We live in a season of unsettled skies. The winds from Washington carry whispers of reconsideration—of HB-1 and the so-called Big Beautiful Bill, with its deep cuts to the fragile scaffolding of support that holds up our families and communities. As the Senate and House argue over numbers on a page, lives tremble in the […]
Stories as Shields: The Art of Advocacy in an Uncertain Time Read More »
The Unexpected Moment It was a late spring day, and the snow was wet and heavy. The kind of storm that makes you want to curl up by the fire with a cup of coffee, listening to the world go quiet under a white blanket—a perfect day to stay home. Then the phone rang. “Hey,
When Stories Open Doors: Families, Resources, and the Lessons of Viki King Read More »
A Story of Advocacy In a new short documentary from BEAM+STORIES Season 2, Mikelle steps into the spotlight—not just as a storyteller, but as a lived advocate. As an author, speaker, and business owner, she brings deeply personal insight to disability advocacy, offering a voice that challenges stigma while radiating empowerment. Her film is one
The June roller coaster continues. Just days ago, we were basking in celebration. Mikelle modeled with flair and confidence at Denver Fashion Week—wearing a red dress, standing in the spotlight, and receiving applause. Last Sunday, her story was one of nine featured at the Beam + documentary screening, a collection of voices from people with
From the Runway to the Real Fight: June’s Whiplash Reality Check Read More »
Denver Fashion Week There’s something magical about being seen—not just looked at, but truly seen. This June, Mikelle lit up the runway at Denver Fashion Week, and the glow didn’t stop at the edge of the stage. It extended into the crowd, into the community, into all of us who had the privilege of witnessing
Shining on the Runway: Disability, Fashion, and the Power of Presence Read More »
It’s one of the foundational rules of improv comedy. You don’t deny the situation; you accept it and then build on it. It feels like the script has been thrown out in times like these. So what do we do? At Shining Beautiful, we lean into life like improv artists: eyes open, hearts steady, saying
Living Life Like Improv: Saying “Yes” to Change in Uncertain Times Read More »
New Normal Let’s face it—uncertainty is the new normal, especially for families navigating disability services and supports. Between policy shifts, staffing shortages, and the ongoing tug-of-war over Medicaid and special education funding, it’s easy to feel like you’re stuck waiting for the next shoe to drop. You Deserve Joy But here’s the truth: you deserve
Summer, Uninterrupted: Finding Joy Amid Uncertainty Read More »
Change – the pace of change is real! None of us could have planned for COVID, protests, economic challenges, job loss, and alterations in services for our families. I know Mikelle, and I never thought we would be social distancing. Our focus has always been on being active in our community. Mikelle and I
Flexibility, Creativity, and Hope: Our Everyday Power Tools Read More »
Basketball fans know the thrill and chaos of March Madness every March — an unpredictable tournament where anything can happen. For those of us relying on Medicaid services, that same sense of unpredictability is playing out in real life, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Colorado and the federal government are both considering cuts to
March Medicaid Madness: Bracket-Busting Cuts and the Fight for Survival Read More »
The Lingering Scent of Conflict Conflict smells vague and bitter—like day-old coffee, sulfur before a match ignites, or uncollected trash lingering too long on a sweltering day. It clings to frozen sidewalks on a frosty morning, settling into the cracks of daily life. Left unattended, conflict can shudder a window, shut a door, or close a once-open
Love in the Crossfire: Navigating Valentine’s Day in a Divided World Read More »
