Michella Filipowitz’s life story is one of resilience, love, and the power of creating your own path. From a young girl leaving home at 15 to model in Paris to becoming the co-chair of the DR Family Foundation, Michella’s journey has been anything but traditional. Along the way, she’s learned that family is what you make of it, and she’s using her experiences to make a difference for children with disabilities.
As a teenager, Michella dreamed of the bright lights of the fashion world. She took the bold step of leaving her home to pursue modeling in Paris, a city full of opportunity but also many challenges. “It was a whirlwind, and I was so young,” she reflects. “There were times when I felt completely lost, but those experiences shaped me and made me stronger.”
Fast forward several years, and Michella found herself navigating another challenge—becoming a single mother at 23. Her son Benjamin, who was diagnosed with autism at age three, quickly became the center of her world. “Raising Benjamin on my own was tough, especially after his diagnosis,” she shares. “But I refused to let his autism define him or our lives.”
Michella dove into researching the best ways to support Benjamin, but she quickly realized how difficult it was to find schools and programs that were truly inclusive. “So many places didn’t have the resources or the willingness to accept kids with disabilities,” she explains. “It was heartbreaking to see how isolated children like Benjamin could become.”
It was this experience that drove her to co-found the DR Family Foundation with her fiancé, an organization focused on supporting children with disabilities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. “We wanted to create a safe space for these kids, where they could feel valued and included,” Michella says. “Our foundation is about giving them the tools to succeed in life, no matter the obstacles they face.”
One of the foundation’s cornerstone projects is building a home for children who come from difficult family situations. “These kids need more than just a roof over their heads,” she explains. “They need a community where they can feel loved and supported, where they can thrive.”
Michella’s relationship with her fiancé has been a huge part of her journey. “When we met, it was clear that he understood and supported my journey with Benjamin,” she says. “He embraced Benjamin as his own, and that kind of love and understanding is what family is all about for me.”
Their partnership goes beyond their personal lives—they are committed to building a foundation that helps others in need. “We’re not just building a home; we’re building a future for these children,” Michella emphasizes. “We’re working to give them opportunities they wouldn’t have had otherwise.”
Michella’s advocacy extends into the education system as well. “Schools need to do more to include children with disabilities in mainstream settings,” she says. “Segregating them into special schools just isolates them even further. These kids deserve to grow up with their peers, learning and playing together.”
For Michella, the key to building a more inclusive society is teaching children from an early age that diversity is something to celebrate, not shy away from. “Kids need to learn that differences make us stronger, not weaker,” she explains. “And that starts with inclusive classrooms where everyone is respected and valued.”
Looking back, Michella says Benjamin has been her greatest source of strength and inspiration. “He’s taught me that love, patience, and perseverance can overcome any challenge,” she reflects. “His resilience has driven me to help other families going through similar struggles.”
Through her work with the DR Family Foundation, Michella is determined to create a world where all children, regardless of their circumstances or abilities, are given the opportunities they deserve. “We’re building a future where every child can thrive,” she says. “That’s what this foundation is all about—creating real change, one child at a time.”
To follow Michella’s inspiring journey and stay up to date with the DR Family Foundation, visit her Instagram @princessmichella.
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