ABOUT DWD
“We are simply black and brown girls and women with disabilities looking out for each other in a world that is not built for us. We are Divas helping Divas.
Our definition of DIVAS?
Dynamic
Illuminating
Victorious
Achieving
Sisters
Divas With Disabilities is a digital movement and community committed to increasing the participation and authentic representation of black and brown women and girls with disabilities in all areas of life, especially in mass media, television, film, publications, advertising and civic engagement.
Beyond that mission, our goals have grown over the years. Today, we also support and advocate for black and brown girls and women with disabilities on a greater level through our struggle for disability justice and social justice. We help them break down the internal and external barriers to their success, overcome the various types of discrimination they might face, improve their mental health, identify and achieve their dreams, and live unapologetically!
Our Mission
DWD is committed to increasing the participation and authentic representation of black and brown women and girls with disabilities, especially in mass media, television, film, publications, advertising and civic engagement.
Our Vision
Our vision is to see more black and brown women and girls with disabilities authentically portrayed across mass media, television, film, publications and advertising.
Our Core Values
Diversity and Inclusion: Fostering a space where diverse voices are celebrated and included
Empowerment: Empowering black and brown women and girls with disabilities to thrive
Image Transformation: Transforming how society perceives and represents DIVAS (Dynamic,
Illuminating, Victorious, Achieving Sisters)
Social Justice: Advocating for equity and justice
Perseverance: Nurturing resilience and determination
Civic Engagement: Encouraging active participation in community and societal matters
Our Major Goals
Create and host programs, events and initiatives that promote civic engagement and female empowerment
Provide opportunities for Divas to engage in networking events, leadership development, and career advancement workshops
Provide opportunities for Divas to be included in mass media, TV, film, publications and advertising
Serve as a resource or pipeline for casting agents, film directors, and media organizations to identify Divas for opportunities in front of and behind the camera
It’s no secret that black and brown girls and women with disabilities are rarely represented positively—if at all—in front of or behind the camera.
It’s time to change that.
Divas With Disabilities is on the job.
We need to showcase our many talents to the world.
It’s time to tell our own stories.
It’s time for us to shine.
BIG NEWS! YOU SPOKE. WE LISTENED.
Announcing an Expansion of Our Mission to Include Both Visible and Invisible (Apparent and Non-Apparent) Disabilities (as of 2025) Click here to read our full announcement.
At The Divas With Disabilities Project, we’ve always been committed to amplifying the voices of black and brown women and girls with disabilities. Our mission has been to reshape perceptions of what visible disabilities look like and to create spaces where talent, passion, and resilience can thrive.
But we recognize that not all disabilities are visible, and that acknowledgment matters.
Disabilities come in many forms—some we see, and others we don’t.
Invisible (or non-apparent) disabilities, such as chronic pain, mental health challenges, or neurological conditions, are just as valid and impactful as those that are physically apparent. Yet, society often overlooks or misunderstands the experiences of individuals with invisible disabilities, leaving many feeling isolated or unsupported.
It’s time to change that.
We’re proud to announce that Divas With Disabilities is expanding its focus to fully embrace and include black and brown women and girls with both visible and invisible (apparent and non-apparent) disabilities. Our goal is to ensure that every Diva feels seen, valued, and represented in the spaces we create. This shift reflects our ongoing commitment to building an inclusive community that uplifts all voices and experiences.
This isn’t just about inclusion; it’s about recognition. It’s about amplifying the stories that challenge stereotypes and redefining what it means to live, thrive, and shine with a disability—visible or not.
Together, we are building a future where no one feels left out of the conversation.
💜 Join us as we continue to advocate for and empower our community and celebrate the incredible diversity within it.
#InclusionMatters #RepresentationForAll #VisibleAndInvisible #DWDCommunity
Comments From Our Divas
“It’s great to hear that you are now including those with invisible disabilities in your mission! I can contribute much to discussions about mental health disabilities. I would love to be involved and heard. You promised you would include us, and you did. Thank you. Suffering in silence and shame just intensifies the pain we experience.” – A Diva
What Do You Think About Our Enhanced Mission?
