Meet Trailblazer Madi Esteves

Today we’d like to introduce you to Madi Esteves.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Madi. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
In 2001, my mother, Nicole, had a still born baby. Had the baby survived, she would have had Down Syndrome. I was very confused and very curious. As I grew up, my mother began to see my interest in children who might not fit in, or might act different than what I had been used to. I was very interested, wanting to know more about these individuals, which usually meant I would walk right up and start a conversation!

I have been working within the disability community for over 9 years. This was something I became very passionate about as I grew older and understood what the word “disability” meant. I saw how people treated these individuals differently and did not like it. Throughout 6th grade and most of junior high, there were many days spent trying to convince my teachers to include the special education classes. This went on for a couple of years, with limited success.

Finally, once in high school, I joined Best Buddies and Special Olympics. From holding “Spread the Word to End the Word” campaigns, to attending Best Buddies prom, I loved my interaction with the disability community and wanted them to be accepted by everyone. My reign as Miss Arizona’s Outstanding Teen in 2012, and Miss Arizona 2015, allowed her many opportunities to work with different organizations that revolved around people with disabilities. I knew this was mission in life; Acceptance for ALL.

Our society has created many norms. They have implemented many things into our head when it comes to how we need to dress, act, perform, etc. I needed to change that. I promote acceptance by speaking anywhere and everywhere. Sometimes I speak, other days I read my children’s book which helps kids understand what it means to be accepting and that it is cool to be friends! Children’s groups, spiritual groups, girl scout troops, schools, rotary clubs; you invite me, I am there! My main focus is the younger generation. The earlier we teach children acceptance, the more loving the world becomes. I am always willing to speak to anyone when it comes to this topic; even adults need to remember to be accepting and caring. We are all human beings. We all have a heart, a soul, and we all deserve to be accepted for who we are.

That is why Madi Esteves created Don’t “Diss” Abilities. Our main mission, is to create acceptance and inclusion; focusing on the disability community while also promoting acceptance for ALL!

My nonprofit provides resources and hosts events for the disability community. We have a bright future ahead of us and hope that we can change and empower lives all over the world!

Great, 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 is hard to figure life in. In so many different ways. I wanted to be a professional dancer! I have tried out to be a suns dancer, a cardinal’s cheerleader, a rockette, cruise ship dancer, Disney dancer and more. I have NEVER made a team. I always did well in pageantry though. Swimsuit, dancing on a stage, answering hard political questions and promoting my platform Don’t “Diss” Abilities. When one thing does not work, it’s because something else is on its way.

Out of high school I was ready to buy a dance studio. I had teachers lined up, competitions in mind, everything prepared. In my 6th year of teaching I showed up one day to a bunch of cranky dancers. One peed her pants, one told me I needed to wear makeup every day, and another told me she would rather be at soccer practice then dance practice. I walked out to dance mom’s yelling at our receptionists, and kids running a much in the back-play room. That night, I told my manager I would not be coming back next year.

I moved to Scottsdale, worked as a receptionist at an adult dance studio, a personal assistant for a couple in real estate, then later took a job for a nonprofit. Working at the nonprofit made me realize I wanted to be back with my people; those in the disability community. This was a job at a desk, with little interaction. I knew I did not want to do something like this forever. That was when I decided I would start my own nonprofit. I held my first event with Don’t “Diss” Abilities in August! We are growing more and more every day, and I am happier than ever!

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Don’t “Diss” Abilities – what should we know?
This is my 10th year working in the disability community. Through pageantry people saw how passionate I was. This was not something I picked up because I had to choose a personal platform. It is what I love to do. I wish happiness for everyone. I want others to feel accepted and loved. Life is too short to be mean, to be bullied or to be judgmental. If you ask anyone who has known me for some time, I am so sure they would tell you this is something very close to my heart! I am real, I am honest, and I love giving back.

We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
Men have been “leaders” for so long. I believe for most it is unusual to see a woman leading. That is absolutely changing, but our world was brain washed to believe women belong in the kitchen and should be cleaning and attending to the children. BOY, please. We are strong. We must be confident. We must believe in ourselves and we will be heard. Everyone is created equal. If you work hard and believe in something you must use your voice and/or actions.

That is what I do, and sometimes it is so easy. About a month ago, a man driving a very nice Mercedes threw all of his Starbucks cups in the street in a parking lot. I so nicely picked them up, showed him how easy it was to throw them away, and told him to have some respect; if he can afford to buy all of these drinks, he can have the decency to put them in the trash. VOICE. Today at the grocery store I saw my friend Drew. Drew has down syndrome and autism. I said hello, gave him a big hug. As I looked up, I saw multiple people staring at me. Surprise, he is a human being too! It is so simple to include others.

Maybe that young girl with her head down just needs a smile from you. Maybe that young boy who can’t get the basketball through the net needs some advice. Maybe that old man’s wife or husband just passed away and he could use a hug. Everyone can be a leader, everyone can be kind. The sooner we include and accept everyone, the better the world gets. Women are just as powerful leaders as men, in so many ways.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dontdissabilities.com
• Phone: 4805707042
• Email: dontdissabilities@gmail.com
• Instagram: dontdissabilities
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DontDissAbilities/

Image Credit:
Don’t “Diss Abilities

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