My name is Vanessa Muniz-Pellicer. I live in Miami, Florida, and have been with the FYC for two years. I am incredibly grateful to be a part of this amazing group of leaders and advocates for disability acceptance and awareness. I am a 27-year-old, first-generation, multi-racial, neurodivergent woman passionate about advocacy.

When I was just 7 years old, my family was told that I would not succeed in life or be able to have a fruitful education due to my disabilities. However, looking at me today, it’s clear that this couldn’t be further from the truth. Despite being banned from entering the gifted program in elementary school, I overcame that discrimination. I attended the best Magnet Program schools in the county for both Middle School and High School and graduated high school with a 5.2 GPA in 2014.

I went to college at the University of Massachusetts–Amherst, where I was part of the CMASS organization (Center for Multi-Cultural Advancement and Student Success). I have also been involved with organizations like Best Buddies of Greater Miami and YWCA of Greater Miami, always working within my community to fight against discrimination and racism. I now have an Associate of Arts in Biology from Miami Dade College – Science College and am still in school pursuing my PhD in Biological Sciences.

Above all, my main passion and goal within the Florida Youth Council is to work with like-minded individuals who understand the need for equality and the importance of advocating for those with disabilities. “I am different, not less.”