Model and actress Jillian Mercado is known for breaking down barriers and advocating for accessibility. Growing up on 138th Street in Manhattan, in a wealthy Dominican and Spanish neighborhood in Harlem, she quickly learned the importance of community and being there for each other.

The activist has muscular dystrophy and uses a wheelchair to get around. But his physical handicap has never stopped him from creating opportunities for people who look just like her. She founded Black Disabled Creatives, a database of talent in different industries. Mercado has been in fashion campaigns and has even modeled for Queen Bey’s “Formation” era merchandise.

Creating New…