Rachel Barcellona – Miss Southwest Florida

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Description

I graduated high school in 2015 and successfully completed college at the University of South Florida with a degree in English and a minor in communications. Currently attending Julliard in New York for vocal performance.

I am an advocate for those with disabilities. I have created my non-profit 501 C3 Ability Beyond Disabilities, to inspire those that have challenges to strive for their dreams as well as to educate those who might not understand the challenges we face and to fund therapy and services that will be beneficial in improving one’s life.

As an individual with Epilepsy and Autism Spectrum Disorder- I often felt like I was not able to do things, people with disabilities or anyone who is different are often targets for bullies as I was, but because of my life and social experiences, I have overcome many challenges.

Today I speak at many events, hold positions on several boards across the country and work with many different organizations to help improve the lives of people with disabilities.