My vision for inclusive leadership

by Jenna Proudlove

A portrait of self-advocate Jenna Proudlove.

Jenna emphasizes the importance of people
with disabilities taking on leadership roles.

The newest member of the CLBC Editorial Board shares what leadership means to her:

My name is Jenna Proudlove. I’m 38 years old and have cerebral palsy. I live semi-independently in Victoria, B.C.

I have been an advocate since elementary school. When I graduated, I helped start a youth group called Victoria Opportunities for Community Youth Leadership (VOCYL). This was a group with members from diverse backgrounds who wanted the opportunity to connect and develop leadership skills while sharing the message of inclusion.

I was then on the Community Living Victoria Board of Directors for six years. I have also taught classes about disability in various places.

Something I am very proud of is being one of the first students at the University of Victoria (UVic) to be supported by the STEPS Forward Inclusive Post Secondary Education program. My mom and I advocated for young adults with developmental disabilities to have access to an inclusive life path after high school.

I attended UVic for five years like any other university student. I studied, joined clubs and had paid employment. This made it possible for others in my situation to have the same opportunity. Now, students supported by STEPS Forward cross the graduation stage alongside everyone else.

I love to advocate, especially for the rights of people in my situation, as well as other diverse peoples. Some issues that are important to me include public awareness for wheelchair accessibility and the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.

Self-advocacy means standing up for myself, as well as for people who need support to have a voice and stand up for themselves. I want to bring awareness to the fact that people can have disabilities and still think for themselves.

To me, leadership means leading others to a common goal and having a structured plan to do so. Leaders have positive attributes such as determination, tenacity, awareness and respect.

It’s important for people with disabilities to be in leadership roles because it teaches the public that people with disabilities are people too. Just because we have a disability doesn’t mean we don’t have our own hopes and dreams.

My advice to others: Get comfortable with the uncomfortable. Learn. Ask other people for help. Don’t give up and speak out about the things that are important to you.


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