By: Maria Williams
From the bright lights of the fashion runways to the compassionate work of philanthropy, Michella Filipowitz has carved a path dedicated to helping children with disabilities. Her inspiring journey, starting as a young model in Paris and evolving into the co-founder of the DR Family Foundation, demonstrates her deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
At the tender age of 15, Michella left her home to pursue a modeling career in Paris, following her passion for fashion and independence. While her experience in the industry was eye-opening, it also introduced her to the challenges of navigating life without a strong support system. “It was a time of great excitement but also of self-discovery,” she recalls. “I learned early on how important it is to have people around you who believe in you.”
By the time she was 23, Michella’s life had taken a new direction. As a single mother, she faced the reality of raising her son Benjamin, who was diagnosed with autism at a young age. “Becoming a mother changed everything for me,” she reflects. “It was no longer just about my career—it became about finding ways to ensure that Benjamin would have every opportunity to thrive.”
Her son’s autism diagnosis was a turning point that shifted Michella’s focus to advocating for children with special needs. Determined to make a difference, she co-founded the DR Family Foundation in Australia. The foundation aims to provide children with disabilities the resources and opportunities they need to succeed, from educational support to community engagement.
The DR Family Foundation’s mission is deeply personal for Michella. She knows firsthand the financial and emotional burdens that come with raising a child with special needs. “When I was looking for schools for Benjamin, it was so disheartening to see how many institutions weren’t equipped to handle children with disabilities,” she says. “I wanted to change that for other families.”
The foundation provides financial assistance to families struggling to afford the high costs of specialized education for their children. “We help pay school fees for kids who might otherwise be excluded from getting the education they deserve,” Michella explains. “Every child deserves to be included and given the chance to learn and grow.”
But Michella’s vision goes beyond education. She’s working on establishing a shelter for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, offering them not only a safe place to stay but also a supportive environment where they can access resources and feel a sense of community. “This shelter is about giving kids a place where they can belong, where they’re supported and cared for,” she shares. “We want it to be more than just a temporary home—it’s going to be a place of hope and empowerment.”
One of the rewarding aspects of Michella’s work is seeing the positive changes in the lives of the children she helps. She’s particularly passionate about breaking down the societal barriers that children with disabilities often face. “In so many cases, these kids are treated like they don’t belong,” she says. “But that’s the furthest thing from the truth. These children are strong, resilient, and capable of achieving great things when given the chance.”
Michella’s experiences with Benjamin have deeply shaped her approach to inclusion. She advocates for a more integrated education system where children with disabilities are not separated from their peers but instead learn and grow alongside them. “Segregating kids into special schools isn’t the solution,” she emphasizes. “They need to be part of the community, interacting with all kinds of people and learning from each other.”
Her drive to create inclusive spaces extends to other initiatives within the DR Family Foundation. Michella is currently working on launching a soccer program for children with disabilities, providing them with a fun and engaging way to build confidence and form friendships. “Sports can be such a powerful tool for inclusion,” she says. “It helps these kids feel like they’re part of something, and it shows them that they can succeed just like anyone else.”
Michella’s journey from the world of fashion to philanthropy has been deeply transformative, not just for her but for the many children and families she’s helped along the way. “Benjamin has taught me more than I could have ever imagined,” she reflects. “He’s shown me the beauty of resilience and the importance of creating a world where everyone is accepted for who they are.”
Through her work with the DR Family Foundation, Michella continues to push for change, driven by a desire to ensure that no child is left behind. “Every child, no matter their abilities, deserves to feel valued and supported,” she says. “I want to help create a future where all children can thrive.”
For those inspired by Michella’s journey and the work of the DR Family Foundation, you can follow her on Instagram @princessmichella to stay updated on her efforts to promote inclusion and build a better world for children with disabilities.
Published by: Khy Talara
