Paula Carozzo: Paving the Runway of Disability Inclusivity with Victoria's Secret

In the ever-evolving landscape of fashion and inclusivity, Disability Activist and Latina model Paula Carozzo makes headlines with her prominent role in the launch of Victoria’s Secret and PINK's groundbreaking Adaptive Intimates collection. This exciting venture, earning the GAMUT Seal of ApprovalTM, recently took centre stage at the Runway of Dreams: Fashion Revolution during New York Fashion Week in Brooklyn, with an online and in-store release in October 2023.

As we delve into the significance of Paula's role as a Disability Activist, we aim to explore her unique perspective on navigating her own condition while championing inclusivity. Join us in unravelling the layers of her journey, from challenging outdated perceptions to her pivotal inclusion in Victoria's Secret and PINK's historic move into Adaptive Intimates.

Paula, recognized for her fervent advocacy, has not only redefined the narrative around disability but has also reached a diverse audience through her notable features in Refinery29, Forbes, and Popsugar. Beyond the fashion realm, she has successfully utilised her platform to spearhead inclusive conversations and forge connections within the community.

Renowned brands such as Google, Clinique, Tommy Hilfiger, and Facebook have recognised Paula's influential voice, resulting in impactful collaborations that position her as a powerful champion for adaptive fashion, accessibility, wellness, and inclusive rights. Her expertise and influence extend beyond the fashion industry, earning her a place as a speaker for prestigious brands like Google and Maverick, as well as engagements with private and public institutions and universities.

Join us as we delve into Paula’s inspiring journey, and her undeniable force reshaping perceptions and advocating for a more inclusive and accessible world.

I'd love to hear more about your experience growing up with cerebral palsy and how you've turned your disability into a thriving, inspiring, and multi-faceted career journey. I'm a bit in awe of the way you've fought against stigmas around accessibility and disability to build the platform that you now have!

At the age of five, I was diagnosed with a secondary non-traumatic brain injury that left me quadriplegic. Growing up with a disability has its trials and tribulations, but after 23 years of being disabled, I can say that society has come a long way from where we started. I first saw issues with my disability when I was in college, and there was a lot of discrimination. I later went on to pursue my career in public relations in fashion, where I saw and felt even more discrimination as that industry has its standards. I always pondered creating something of my own and being on social media, and that's when my social media journey began.

Right when COVID-19 hit, I had just started my social media journey and quit my role as a fashion publicist. Having more time on my hands gave me the freedom to create and navigate a career in disability activism. I created social media calendars of ideas with captions and did many photoshoots to create content. I saw that my social media was growing, and many other disabled people would feel that my content was relatable- I was building a community and didn't even realise it.

As my social media journey continued- the more I realized that my career landscape was evolving and changing. Three years into social media and content creation, my career has changed and evolved in ways I have never imagined. As an activist, The most important thing is to keep finding ways to inject disability rights into every area of life possible. 

What does being a disability activist mean to you?

Being a disability activist is advocating for disability rights in all spheres of life. There are so many areas in life where disabled people have been oppressed simply for being disabled. The oppression has been going on for centuries, and that is why we're still so affected in the modern day.

I love it when I see different activists from the community advocate for different causes because one activist cannot fight for everyone or all causes. It's pivotal for us to split up the work and have leaders for our most passionate purposes.

Talk to me more about your exciting inclusion in the Victoria's Secret and PINK's collab for their first-ever Adaptive Intimates Collection that debuted at New York Fashion Week earlier this year. How did this all come about, and what was the process like?! 

I had just landed in NYC with a goal to get more into modeling and expand my career. I was sitting in my apartment when I received a text from an agent I am constantly in touch with, and she mentioned this opportunity. I gasped when she mentioned the brand, and within a week, I was in the studio shooting the campaign.

The process with Victoria's Secret was honestly very smooth and beautiful. Everything from the arrival to the shoot and the execution process of the launch was very meditated and well thought out. The community has felt very good about this initiative, and at the moment, we are on the lookout for how the brand plans to sustain this initiative.

You've been featured in some pretty impressive titles, spanning a wide array of topics from disability activism, dating with a disability, and disability representation. How does it feel knowing you are helping to forge a path for other people like you but also are a symbol of hope for them when you're having these kinds of conversations?

I honestly think it's legendary. And I don't mean that for myself but for the community as a whole.

A decade ago, the disabled community could never imagine that we could have accomplished everything we have in the last couple of years. It is unthinkable what a group of people can accomplish when they set their minds to something.

Has social media been a useful tool for you to spread your messages and thoughts on your own disability but also as a means to ensure all disabilities are fairly represented online?

10000% social media has allowed many of us to create a new identity we never had a chance to share before.

What actions can non-disabled people take to ensure that all walks of life are as accessible and disability-conscious as possible?

Be open to listening and be receptive.

Not all disabilities are the same, nor should they look the same. Do your own research and join the community. 

What other women inspire you?

My mothers and my sisters, and, of course, the women I am constantly surrounded by.

What are the 3 things you cannot live without?

My dogs: Luna and Kaia, astrology, and my cane.

What do you have planned for 2024? Is there anything exciting we should know about?!

I am not really sure. This year taught me not to stay so strict on a plan and to let life happen, so I am taking that mindset with me to 2024!