Michella Filipowitz is a well-known model, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who has dedicated her life to supporting children with disabilities. Inspired by her personal experience as a single mother to her son Benjamin, who was diagnosed with autism, Michella has become a powerful advocate for inclusion, working tirelessly to ensure that all children, regardless of their abilities, have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

At the age of 23, Michella’s life changed dramatically when her son Benjamin was diagnosed with autism. “I was shocked at first,” she recalls. “No one in my family had ever experienced anything like this. It was a completely new world for me.” With the support of her mother, Michella embraced the challenges that came with Benjamin’s diagnosis and quickly realized that it would shape the rest of her life. “I learned that Benjamin’s way of seeing the world wasn’t wrong—it was just different,” she says. “And I knew I had to do everything I could to help him succeed.”

One of Benjamin’s primary challenges is speech delay, which often makes his disability invisible to others. “It’s difficult because people don’t always see what he’s going through,” Michella explains. “He struggles with things that most people take for granted, like communicating and connecting with others. But that doesn’t mean he’s not capable—it just means he experiences the world in his own way.”

This realization led Michella to a powerful conclusion: society’s lack of understanding about disabilities creates unnecessary barriers for children like Benjamin. Determined to break down these barriers, Michella began working to build a community where children with disabilities would be accepted and supported. “I knew I had to be part of the solution,” she says. “Our differences make us stronger, and we need to create environments where every child has the opportunity to thrive.”

Michella is particularly passionate about changing the way schools treat children with disabilities. Too often, children with autism and other special needs are placed in separate schools, which can lead to isolation. “Segregating these kids isn’t the answer,” she argues. “Children need to learn from each other, and that can only happen when we include everyone in the same classrooms.”

Her vision is for an education system that celebrates diversity and teaches children to respect and value differences from a young age. “We need to raise kids to understand that being different isn’t something to fear—it’s something to appreciate,” Michella explains.

In addition to her advocacy work, Michella co-founded the DR Family Foundation with her fiancé. The foundation provides financial support to families of children with disabilities, helping them cover the costs of therapies, treatments, and schooling. “I know how overwhelming the costs can be,” Michella says. “As a single mother, I’ve faced those challenges firsthand, and I wanted to make sure other families didn’t have to go through it alone.”

The DR Family Foundation is making a real difference, providing much-needed support to families across Australia. One of its latest projects is the creation of a home for children from difficult family backgrounds. “We want to provide these kids with more than just a place to live,” Michella explains. “We’re building a community where they can feel safe, supported, and valued.”

Reflecting on her journey, Michella credits Benjamin for teaching her some of life’s most important lessons. “He’s shown me that what society might view as a limitation is actually his strength,” she says. “His resilience and unique perspective have inspired me to keep pushing for change.”

Michella’s ultimate goal is to create a world where children with disabilities are fully included in society and given the tools they need to succeed. Through her work with the DR Family Foundation, she is dedicated to building that future. “Every child deserves to feel like they belong,” she says. “It’s up to us to make sure they do.”

To stay updated on Michella Filipowitz’s work and her advocacy for children with disabilities, follow her on Instagram @princessmichella.