Jamie Junior celebrated as Disability Pride Month Game Changers honoree

DETROIT -- Navigating life primarily in a wheelchair is difficult at times for Jamie Junior, but the Detroit native will not be deterred from making a difference.

"I was raised to understand my own abilities and to be as independent as possible," said Junior, who has cerebral palsy and osteoarthritis. "I believe that I was purposed to be an advocate. This may sound odd, but I was inspired by other people's ignorance and low expectations of me as well as others like me who were perfectly able to meaningfully contribute to society."

"The most incredible part of our Game Changers series with Comerica Bank is the continued opportunities to learn more about everyday heroes like Jamie Junior," said Kevin Brown, director of community impact for Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. "Through her work with Disability Network Wayne County Detroit, Jamie lends a voice to those who need it most as an advocate for equity and inclusion."

DNWCD is a non-profit organization that provides services for individuals with disabilities in addition to resources and opportunities to enact social change. In her role, Junior helps advocate for financial empowerment, accessible housing and transportation improvements.

"We at DNWCD are at the table and advocating for our clients to ensure that the disability perspective remains at the forefront of all discussions that impact community life in Detroit," Junior said. "Additionally, DNWCD works to empower people with disabilities to be their own best advocate."

Prior to joining DNWCD in 2018, Junior was the community coordinator for the Office of Disability Affairs for the City of Detroit, where she organized virtual community events and training to encourage the inclusion of people with disabilities.

"There are several areas where the city could improve, but the most significant area would be true community inclusion," Junior said. "That starts by ensuring that Detroiters with disabilities can have affordable and adaptable housing, reliable paratransit transportation and equitable employment opportunities in leadership roles."

While advocacy work can be demanding, Junior said her son, Nicholas, motivates her to persevere through challenging times.

"It can sometimes to be difficult to balance my personal and professional life, especially since so much of my professional life in advocacy is rooted in my lived experience," Junior said. "Nicholas has been a great motivator for me, from learning to drive so he could get to soccer practice and wanting to remain active in the community."

Community presence is important to Junior, who is also a board member of Detroit Warriors on Wheels (WOW), a grassroots organization that focuses on raising consciousness to combat discrimination against people with disabilities by creating systemic change.

"Being part of WOW really helped me understand that I am not alone," she said. "I have a voice that needs and deserves to be heard."

While recognition is not what motivates Junior, she is "extremely humbled" to be named a Disability Pride Month Game Changers honoree.

"I believe that you should be the change you want to see in the world," Junior said. "For me, it's not about doing it for the recognition unless it helps get the work done."

For more information about DNWCD, visit DisabilityNetworkWCD.org.