We are putting professionals and students with disabilities "In the Limelight"
Whether it’s as a student, intern, mid-level manager, or high-level executive, individuals with disabilities bring a unique perspective and diverse talents to the world, universities and the workplace each and every day. To showcase this, we invited students and professionals across the U.S. and Canada to step "In the Limelight" and share their stories of living and achieving as a person with a disability. Click here to learn more about the annual contest for cash prizes sponsored by Lime Connect special advisor and Google Chief Internet Evangelist, Vint Cerf.
Meet Our Winners! Hear first-hand, the amazing talent and perseverance within our community.
To see our full library of over 100 In the Limelight Video Contest Submissions, visit our YouTube Channel by clicking HERE.
1st Place Winner - Annika C. (2020)
Meet Annika! "There are days I struggle to focus on more than just my breathing. However, I push on because I want to show people through my education and a career in nursing that disabilities don't mean you can't do something, you may just need to work harder at it."
Press play on the video to learn more about how Annika is rebranding disability through achievement!
2nd Place Winner - Kelcie M. (2020)
Meet Kelcie! "I realized that my disability had the potential to rob me of a typical life and even worse of my goals and ambitions. Instead of letting it stop me I started my first biotech company, MycoRemedy, from bed. At 26 I haven't let my disability stop me. My wheelchair has taken me around the world to speak on entrepreneurship and innovation, giving a TEDx talk on disability and innovation, and being one of Canada's Top 30 Under 30 sustainability leaders. "
Press play on the video to learn more about how Kelcie is rebranding disability through achievement!
3rd Place Winner - Irvin M. (2020)
Meet Irvin! "I have retinitis pigmentosa, which is a rare, incurable degenerative eye disease that causes severe vision impairment and eventual blindness... While some may view this as a limitation, I see my disability as an opportunity. My condition has given me an edge at work, where I am extremely efficient with my time. I’m attentive to details that others might overlook. I also understand the importance of team effort in achieving our company goals."
Press play on the video to learn more about how Irvin is rebranding disability through achievement!
Honorable Mention - Jacob B. (2020)
Meet Jacob! "I have Autism and a genetic deletion called 16.11.2 deletion syndrome. I always want to fly a plane and someone once laughed and said I wouldn't be able to do that because of my disability. I took flying lessons. I probably work twice as hard as the average student but that is what makes it twice as rewarding. My favourite quote is: 'We are all in the gutter but some of us look to the stars' {Oscar Wilde}. This is my approach to life."
Press play on the video to learn more about how Jacob is rebranding disability through achievement!
Honorable Mention - Levi A. (2020)
Meet Levi! "It was revealed to me I had dyslexia when I was I was young in school. I learned to see words VISUALLY. I followed my visual talent into something useful in my adult years. For the past 10 years I have been working as a professional Animator."
Press play on the video to learn more about how Levi is rebranding disability through achievement!
Honorable Mention - Mary C. (2020)
Meet Mary! "As a below the knee amputee, creativity is a formative part of my disability. Everyday presents new challenges to overcome but I truly believe my life circumstances in some unique way has shaped me into a critical thinker, someone who isn't afraid to challenge assumptions, and to have diverse thoughts."
Press play on the video to learn more about how Mary is rebranding disability through achievement!
Viewer's Choice Winner - Ian M. (2020)
Meet Ian! "My name is Ian and I am a quadriplegic. Specifically, I can’t move anything besides my shoulders and I am paralyzed from the chest down. However, I have not let my disability limit me or my career plans. I have still been able to maintain a 3.99 GPA at the University of Miami while majoring in neuroscience and triple minoring in chemistry, philosophy, and public health."
Press play on the video to learn more about how Ian is rebranding disability through achievement!