Since my very first day in primary school, I understood the power of education and its value in being a catalyst to combat ignorance, to challenge the status quo and to give agency and opportunity to the most vulnerable. My ambition to become a teacher – one who ensured that children felt represented, listened to and safe in my classroom – stemmed from this idea, but could have been thwarted by the notion, ‘if you can’t see it, you can’t be it’. Instead, I graduated at the top of my class, receiving the Vere Foster Medal from Trinity College, Dublin.
Through writing, public speaking, lecturing and social media, I highlight the lack of inclusivity within the fashion and design industries and consult with leadership to ensure the process of designing for, with and by disabled people is embedded into their business model. I also critique the ways in which the media talks to women and offer an alternative conversation that celebrates the achievements of others with the ‘Extraordinary Women’ interview series.
I have been extremely fortunate to visit schools, workplaces, government agencies and the White House to facilitate honest conversations about education, disability, fashion, and accessibility. I make every attempt to advocate for the inclusion of all, to amplify the voices who are oft not considered and challenge officials to legislate with the most marginalised members in our communities.
I’m currently undertaking a PhD in Trinity College, Dublin on human rights education that explores the voice of the child in school. Whilst curiously challenging the intersection of design, empowerment, beauty, disability, and empathy.
Published book:
Break the Mould – 2020
Oak Lawn Library Friends 