Cybersmile Announce Disabled Rights & Representation Advocate Jillian Mercado as Official Ambassador
A native New Yorker born to Dominican parents, Mercado was first diagnosed with spastic muscular dystrophy as a child, and has been wheelchair bound for most of her life. Despite her disability, she has become one of the most prominent voices in the fashion and entertainment industries, advocating for equality and more opportunities for people with disabilities and from marginalized groups. If you are affected by anything touched on within this article, follow the links to our various support services or click on the blue logo icon at the bottom right of the screen to start using Cybersmile Assistant, our smart AI support assistant.
We are thrilled to announce Latinx fashion model, actress and disabled rights advocate Jillian Mercado as our newest official Cybersmile ambassador.
In her new role, Jillian joins a host of celebrities and public figures including the likes of Hollywood actress Garcelle Beauvais, singer-songwriter Normani and TikTok star Holly H in supporting Cybersmile’s mission for a truly inclusive internet where everybody feels free to communicate, learn and express themselves online without the fear of ridicule and abuse.
Jillian is a powerful advocate for disabled rights & representation in the world of fashion with a particular focus on the intersection of gender and disability. She has fronted numerous campaigns including Beyoncé’s new single launch and World Formation tour. She has also worked with UN Secretary-General António Guterres to reduce inequality – one of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
“We are honored to welcome Jillian as an official Cybersmile ambassador. Her powerful work around disabled rights and representation in the fashion industry is truly impressive. We are excited to work together for a meaningful impact on and offline.”
Laura Lewandowski, Chief Policy Officer, The Cybersmile Foundation
A native New Yorker born to Dominican parents, Mercado was first diagnosed with spastic muscular dystrophy as a child, and has been wheelchair bound for most of her life. Despite her disability, she has become one of the most prominent voices in the fashion and entertainment industries, advocating for equality and more opportunities for people with disabilities and from marginalized groups.
“I am proud to become a Cybersmile ambassador and work alongside them in their mission for a truly inclusive internet. I look forward to supporting their efforts to continue delivering highly impactful programs and creative campaigns that demonstrate the immense power that exists within diversity and representation.”
Jillian Mercado, Cybersmile Ambassador
Integral to a number of high profile campaigns for the likes of Nordstrom, Target and Olay, Jillian has become a powerful force in the world of fashion. She has been featured in publications including Teen Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, InStyle, Refinery29, Forbes, Bustle, New York Times and more.
In addition to her important advocacy work, Jillian is also a model and actress who most recently appeared in the popular Showtime series The L Word: Generation Q, playing the role of Maribel Suarez alongside Jennifer Beals.
Jillian is currently starring in the short film “My Eyes Are Up Here” which shares a contemporary, universal story about dating, disability, and diversity – screening at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival.
If you are affected by anything touched on within this article, we can help you. Visit our Help Center or click on the blue logo icon at the bottom right of the screen to open Cybersmile Assistant, our smart AI support assistant.
