“My life is better because I have a disability. That doesn't mean it's easier, but it's certainly richer, and I've met more people and connected on such a deep level.” — Xian Horn
During our most recent Disability Power Series event, we hosted a conversation with Xian Horn, a dynamic advocate, speaker, and non-profit founder. Xian, a joyful half-Asian woman with Cerebral Palsy, is the founder of “Give Beauty Wings”, a non-profit organization focused on fostering self-esteem and self-discovery. Her programs, launched at NYU’s Initiative for Women with Disabilities, empower individuals to embrace their purpose and foster deeper connections.
Xian’s advocacy spans the fashion, technology, education, and corporate inclusion industries. She has been a featured speaker at the United Nations’ The Harkin Summit, Apple, Microsoft, and Viacom. Plus, Xian was a moderator for International Women’s Day and International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Xian’s passion for accessibility led her to walk the runway for Zappos Adaptive at New York Fashion Week and to collaborate on adaptive clothing designs with the Parsons Open Style Lab. As a member of the State Department’s Speaker’s Bureau, she continues to advocate for disability inclusion on a global scale.
Her accolades include being named one of Women’s eNews' 21 “Leaders for the 21st Century and Walker’s Legacy Power 15”, as well as receiving the Positive Exposure’s “Rising Leader Award”. Xian’s work has been featured by Forbes, Fast Company, NPR, The New York Times, and more. Through workshops, mentoring, and collaborations, she bridges communities, corporations, and creatives, championing inclusion, representation, and accessibility for all.
Watch the full conversation on YouTube.
You can connect with Xian Horn on Facebook and LinkedIn and follow her on Instagram at @XianForBeauty83. To learn more about her work, visit her website at XianHorn.com.