Most of us fail miserably in highlighting more frequently the barriers and discrimination experienced by people with disabilities (seen and unseen). In this episode of I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY, I talk to my friend María Fernanda Saavedra about why she authored “A través de mis ojos” (Through My Eyes), a personal inside look into how she overcame being diagnosed as a child with an eye condition that led to blindness. We talk about the first time we met, and I had no idea she couldn’t see because she refuses to use a cane to navigate the world – María tells us why. She also shares how dance has been part of her life since she was a little girl and the joy that performing and teaching others how to dance traditional music from her beloved Colombia and other countries allow her to debunk myths about people with disabilities. With a Master’s in Social Work and BS in Psychology, María has had a long career in case management with organizations developing tailored plans, interventions, and support networks for youth and adults that need help. As an IDEAS expert (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Sustainability), she also started her entrepreneurship journey providing counsel to organizations on best practices in the delivery of equitable services and opportunities. This self-proclaimed diva is making a mark on stage, in the community, and in Corporate America. I know this eye-opening conversation benefited me, and I certainly hope you find value in it as well.