2022 Portraits of Empowerment

The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is proud to present our 2022 Portrait of Empowerment series, which features our AAPD Summer Interns.

About the 2022 Summer Internship Program

For Summer 2022, AAPD hosted its first hybrid program, with some interns joining in-person in Washington, DC and others virtually from across the country. The internship program is a 10-week professional and career development opportunity for interns with disabilities to access meaningful employment, gain leadership skills, and connect to the broader disability community. AAPD places college students, graduate students, law students, and recent graduates with all types of disabilities in paid summer internships with Congressional offices, federal agencies, nonprofit and for-profit organizations. During the summer, each intern is matched with a mentor who provides them with career guidance. We recruit a diverse cohort of interns. As a result, we connect our host employers to talented emerging leaders with disabilities.

At the beginning of summer, interns participate in a 1-week orientation session to acclimate to AAPD, meet their peers, and learn about the disability rights movement. Throughout the summer, interns are also required to participate in the Disability Advocacy Certificate Program. The Certificate Program empowers interns with knowledge and strategies to advocate for the disability community in their own communities, schools, and workplaces. Lastly, interns receive opportunities to attend events, community events, briefings, and more.

Portraits of Empowerment

Throughout the Summer Internship Program, AAPD focuses on storytelling as a form of advocacy. The series aims to uplift and center the stories of our interns. We hope you learn from them as we have this summer.

To learn more about our interns, please check out our 2022 AAPD Summer Interns’ bios. You can also view the 2021 series and 2020 series.

Fayza

“If one of us couldn’t go somewhere, then the rest of us didn’t go there. […] Even in an inaccessible world, crip solidarity was a powerful thing that uplifted all of us.”

Fayza shares about how the AAPD Summer Internship Program and broader disability community shaped what community means to her:

“The way my fellow interns understood how solidarity translated to actions was particularly beautiful. If one of us couldn’t go somewhere, then the rest of us didn’t go there. If one of us needed help, all of us stepped in to help. It taught me that even in an inaccessible world, crip solidarity was a powerful thing that uplifted all of us.”

Fayza’s portrait of empowerment graphic has a black and white image of Fayza Jaleel in front of blue background with the word “Community” at the top. Fayza has brown skin and black hair pulled back in a low ponytail. She is wearing a floral top. Her quote reads “If one of us couldn’t go somewhere, then the rest of us didn’t go there. Even in an inaccessible world, crip solidarity was a powerful thing that uplifted all of us.

Brian S.

“I felt like an imposter all my life but AAPD helped me find my voice and advocate for myself.”

Brian shares how he sees himself as a leader now, after completing the AAPD Summer Internship Program:

This reinvigorated my desire to pursue a doctoral degree. To create sustainable long-term change I think a PhD would be best suited to change the stigma surrounding mental health. I felt like an imposter all my life but AAPD helped me find my voice and advocate for myself.

Brian’s portrait of empowerment graphic has a black and white image of Brian in front of a purple background with the word “leadership” at the top. Brian is an asian male with short black hair. He is wearing a blazer and tie. His quote reads “AAPD helped me find my voice and advocate for myself.”

Aubrianna Wilson

“Building towards collective liberation and disability justice together, the reciprocal love and learning we shared felt revolutionary.”

Aubrianna shares about how the AAPD Summer Internship Program and broader disability community shaped what community means to her:

“In community with other fierce disability activists, I have never felt more at home. I am truly grateful to have been given an opportunity to collectively learn, grow, heal, and dream. Building towards collective liberation and disability justice together, the reciprocal love and learning we shared felt revolutionary. I dream of being in community with more disability folks, to continue radiating radical care, expressing love through access, and sparking magical joy.

Abrianna’s portrait of empowerment graphic has a black and white image of Aubrianna in front of a blue background with the word “community” at the top. Aubrianna is a young mixed, Asian and White, woman with long brown hair. She wears a floral blouse. Her quote reads “Building towards collective liberation and disability justice together”

Mikayla Shea Heston

“Disability is more than a word: it is an identity, culture, term, and much more. It has opened the door to opportunities this summer.”

Mikayla shares how they see themself as a leader now, after completing the AAPD Summer Internship Program.

“Disability is more than a word: it is an identity, culture, term, and much more. It is a word that has opened the door to opportunities this summer. I laughed and cried through it all. This marks the end of my AAPD journey, and I have had one of the best summers in the capital. I am very grateful and thank God for this opportunity!”

Kay’s portrait of empowerment graphic has a black and white image of Kay in front of a purple background with the word “Leadership” at the top. Mikayla is a light-skinned person sitting in their power chair. They are wearing a blazer and a black shirt. Their quote reads “Disability is more than a word: it is an identity…”

Paula Morales

“In social work we discuss a lot the importance of intersectionality, diversity and inclusion; however, sometimes we don’t highlight disabilities and I feel that it is my responsibility to bring my disabled community into every single conversation.”

Paula shares how the AAPD Summer Internship Program supported, changed, or gave her insight about her work and career aspirations:

“The summer internship program reinforced the work I want to do in the future regarding disability justice. In social work we discuss a lot the importance of intersectionality, diversity and inclusion; however, sometimes we don’t highlight disabilities and I feel that it is my responsibility to bring my disabled community into every single conversation. This experience also taught me that being open about the accommodations I need is a must for me to be fully present in any work setting. I learned to not feel guilt or shame when taking a day off to take care of myself or bringing my arsenal of medicines to the workplace.”

Paula’s portrait of empowerment graphic has a black and white image of Paula in front of a green background with the word “career” at the top. Paula is a medium-tan mixed race Latina with short curly hair. She is wearing a button up shirt with polka dots and glasses. Her quote reads “In social work we discuss a lot the importance of intersectionality, diversity, and inclusion…”

Sandra Conley

“Having community means having unconditional acceptance and a way to speak in “short hand” with people who have had similar experiences.”

Sandra shares about how the AAPD Summer Internship Program and broader disability community shaped what community means to her:

“When I was born, having a disability was something to be ashamed of, and something to apologize for. Most of my 59 years have been spent feeling as though I needed to ignore how trying to “fit in” or be “normal” has taken a toll on me. I did not realize how exhausting this process has been. So, for me having community means having unconditional acceptance and a way to speak in “short hand” with people who have had similar experiences. This community has provided me a similar experience as when I transferred from a PWI to an HBCU.”

Sandra’s portrait of empowerment graphic has a black and white image of Sandra in front of a blue background with the word “community” at the top. Sandra is a Black woman with long dark hair styled in locs. She has hoop earrings and is wearing a black top with a floral pattern over a white top. Her quote reads “Having community means having unconditional acceptance…”

Jazmin Barajas

“My internship placement site allowed me to see a unique angle of federal government work that helped me refine my goals for the future…I am now more prepared to be a leader in the tech world while being a champion for accessibility.”

Jazmin shares how the AAPD Summer Internship Program supported, changed, or gave her insight about her work and career aspirations:

My internship placement site allowed me to see a unique angle of federal government work that helped me refine my goals for the future. Now that I know what it takes to offer your skills to such a special agency, I’m ready to arrange my future courses and skills so that they align with the steps that I need to take to get there! My sense and understanding of what it takes to stand out in a professional setting has evolved since the beginning of the summer, I am now more prepared to be a leader in the tech world while being a champion for accessibility! Finding my strengths in a professional setting while simultaneously learning more about advocacy through the AAPD Friday classes allowed for an integrated learning process that I got to apply every day in the workplace.

Jazmin’s portrait of empowerment graphic has a black and white image of Jazmin in front of an green background with the word “career” at the top. Jasmin is a hispanic woman with medium length curly black hair. She wears a long sleeved shirt. Her quote reads “My internship placement site allowed me to see a unique angle of federal government work…”

Kristen Lewellen

“I was able to get a broad scope of what it means to work in the federal government [and] understand the nuances that coincide with public service and experience them first hand.”

Kristen shares how the AAPD Summer Internship Program supported, changed, or gave her insight about her work and career aspirations:

“This summer I was able to get a broad scope of what it means to work in the federal government which was the only career path I had really considered until this point. I was able to understand the nuances that coincide with public service and experience them first hand. My experience as a Microsoft STEM intern showed me that I can do meaningful work in the private sector as well.”

Kristen’s portrait of empowerment graphic has a black and white image of Kristen Lewellen in front of a green background with the word “career” at the top. Kristen is a woman with pale complexion and shoulder length dark hair wearing a black blazer with a black shirt and layering silver necklaces. Her quote reads “I was able to get a broad scope of what it means to work in the federal government…”

Britney Taylor

“Getting to work under a supervisor who was a fellow Black woman with a disability was amazing, and taught me so much about navigating the professional world. My network grew substantially into my areas of interest.”

Britney shares how the AAPD Summer Internship Program supported, changed, or gave her insight about her work and career aspirations:

“I had no idea what to expect at the end of the summer with AAPD, but I couldn’t imagine all the ways my life would be impacted for the better. Getting to work under a supervisor who was a fellow Black woman with a disability was amazing, and taught me so much about navigating the professional world. My network grew substantially into my areas of interest, from both my placement site and from speakers who attended our orientation/advocacy classes. Having a resource filled group of peers and mentors makes me feel much more confident to re-enter the workforce once I complete my masters degree this fall.”

Britney’s portrait of empowerment graphic has a black and white image of Britney in front of a green background with the word “career” at the top. Britney is a fair-skinned Black woman with very curly hair, wearing a black turtleneck. Her quote reads “Getting to work under a supervisor who was a fellow Black woman with a disability was amazing…”

Shruti Rajkumar

“Being an advocate isn’t something that they should look down on me for in journalism, but rather see as a useful and beneficial tool for the newsrooms and coverage of important issues.”

Shruti shares how the AAPD Summer Internship Program supported, changed, or gave them insight about their work and career aspirations:

“The summer internship program provided an incredible space for me to navigate my disabled identity and advocacy within my career of interest (journalism). It really felt like a perfect opportunity for my passions, interests, and identities to come together through every article I wrote for NPR. I was always told that I couldn’t be a journalist and an advocate, but this internship helped me counter that narrative. I now know how to navigate this field and how to show people that being an advocate isn’t something that they should look down on me for in journalism, but rather see as a useful and beneficial tool for the newsrooms and coverage of important issues.”

Shruti’s portrait of empowerment graphic has a black and white image of Shruti in front of a green background with the word “career” at the top. Shruti is a brown woman with long curly hair. Their quote reads “Being an advocate isn’t something that they should look down on me for in journalism…”

Justin E Ramirez

“AAPD really allowed me to feel strong in my own skin and ready to educate those around me. I feel prepared to address issues related to disability.”

Justin shares how they see themself as a leader now, after completing the AAPD Summer Internship Program:

Prior to this experience I was more reserved and scared to be placed in front or really explain my story. But throughout the semester with the help of AAPD and my cohort I learned to be able to feel comfortable being independent. AAPD really allowed me to feel strong in my own skin and ready to educate those around me. I feel prepared to address issues related to disability. I learned to not be afraid of speaking out because it could help so many people that come after me. Also how I should make sure I’m sharing the candy with my peers and those around me. Sharing the candy allows for everyone to find success because we’ll all be given opportunities.

Justin’s portrait of empowerment graphic has a black and white image of Justin in front of a purple background with the word “leadership” at the top. Justin is a Latino man with light brown skin with a pierced septum nose ring. He is wearing a gray button down shirt. Their quote reads “AAPD really allowed me to feel strong in my own skin…”

Zandy Wong

“The program connected me to so many professionals working in Capitol Hill, health policy, and disability advocacy that it was rewarding to see that there are so many pathways to work on health and disability policy.”

Zandy shares how the AAPD Summer Internship Program supported, changed, or gave her insight about her work and career aspirations:

“The summer internship was a leap of faith for me. It was my first time working within the system (US Congress) rather than from an outside role as a researcher and advocate. It ended up being a really rewarding experience. It taught me a lot about professionalism, customer service, and public service. The program connected me to so many professionals working in Capitol Hill, health policy, and disability advocacy that it was rewarding to see that there are so many pathways to work on health and disability policy.”

Zandy’s portrait of empowerment graphic has a black and white image of Zandy in front of a green background with the word “career” at the top. Zandy is an Asian woman wearing a black blazer and shirt, with a circle pendant necklace. Her quote reads “The program connected me to so many professionals working in Capitol hill, health policy, and disability advocacy…”

Ken Sugathan

“I learned that it’s not only about advocating for myself but it is also important to advocate for all people with disabilities.”

Ken shares how he sees himself as a leader now, after completing the AAPD Summer Internship Program:

“I see myself being a leader in my community by spreading awareness about inclusion and independent living opportunities for people with disabilities. I learned that it’s not only about advocating for myself but it is also important to advocate for all people with disabilities.”

Ken’s portrait of empowerment graphic has a black and white image of Ken in front of a purple background with the word “leadership” at the top. Ken is a medium complexion brown-skinned man with dark hair. He wears glasses, a button-up shirt, and a suit jacket. His quote reads “I learned that it’s not only about advocating for myself…”

Súeli B. Gwiazdowski

“Leaving the Summer Internship Program, I’ve come to give myself more credit for the labor I do, and identify myself as a leader.”

Súeli shares how they see themself as a leader now, after completing the AAPD Summer Internship Program:

“I struggled to see myself as a leader before the AAPD Summer Internship Program. I knew I was doing the work, but it just felt like what I had to do to survive. Leaving the Summer Internship Program, I’ve come to give myself more credit for the labor I do, and identify myself as a leader.”

Sueli’s portrait of empowerment graphic has a black and white image of Sueli in front of a purple background with the word “leadership” at the top. Sueli is a white Latinx person with long wavy hair. She is wearing a dark blazer with a floral shirt. Their quote reads “I’ve come to give myself more credit for the labor I do…”

Jack Reeves

“I latched onto a community of multi-generational cross-disability advocacy and culture that I hardly knew existed.”

Jack shares about how the AAPD Summer Internship Program and broader disability community shaped what community means to him:

“The internship program showed me the diversity and resilience of the disability community by bringing together people with extraordinarily different lived experiences for a summer of deep connection, learning, significant growth, and fun experiences. Thanks to AAPD, I met and continue to keep in touch with people that I otherwise would never have met, and I latched onto a community of multi-generational cross-disability advocacy and culture that I hardly knew existed. As I navigate the world on this side of the Summer Internship Program, I see accessibility in a much more plural, structural way. I am grateful not only for that awareness but that I feel empowered with the knowledge and tools I need to create a more inclusive future.”

Jack’s portrait of empowerment graphic has a black and white image of Jack in front of a blue background with the word “Community” at the top. Jack is a white young man with dark brown hair. He is wearing a blazer and striped tie. His quote reads “I latched onto a community of multi-generational cross-disability advocacy and culture that I hardly knew existed.”

Michael Besler

“I always saw myself as a leader, but now I have even more confidence because I have fully accepted myself and who I am. I am disabled and I’m proud of it.”

Michael shares how he sees himself as a leader now, after completing the AAPD Summer Internship Program:

“I always saw myself as a leader, but now I have even more confidence because I have fully accepted myself and who I am. I am disabled and I’m proud of it. Now I can be a voice, a leader to a new generation of all people who struggle with their disabilities. I’ve learned that there are so many people to help for that’s what being a leader in our community means hearing the voiceless and fighting the good fight.”

Michael’s portrait of empowerment graphic has a black and white image of Michael in front of a purple background with the word “leadership” at the top. Michael is a man with light complexion and dark hair. He is wearing a blazer with a plaid button down shirt. His quote reads “I always saw myself as a leader, but now I have even more confidence…”

Sheila Xu

“To me, a community is when people advocate and support each other, especially for those from marginalized communities with different identities, experiences, and backgrounds.”

Sheila shares about how the AAPD Summer Internship Program and broader disability community shaped what community means to her:

“To me, a community is when people advocate and support each other, especially for those from marginalized communities with different identities, experiences, and backgrounds. Those individuals bring in valuable contributions to the community in order to create collective changes that benefit all of us.”

Sheila’s portrait of empowerment graphic has a black and white image of Sheila in front of a blue background with the word “community” at the top. Sheila is a young Asian-American woman with shoulder-length wavy black hair and pearl earrings. She is wearing a blazer and shirt. Her quote reads “To me, a community is when people advocate and support each other…”

Em Eagle

“Community listens when you speak, celebrates when you succeed, and supports you when you need it.”

Em shares about how the AAPD Summer Internship Program and broader disability community shaped what community means to her:

“Community is diverse, it is accepting. It embraces and respects what makes you the person that you are. Community listens when you speak, celebrates when you succeed, and supports you when you need it.”

Em’s portrait of empowerment graphic has a black and white image of Em in front of a blue background with the word “Community” at the top. Em is a light tan-skinned woman with shoulder-length dark hair. She is wearing a black blazer, shirt, and necklace with hoop earrings. Her quote reads “Community listens when you speak…”

The 2022 AAPD Summer Internship Program would not be possible without the generous support of our partners. Thank you Aid Association for the Blind of the District of Columbia, Arconic Foundation, Microsoft, The Coca-Cola Foundation, and United Airlines for supporting these participants!