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Cecilia Elizalde Shares the Transformative Ripples Created by Best Buddies Family Support Program
In this episode of ‘Pushing Forward with Alycia,’ host Alycia Anderson welcomes Cecilia Elizalde, a passionate advocate for disability inclusion. Cecilia shares her transformative journey from a successful TV producer to a dedicated advocate after her daughter, Valentina, was born with Down syndrome. She discusses her impactful work with Best Buddies International and the launch of Eunie’s Buddies, a program offering support and mentorship to families receiving an intellectual or developmental disability diagnosis. Together, Alycia and Cecilia delve into the significance of delivering diagnoses compassionately, the power of community, and the importance of self-care for caregivers. Cecilia also shares inspiring success stories and valuable advice for new parents navigating similar experiences.
A Quote from Cecilia
It’s amazing with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, it’s like a drop of water that just ripples, and everybody benefits from their presence.
~ Cecilia Elizalde
Core Ideas in Focus
🌍 From Personal Challenge to Global Advocate: Meet Cecilia Elizalde
💔 The Heart-Wrenching Birth of Valentina
🌪 A Doctor’s Foreboding Medical Diagnosis
🪞 A Call to Embrace Authenticity
👶 A Dream Realized: Holding Her Baby at Last
🎢 Life’s Unexpected Plans
🤝 Eunie’s Buddies: Building Strong Communities
✨ Transformative Stories of Connection
🌊 The Ripple Effect of Inclusion
😊 Finding Joy Through Connection
👠 Breaking Barriers: First Model with Down Syndrome in High Fashion
🕊 Embracing Disability to Find Freedom
🙌 Get Involved
In-Depth Timeline of the Discussion
00:00 Introduction to Pushing Forward with Alycia
00:25 Meet Cecilia Elizalde: A Powerhouse Mama
02:04 The Life-Changing Birth of Valentina
04:39 Advice for Parents and Medical Providers
08:47 From TV Producer to Advocate
11:33 Eunie’s Buddies: Building a Supportive Community
22:07 How to Get Involved with Eunie’s Buddies
24:56 Final Thoughts and Pushing Forward Moment
Connect with Best Buddies International
Best Buddies LinkedIn | Best Buddies Instagram | Best Buddies YouTube | Best Buddies TikTok | Best Buddies on X | Best Buddies Facebook
Connect with Cecilia Elizalde
Connect with Alycia:
Feedback | Instagram | LinkedIn
Book Alycia for Speaking | Book Alycia to Train Your Employees in Disabling Ableism | Buy Alycia’s DEI Micro Learning Video Series
Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations on Pushing Forward with Alycia. Open hearts, clear paths. Let’s go.