Conferenced Out

Leadership Presentation (June 2021)

Earlier this week-- I was able to have the opportunity of sharing my thoughts on what I feel like are the most important attributes of being a disability leader. As one of the NINJA Youth Mentors, I really wanted to make a good impression and inspire all of my friends who are on the conference with us, to genuinely know what good attributes that could make them a disability leader. I am grateful for the privilege of being able to share what some of my favorite ones were in a three minute period. It was definitely not the first time I ever shared my experiences with my NINJA friends and inspiring them to strive as hard as they can to be an example for others to follow. (Long Story Short--Last year when I was asked as one of the youth mentors to share their insight on what leadership means to them and boy it was seriously not even within a matter of seconds my voice became shaky and tears were rolling down my cheeks!! No, It was not planned whatsoever to have what I had prepared to come across in an emotional manner, but sometimes I never can seem to explain what I want to across to a group of people in the way I want to and then having end up as a teared up leadership moment in my heart is what makes me who I am.) I hope that everyone who listened to me share my thoughts were not only motivated to do what be good leaders in the disability community, but want to continue doing whatever they can in making sure their voices are being heard. 

NINJA Conference 2021,

When I first attended you back in 2013, I didn't necessarily expect you to be as much fun as you were until after I got there on USU Campus!!! I seriously had no idea about what anything in the disability community was (let alone about how much of an impact I could make on the lives of people like me!) I am grateful for the many friendships I have been able to have with some of the most amazing people in this world. They have inspired me to see the good in everything that life has to offer and reminding me of who I really am inside not only as an individual--but as a self advocate, leader, and someone who just aspires to keep improving on their own skills as much as possible. Thank you so much for changing my life forever and giving me a platform to make a difference in the lives of so many people!!!

USILC Staff:

You guys are just the best of the best in our state!! Thank you for being patient with me as I have started on my journey with being a youth member on USILC and learning from the greatest people ever is just a dream come true!!! I may not do anything perfect at times, but I continue learning as much as I can--- which if you ask me keeps leaving an imprint on my heart almost every year. Thank you so much for all the dedication and everything in between you guys put into making the NINJA Conference into what it is now!!! I'm missing the conference so much already and cannot wait to see this conference grow into more than just a fun disability leadership program--but one that is going to change the lives of everyone who gets a chance to participate in this yearly event. Love y'all and peace out---(Until next year that is!)