Event Recap: Diversability Unplugged: Celebrating Disabled Creatives

ID: Panelist (left to right - Jillian Mercado, Stephanie Nogueras, and Marisa Hamamoto) and moderator (Lauren Freedman) from the Celebrating Disabled Creatives joined by Diversability Founder and CEO, Tiffany Yu.

Panelist (left to right - Jillian Mercado, Stephanie Nogueras, and Marisa Hamamoto) and moderator (Lauren Freedman) from the Celebrating Disabled Creatives joined by Diversability Founder and CEO, Tiffany Yu.

Disabled people can be found across every profession and skill. Disabled people account for 1-10% of performing artists though these estimates are likely low as many artists do not disclose less apparent disabilities.

On Wednesday, January 29, 2025, in partnership with Aerie Real Foundation and Growth Club, Diversability hosted Unplugged: Celebrating Disabled Creatives, a discussion that explored the intersection of disability and creativity. This event was hosted in Los Angeles, California. Ticket proceeds were donated to LA fire relief efforts supporting disabled people.

Moderated by Lauren Freedman (she/her), chronic illness, autoimmune, and mystery symptom coach, the panel included speakers:

  • Jillian Mercado (she/her), Actress

  • Marisa Hamamoto (she/her), Founder, CEO, Artistic Director, Infinite Flow Dance

  • Stephanie Nogueras (she/her), Actor, Mentor & Founder of Pepita Productions

Quick Summary

The event opened with Lauren leading a grounding meditation.

Panelists, Jillian, Stephanie, and Marissa, shared their experiences as activists, creatives, and advocates in the disability community. They discussed how creativity plays a vital role in navigating a world not designed for their needs, using dance, makeup, and other forms of expression.

Key themes included the importance of authentic representation in entertainment, dance, and education, as well as the challenges of cultural stigma and lack of opportunities for disabled individuals. The speakers emphasized the value of community, mutual support, and mentorship in overcoming isolation and fostering inclusion.

Stephanie spoke about navigating intersectional identities as Deaf and Latinx, Marissa shared how personal struggles and a spinal stroke led to the founding of an inclusive dance program, and Jillian reflected on overcoming internalized ableism.

The event concluded with a movement activity led by Marisa Hamamoto and Rynn Mason, reinforcing the idea of adaptable and inclusive movement. Key takeaways highlighted the need for meaningful inclusion beyond tokenism, early disability education, and self-advocacy to drive lasting change.

Attendees received a gift bag filled with goodies from disability-owned and women-owned brands including Candy’s Kloset, Cee Cee's Closet NYC, Erleia, Even Adaptive, Infinite Flow Dance, PictureThisPasadena, ReLeafpack, Rooted Fare, Solobo, Super Patch Company, The Nerdware Store, The Period Company, Tree Art, and Wonder Women Tech.

Photos from the event are available on our Diversability Facebook page.

You can visit our two-part replay on Youtube here: Part 1 & Part 2

This recap was written with the help of AI. 

Arielle Dance