The Raw Beauty Project
The Raw Beauty Project is an innovative art platform that celebrates women with disabilities to empower, educate and inspire change. This impactful, empowering exhibit has resonated with media across the world, igniting a global conversation and has been featured in "O", Oprah Magazine, Today.com, Huffington Post, as well as many publications across Europe.
Monique Stamps
Monique Stamps once aspired to be a hairdresser and makeup artist, but a life-altering car accident in 1995, at just 16 years old, left her paralyzed from the chest down. Despite this, she persevered and earned a Bachelor's degree in social work. For the past 20 years, Monique has been a passionate disability rights advocate.
Tiena Smith
In her words: I was diagnosed with SLE at the age of 18 and severe hearing loss at age 32. I'm grateful for my second chance to hear again with Cochlear implants. I may have lost my hearing, but I never lost my faith. Deafness requires adaptation, but God has allowed me to win. I asked God, why me? In return, God replied why not you? You are definitely the woman for this job!
Rina Rajen Sukhadia
In her words: With a background in Financial Representation for Northwestern Mutual and a BS in Human Development, I blend expertise with personal experience to speak on resilience and financial preparedness. Through engaging presentations, I merge my education in Human Development with counseling experience to foster human connections and boost productivity. Certified in systems of care and workshop facilitation, I'm committed to sparking positive change and fostering inclusivity.
Gentlealice Jones
C5 QUADRIPLEGIA | BELMONT, NC
In her words: Entering into this new life through domestic violence in 2015 left me a quadriplegic. Since then, I have been learning to navigate and coexist with todays society. Engaging in adaptive sports, peer mentoring, participating in panels, and joining exercise programs have been integral to finding a niche within the disability community. My journey led me to advocate for women with disabilities with WEAN of Charlotte and Go SCIN. The overarching goal is to demonstrate to communities that being a person with a disability doesn't diminish one's humanity.
Alexus Smith
I'm a disability justice practitioner, self-advocate, educator, and poet. Served on a developmental disabilities council for six years advocating for improved programming for disabled youth, more inclusive grant guidelines for organizations seeking funds to help people with disabilities + inclusive language for documents for people with disabilities. I hold a master's degree in Rhetoric and Composition and Cultural Rhetoric from NC State University. Now DEI Program Coordinator at William Peace University.
Alyssa Pickens
In her words: Hi my name is Alyssa Pickens. I am adopted from Thailand, graduated from UNC Greensboro, and NC State. I majored in video production/editing and educational technology/ Technical training. My favorite quote " Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.
Suvya Caroll
Suvya works in childcare and is a proud member of Reality Ministries and Breaking Barriers: MoveAbility dance company. She also released an album of workship music called "I am for you: Songs of prayer and peace with the Meek Squad. The NC Council on Developmental Disabilities presented Suvya with the Self Advocated Award in 2020. Suvya also enjoys weightlifting and rock climbing.
Micaiah Okonkwo
Micaiah is a woman who is confident in who she is so much so that when asked what inspires her, she says, "I inspire myself honestly"She is very proud of finding her independence and her work in the community to empower others with disabilities. Micaiah enjoys gardening, fashion and cooking.
