Empowerment in Action: Changing How the World Sees Disability
Tae’s Story
One of the most impactful acts of advocacy I’ve been involved in—and the one that continues to stand out—was running as the first disabled candidate for mayor of Charlotte, NC. That moment wasn’t just about politics; it was about visibility, representation, and breaking barriers for people with disabilities, especially in leadership roles where we are often overlooked or underestimated.
While I’ve been proud to serve as the first Black disabled model in NYFW, become the first adaptive model on QVC, and lead the Novant Thanksgiving Parade as the first disabled grand marshal, my mayoral campaign was deeply personal.
It was a declaration that our voices matter, and that disability does not mean disqualified.
That campaign sparked conversations in my community about accessibility, inclusion, and strength—not despite our challenges, but because of them. It reminded me and others that we don’t have to be anyone else’s version of perfect to lead, inspire, or make change.
Tae
