating a complete spinal injury, Goodwin’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. He discusses his work as a hypnotherapist, advocacy for spinal injury support, and his creative pursuits in screenwriting, inspiring listeners to embrace new opportunities with a “say yes” attitude.
Disability advocate Alycia Anderson, known for her TEDx talks, will speak at the University of Lynchburg as part of the Rosel Schewel Lecture series on March 20. Despite being born with sacral agenesis, she pursued education and became a motivational speaker, podcast host, and CEO. Anderson’s focus is on disability inclusion and workplace diversity, aiming to inspire others with her personal story. The lecture, funded by an endowment, aims to address biases and promote diversity.
