Today we’d like to introduce you to Denise Reynaga.
Denise, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born with a disability by the name of Spina Bifida and I have a brain injury caused by a car accident when I was seven years old. I am 49 years old and currently live with my whole family in Montebello, CA.
When I was young I didn’t know that there was others like myself I was very shelter when I was a child. When my mother passed away in the car accident that myself and my whole were in we moved to Montebello from Ontario and I started Elementary School in Downey, CA.
There I met others who were exactly like myself as well as others who had different disabilities. Once I was an adult and out of school, I attended college at East Los Angeles College. I tried my best to study ASL because I wanted to become an ASL interpreter but because of my brain injury, it wasn’t possible.
So I started volunteering in the Los Angeles community and competed for Ms. Wheelchair California. I won 2nd place and became Ms. Wheelchairs California 1st runner up 2016. I planned on competing again next year to win the Title.
I now volunteer at an Amazing Rehabilitation center by the name of Rancho Los Amigos in Downey C A. They help with spinal Cord injuries as well as many other disabilities. I have been there since 2016 and present. I am also a fashion affiliate. I work for three online boutiques (Rising Phoenix, Closet Candy, and Hello Pink). I am trying to become a disabled model but haven’t been noticed as of yet but hopefully, in the future
I am also supporting to a few organizations by the name of Pushrim Foundation they help out with all disabilities by donating medical supplies and wheelchairs, they also donate art supplies to our disabled artists at Rancho such as myself at events if they need help I’m always there to pitch in, They have virtual support groups and events throughout LAA area.
Another organization I help out is Familia Undia it’s a MS foundation but they also help all other disabilities. They have wheelchair washes every year and a concert and lunch for the disabled community around the Los Angeles area. They also have support meetings every month.
I also belong to a car club by the name of Raidernationivlife we help our children with cancer their families and all other disabilities. We throw them Christmas parties and do fundraising we also help out our nations veterans and do an event every year called the salute to the troops we bbq for them and give them a car show and we also help out the homeless.
As of right now, I’m into doing makeup and I am trying to get a job that way I can afford to take classes and get certified to become a makeup artist. I believe that disabled people can be just as beautiful as an able body person.
I also love taking dance classes from an all-wheelchair dance team.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been an easy road for me but I don’t let the hard challenges stop me from doing what I love… Some of the hardest struggles for me is being accepted in a work environment. My opinion is a lot of Abel people are scared to hire a disabled person thru just don’t understand that even though we are somewhat different, we can do almost everything an able person can do just slower and differently.
I advocate for acceptance in our disability community. I don’t want our younger generation go through the hardships many of us have gone through and still go through
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As of right now, I volunteer at Rancho Los Amigos. I help out in the facilities management department doing clerical work and on my free time, I meet with other disabled people as myself and show them around the campus and try my best to get them where they need to go. I am also a fashion designer/affiliate for three boutiques. I have been wanting to become a disabled model for their site but haven’t made a whole lot of funds to purchase clothing to do so I am also wanting to become a disabled makeup artist but as of this moment haven’t been Abel too. I am currently looking for a part-time job so that I can pay for my housing, clothing and my class to be certified for a makeup artist.
People know me to be always happy and helping others. I am known for always being there for others before myself. What makes me so proud of myself is that no matter how many doors closed, I still keep moving forward one roll at a time.
The things that set me apart from others they I totally love myself disability and all of I wasn’t disabled, I don’t think I would have achieved this much in my life and I am so proud of the woman I have become today no matter how difficult it has been I would do it all over again if I had too.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I see myself having a place of my own. Finally having my dream job whether that be a makeup artist or a fashion designer or just being behind a desk. I also see myself still volunteering. I will be er give that up; one of my passions is helping others. I don’t think there are any big changes coming up unless I get a job soon we will have to wait and see but I am excited for what the future still holds for me. There are still many chapters to my journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://risingphoenixboutique.com/collections/the-garden-party?ref=DENISEREYNAGA
- Instagram: denise_reynaga
- Facebook: Neecee Reynaga
Image Credits
I credited these foundations and organizations as well as the people and locations. Without these foundations, organizations, Rehabilitation center and people involved I wouldn’t be who I am today. Thank you so much for believing me in and giving me the opportunity to grow 1. Commissioner of disabilities 2. Dwayne the Rock Johnson. Hollywood Walk of Fame 3. Spina Bifida Walk N Roll 4. Abilities Expo 5. Rancho Los Amigos Spinal Cord Rehabilitation Center 6. Familia Undia 7. SCRS Disability Pride Month
