XCAST: EP003 Rolling With the Disability DIVA with Dr. Kimberly Y. Barrington

MPWRD Business's Founder & Publisher, Two Eagles Marcus, Tiwa Puebloan, whose tribe is the Taos Red Willow People, is joined in this episode by Julian Newman, CEO of Culture Creative.    About Dr. Kimberly Y. Barrington  "Through my community advocacy and personal motto: No Matter How You Feel, Get Up, Dress Up Never Give Up and Show Up for Life Because Somebody NEEDS Your Story; helps me provide a more positive perspective for how persons with disabilities should be viewed. Because of the often-subtle belief that persons with disabilities are not as important or have as much economic value as able-bodied people. I believe this MUST be continually challenged and dismantled!   "As the Founder and CEO of 100 Shades Of disABILITY L3C, we improve the quality of life for persons with disABILITIES legislatively, economically and through community education and partnerships.    "Legislatively I have helped get House Bills 4516 & 4517 passed, I was instrumental in the education and facilitation of Governor Snyder’s $8 million dollar Mobility Challenge Grant for : the elderly, disabled and Veterans for the state of Michigan, I have testified before the Michigan Senate Appropriation Committee to increase the budget line to $3 million dollars for the 15 Centers for Independent Living in Michigan; Economically I assists persons with disabilities and the able-bodied to become entrepreneurs as the district president of the Business and Professional Women’s Federation and campaigns for MiABLE: a savings program through the Michigan Department of Treasury that helps people with disabilities save money without losing their government benefits.    "As the First African American and Title Holder of Ms. Wheelchair Michigan USA 2019, it provided me a larger platform to advocate. I am also a Wheelchair Model.    "The Kingdom International Bible Institute Worldwide, awarded me the 2019 Community Service Award for my advocacy within the disability community."  I was also awarded the 2020 Dr. Sofia Womack Quality of Life Award, for: Improving The Quality of Life for Persons with Disabilities by the African American Leadership Awards Group.    "As many states created guidelines for re-opening during this Coronavirus pandemic, I worked with the Department of Health and Human Services to help write The Community Centers Reopening Guidelines. This document provided guidance for community centers to maintain a safe environment for employees, interns, volunteers, and all other types of workers as well as guests as facilities are re-opened.    "As a personal response to the Coronavirus pandemic, I have created a Personal Protection Kit called “Proud to Serve My Country” which includes: 5 3ply disposable mask, 5 pair of gloves, a 1oz spray sanitizer and a 2oz pocket size sanitizer.    "And in response to the social separation due to the Coronavirus pandemic, along with my father created: The Bishop Walter C Durham “Connecting to your Community through Technology iPad Giveaway” where persons with disABILITIES can in 100 words or less tell us how they will connect to their community with an iPad. Facilitated by 100 Shades Of disABILITY L3C.   "I believe my experiences have greatly prepared me to be the catalyst to make systemic change within my sphere of influence."