Check Out Jon-Lee “Jonni” Campbell’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jon-Lee “Jonni” Campbell

Hi Jon-Lee “Jonni”, 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?
I’m Jonni, the founder of Differently Abled Entertainment (DAE), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing inclusive and accessible performing arts opportunities for individuals of all abilities. My journey began with a deep passion for the arts and a strong desire to create a space where everyone, regardless of their physical/cognitive abilities or their backgrounds, could participate and shine.

My story took a significant turn when I became a paraplegic at the age of 16 due to a car accident. This life-altering event brought many challenges, but it also fueled my determination to make a difference. Despite the physical limitations, I pursued my love for the arts and envisioned a place where creativity and inclusivity could thrive together.

As a single mother of four incredible children, aged 19, 15, 11, and 9, I’ve always been motivated to set an example for them, showing them the importance of resilience, perseverance, and compassion. Balancing motherhood and my passion for the arts has been a journey of its own, but it has also been the driving force behind my commitment to DAE.

Three years ago, I founded DAE with the goal of creating a welcoming and supportive environment for differently abled individuals in the performing arts. Starting DAE was not without its challenges. We faced financial hurdles and skepticism from those who doubted the feasibility of our mission. Despite these obstacles, we persevered, driven by the belief in the transformative power of the arts. We began with small workshops and community events, gradually gaining support and recognition.

Today, DAE is proud to offer a wide range of programs, from productions like ‘I HATE SHAKESPEARE’ to acting classes for all ages and experience levels. Our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment remains at the heart of everything we do. We continue to grow and evolve, always striving to provide meaningful and empowering experiences for our participants.

I’m incredibly grateful for the journey so far and excited for what the future holds. Through DAE, we aim to inspire others to embrace diversity and creativity, proving that the arts are for everyone.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey of building Differently Abled Entertainment (DAE) has been anything but smooth. As with many ventures aimed at creating social change, we encountered numerous obstacles and challenges along the way.

One of the most significant challenges was the financial aspect. Starting a nonprofit organization from scratch required substantial funding, which is difficult to secure, even now. There were times when I worried about how we would keep our doors open and continue offering our programs. Fortunately, joining some community networking groups provided us with essential support and connections that helped us overcome some of these financial hurdles.

Another major challenge was skepticism from others. Many people doubted the feasibility of our mission to create an inclusive performing arts environment for differently abled individuals. There were moments when it felt like an uphill battle to convince potential supporters, donors, and even participants that our vision was not only possible but necessary. Overcoming this skepticism required persistence, resilience, and a relentless belief in our mission.

Personally, balancing my role as a single mother and managing DAE has been challenging. My children are my greatest source of inspiration and motivation, but ensuring I could devote time and energy to both my family and DAE was a constant juggling act. Despite these challenges, my children have been incredibly supportive, understanding, and involved in the journey, which has made it all worthwhile.

As a paraplegic due to a car accident at the age of 16, I also faced physical and logistical challenges. Navigating the world of theater and performing arts in a wheelchair presented unique obstacles, from accessing certain venues to participating in activities that were not initially designed with different individuals in mind. These experiences reinforced the importance of our mission and drove me to create a truly inclusive environment at DAE.

Despite these challenges, every obstacle has been a learning experience that has strengthened our resolve and commitment. The support from our community, the dedication of our volunteers and participants, and the success stories of those who have thrived in our programs have been the driving force behind our perseverance.

The road has been tough, but each challenge has brought us closer to our goal of making the arts accessible and inclusive for all. We continue to learn and grow, adapting to new challenges as they arise, always with the unwavering belief that the arts are for everyone, and everyone deserves to be properly represented.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m an actress, model, director, producer, and founder of Differently Abled Entertainment (DAE). My professional journey in the arts spans over 35 years, encompassing a wide range of experiences and accomplishments that have shaped my career and my passion for inclusivity in the arts.

My work is deeply rooted in acting, which has always been my primary passion. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of performing in or directing over 70 plays, bringing a variety of characters to life on stage. My experience extends beyond the theater, having acted in 12 feature films, 8 short films, 6 music videos, a few commercials and even a TV episode. Each project has provided unique opportunities to grow as an artist and storyteller.

In addition to acting, I am an internationally published model, and I’ve had the honor of being featured in various publications worldwide; including one 6 page spread. Modeling has allowed me to express creativity in different forms, and it complements my work in the performing arts.

I also hosted a podcast, where I shared insights and engaged with a diverse range of guests from the arts community. Through countless interviews on TV, podcasts, and magazines, I’ve been able to advocate for inclusivity and share the mission of DAE with a broader audience. With over 14,000 social media followers, including 7.3K on Facebook, I have built a supportive and engaged community that values the importance of diversity in the arts.

One of my proudest moments was performing my first burlesque routine. Burlesque is an art form I’ve admired for years, and finally gathering the courage to perform was a significant personal achievement. Despite being in a wheelchair, I’ve never let anything hold me back. Dancing has always been a passion of mine, and I continue to embrace it in my unique way. Performing that routine was a powerful reminder that creativity knows no bounds, and I’m excited to explore more burlesque performances in the future.

As a makeup artist, I enjoy the transformative power of makeup in bringing characters to life and enhancing performances. This skill complements my work in the arts and allows me to contribute to the overall creative process.

What sets me apart is my relentless drive to create inclusive spaces in the arts. Founding DAE has been a culmination of my experiences and a testament to my belief that the arts should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities. Through DAE, we provide opportunities for many different individuals to participate in the performing arts, fostering an environment where creativity and inclusivity thrive.

I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve accomplished at DAE and the impact we’ve made in the community. My journey in the arts has been a blend of passion, resilience, and a commitment to breaking barriers, proving that the arts are a powerful tool for change and empowerment.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
At Differently Abled Entertainment (DAE), we believe in the power of community and collaboration to drive meaningful change. There are several ways people can work with us, collaborate, or support our mission:

1. Connect with Us on Social Media:
Facebook is our largest platform, where we actively engage with our community and share updates about our programs, events, and opportunities. You can follow us on Facebook and other social media platforms to stay informed and get involved. Feel free to reach out to us directly through social media for any inquiries or collaboration ideas.

2. Visit Our Website:
Our website, ourDAE.org, is a comprehensive resource for all things DAE. Here, you can find information about our upcoming productions, acting classes, and special events. It’s also the place to sign up for auditions and programs. If you’re interested in working with us or learning more about our initiatives, our website is a great starting point.

3. Donate to Our Mission:
Support from the community is vital to our success. You can donate to DAE and help us continue providing inclusive arts opportunities by texting “DAE” to 53-555. Every contribution makes a significant impact and allows us to expand our reach and enhance our programs.

4. Collaborate with Us:
We love working with other groups and organizations to raise awareness for marginalized causes and people. Whether it’s co-hosting events, joining forces for productions, or creating new initiatives, we are always open to collaborations that align with our mission. We are particularly eager to embark on more film projects and would love to hear from filmmakers, producers, and other creatives interested in working together.

5. Volunteer and Participate:
Our success is built on the dedication and passion of our volunteers and participants. If you’re interested in volunteering your time, skills, or resources, we welcome your support. From assisting with productions to helping behind the scenes, there are numerous ways to get involved and make a difference.

By joining forces with DAE, you become part of a movement that celebrates diversity and inclusivity in the arts. Together, we can continue to break barriers, inspire creativity, and provide opportunities for everyone to shine.

Thank you for your support and interest in collaborating with Differently Abled Entertainment. We look forward to working with you to create a more inclusive and vibrant arts community.

Pricing:

• Acting Classes ~ 8 wks ~ $175
• Space Rental ~ $50/hr
• Party Hosting with Karaoke ~ $75/hour
• Sponsorship Packages Available

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ourdae.org/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/differentlyabledentertainment/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/differentlyabledentertainment
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ourdae/
• Twitter: https://x.com/DiffAbledEnt
• Other: https://www.alignable.com/tucson-az/differently-abled-entertainment-2