Welcome to Wonder Woman Wednesday! Every Wednesday we feature women who are using their business or work as a force for good. The intention behind this blog is to raise awareness on the impact of doing good and to inspire others to think of ways in which they too can use their business or work as a force for good. By doing this we hope we will be creating a better community one business at a time and leaving this world a little bit better than we found it for future generations.

Tell us about your business and how you use your work as a force for good?

For the past 2 years, I’ve embarked on a new journey: one that combines my love for storytelling and creating awareness for the disabled community. I’ve started a blog www.ztipismana.com where I share my experiences as a disabled person in an effort to shed some light on what it means to be a double amputee and wheelchair user.

16 years ago, I had a train accident in Lugano, Switzerland, and lost my left arm and my left leg. Needless to say, this was a huge turning point in my life, and one that brought forth many challenges and hard-core decisions. I went from being a naïve 21 year old to a young woman with plenty of internal battles ahead of her. Fast-forward 16 years later, and I find myself in a better place- a place where I can look back on those struggles and see them for what they were: moments of growth and struggle. Moments that taught me some valuable lessons on who I want to be and how my voice can be used to inspire change in others. Too often, we give in to our ingrained beliefs and stereotypes of how we see people that don’t fit into our “world” or “box.” Knowledge is power and really the only way to chip away at those ingrained notions: the ideas that being disabled means being limited or socially outcast. This is why I write about my experiences. I write about my travels, my external observations, and anyone or anything that leaves a lasting impression.

Two years ago I decided it might be fun to also engage in public speaking and share my voice through a different platform…or podium! I’ve given motivational speeches ranging in topics from courage, acceptance, and re-imagining life. My talks have been well received and as I hoped, have sparked curiosity and awareness in a community where disability is rarely talked about. So, when I’m not working as an Alumni Relations and Development Officer at TASIS (a local boarding school), I’m home writing, participating in local projects, and crafting out my next talk.

What led you to using your business as a force for good?

I remember a few years ago, celebrating Christmas Eve with a friend and her husband in their lovely home. We had waited until the clock stuck midnight before we opened up a bottle of bubbly, and put on some music to celebrate in true Colombian fashion. We stood out on her balcony, jovial and grateful to be sharing this evening together. About an hour later, we felt the sting of freezing cold water on our legs. Their neighbour from below had put the hose on us! Exasperated and tired from the noise, he thought this was the only way to get our attention. My friend immediately ran downstairs, shocked at his unbelievably violent reaction. They bickered for a few seconds before she told him she had a disabled friend upstairs whose prosthetic leg was now soaking wet. I’ll never forget his response. It has stayed with me all these years, because it’s what drives me to do more, to break away from what’s expected. He said very casually “well, if she’s disabled, what is she doing out? She should be home.” I should be home??? What else should a disabled person be doing? It was then I knew the only way you could combat ignorance is by educating the masses, by making them more aware of how much the word disability can carry. I want others to see how plentiful and good life can still be despite the physical setbacks. Our mental setbacks are far more debilitating. We live in a world often inundated by the media frenzy and quick fixes, and very often the true, day-to-day struggles get overlooked because they aren’t as flashy or fun. But those daily hurdles are what make us who we are, and are worth their weight in gold. They are the hurdles that I like to give a voice to.

What inspires you to make a difference in the lives of others?

I guess I don’t want to be seen as a stereotype, and I certainly don’t want others to see themselves that way. I’ve spent a long time in hospitals and medical offices. I’ve had my fair share of hospital rooms and cotton gowns that don’t close at the back! I know what it’s like to be in a place where hope seems to be the last thing on your mind. I also know what it means to be in a place where the love and support you receive lifts you and grounds you all at the same time. I know how invaluable it’s been to receive a kind, supportive word or even nod from someone when you might have been on your worst day. To me, life is about growing and giving, and anything I can do to give back is always welcome. During the fall, I go to a senior citizen’s home twice a month with a group of TASIS students. We chat, play games, bake, and basically keep the elderly residents company all while learning a little more about each other. When asked why I do it, I tell people: because I know what it’s like to be on that side of the spectrum. I know what it’s like to be in a small hospital room and hope that someone will walk through it and spend time with you. Having been there makes you want to do it for others. 

What is one act that anyone can do today to make this world a better place?

I would say suspend judgment: not just on others but also on ourselves. We can be our best and worst critics, and I’m definitely no stranger to this concept. On a good day, I can conquer the world and any curveball that’s struck my way. On a bad day, however, I feel completely defeated and incapable. I question (and deny) my potential, skills, and motivation. Those are the days I remind myself I’m just human, and it’s ok to have lingering doubts, they just can’t take over my life and what I want to accomplish. I wonder how much more loving and productive we’d all be if we’d be less judgmental of ourselves and the society we’re a part of. It’s a hard habit to break, but I find that focusing on what is and not what isn’t, helps me immensely. 

Find out more about Zuleika and the work she does here

The Power of Hope