Rising Stars: Meet Joshua Bolen of Riverside and LA County

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Bolen

Hi Joshua, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey has been one of challenges, resilience, and purpose. Growing up, I was diagnosed with a learning disability, ADHD, and a speech impediment. Those labels came with their fair share of stigma and obstacles, and I know firsthand how isolating it can feel. But I was fortunate to have a strong and supportive family who never let me believe those challenges could define me. They constantly reminded me that no goal was out of reach, and because of them, I learned to push through and overcome.

Fast forward to today, I’ve been able to turn those struggles into successes. I’m signed with Exposure Model & Talent Agency and have been part of Kansas City’s fashion and acting industries for years. It’s been an incredible ride—I’ve appeared in commercials for brands like Sprint, Community America, Mazuma, and Capital Federal, and I’ve had the chance to model for Nike, TipTop Tux, Kansas City Fashion Week, and the 18th Street Fashion Show, just to name a few.

But honestly, as much as I love my work in fashion and entertainment, the most fulfilling part of my life has been mentoring youth and young adults with Neurodevelopmental Disorders. For over 12 years now, I’ve dedicated myself to helping them because I’ve been in their shoes. I know what it’s like to feel boxed in by a diagnosis, and I’ve learned that those limitations don’t have to define who you are or what you can accomplish.

Now, I use my experiences and what I’ve learned to encourage others to believe in themselves, to see their potential, and to go after their dreams. My story isn’t just about overcoming; it’s about paying it forward and showing others that no matter where you start, there’s no limit to where you can go.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth road at all. There have been plenty of struggles along the way, and honestly, those challenges shaped me into who I am today. Growing up, being diagnosed with a learning disability, ADHD, and a speech impediment wasn’t easy. It came with feelings of frustration and self-doubt. I struggled to fit in, to keep up in school, and to find my confidence. On top of that, there was always the stigma attached to those labels. People would look at you differently or underestimate what you were capable of, and that hurt.

There were times when I felt like giving up, but my family played such a huge role in keeping me grounded and motivated. They didn’t let me see those challenges as limitations. Instead, they pushed me to keep going, to believe in myself, and to prove to the world and to myself that I could rise above it all.

Even as I started to build my career in fashion and acting, there were more hurdles. It’s a competitive industry that demands resilience, and you’re constantly faced with rejection and self-doubt. Balancing that with my desire to mentor others and stay true to my purpose hasn’t always been easy, either. But every challenge, every tough moment, has been worth it.

I’ve learned to embrace my struggles as part of my story. They’ve given me empathy, strength, and a deeper understanding of what it means to overcome. They’ve allowed me to connect with others who are facing their own battles and show them that, even when the road is rough, there’s always a way forward.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a Facilitator with the Wraparound Program, my work is all about supporting youth and families in achieving their goals and overcoming challenges. The Wraparound approach is holistic and family-centered, which means I work closely with families to identify their strengths, needs, and priorities, and then collaborate with them to create a plan tailored specifically to their unique situation. My role involves bringing together different systems like schools, therapists, and community resources so that the family has the support they need in one cohesive plan.

I specialize in building trust and fostering meaningful connections. Having spent over 12 years mentoring youth and young adults with Neurodevelopmental Disorders, I’ve developed a deep understanding of their needs and challenges, particularly the emotional and social barriers they often face. This experience has allowed me to create safe spaces where families feel seen, heard, and empowered.

What I’m most proud of is the impact I’ve been able to make in helping families see their own potential and guiding them through difficult times. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching a young person grow in confidence or seeing a family achieve a milestone they once thought was out of reach.

What sets me apart is my personal connection to the work. I’ve been in the shoes of many of the youth I mentor. Growing up with a learning disability, ADHD, and a speech impediment, I know firsthand what it feels like to face stigma and feel limited by circumstances. Those experiences have shaped how I approach my role with empathy, patience, and a strong belief that no goal is out of reach when the right support is in place. I don’t just see the barriers families face; I see their potential and possibilities, and that’s what I focus on in every step of the process.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I like best about our city is the culture it’s vibrant, diverse, and filled with so much creativity. I also love the variety of food options; there’s always something new to try, whether it’s a small, family-owned spot or a new restaurant with unique flavors. The food scene really reflects the community, and it’s one of the things that makes this city feel so alive.

What I like least, though, is definitely the traffic. It can be frustrating, especially during peak hours when it feels like everything slows down. But even with that, the city’s energy and everything it has to offer make it worth navigating through the congestion.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://fashionhonorsautism.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fashionhonorsautism/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fashionhonorsautism/
• Twitter: https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2FAutismHonors
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Fashionhonorsautism