We were lucky to catch up with Jon-Lee “Jonni” Campbell recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jon-Lee “Jonni” , thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.
My generosity is rooted in a deep empathy born from personal experiences of hardship and exclusion. Having faced moments of deprivation and isolation, I intimately understand the struggles of going without, whether it’s food on the table, a stable home environment, or the basic necessities of life. These experiences have fueled my commitment to giving back through my nonprofit organization, Differently Abled Entertainment.
As someone who has been on the fringes, moving frequently and enduring bullying, I know the pain of feeling alone and overlooked. These experiences have instilled in me a fierce determination to create opportunities for others, particularly those facing similar challenges. I believe that everyone deserves a chance to pursue their dreams, regardless of their circumstances.
My own journey, marked by setbacks and obstacles, including a period of homelessness and grappling with mental health issues, has sensitized me to the struggles faced by others. A pivotal moment occurred when I found myself on the brink of suicide, overwhelmed by the chasm between my aspirations and the harsh realities of my situation. It was a stark reminder of how financial barriers can shatter even the most promising opportunities.
Despite facing the life-altering challenge of becoming a paraplegic at a young age and being a mother of four, I’ve refused to let these circumstances define me. Instead, I’ve channeled my resilience into pursuing a career in the entertainment industry as an actress, model, director, and producer. Through my work and advocacy, I strive to create inclusive spaces where everyone, regardless of background or ability, can thrive.
In founding Differently Abled Entertainment, I’ve made it my mission to provide low-cost and free opportunities for aspiring artists who may otherwise be shut out of the industry. My experiences have taught me that true generosity isn’t just about giving material resources; it’s about offering support, understanding, and hope to those who need it most.
Ultimately, my generosity springs from a profound belief in the power of empathy and solidarity to uplift and empower others, particularly those who, like me, have known what it’s like to be overlooked and underestimated. By paying forward the kindness and support I’ve received along my journey, I hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who are struggling to find their place in the world.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Differently Abled Entertainment (DAE) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to champion and empower differently abled artists within the entertainment industry. Our focus extends beyond mere representation; we’re dedicated to fostering a community where individuals from marginalized backgrounds, including those with visible and invisible disabilities, people of color, low-income individuals, and LGBTQAI+ individuals, are given the platform they deserve.
What sets DAE apart is our multifaceted approach to supporting artists. We offer a wide range of programs and events designed to nurture talent and provide opportunities for growth. From acting classes and talent showcases to live plays, movies, music videos, and writing workshops, our diverse array of activities caters to various artistic interests and skill levels.
One of our signature events is the Full Moon Festival, held monthly, where participants can engage in crafts, join a drum circle, and receive tarot readings—a celebration of creativity and community spirit. Additionally, our weekly potluck gatherings offer a relaxed environment for networking, games, and karaoke—an inclusive space where individuals can connect and collaborate.
As we continue to expand our initiatives, one of our current endeavors is fundraising for this year’s theatrical play productions, including our inaugural all-kids production—an exciting opportunity to showcase young talent and inspire future generations.
At DAE, we operate with a volunteer-driven model, with no paid staff. We rely on the generosity of donors, sponsors, and grants to sustain our efforts. Every contribution, whether it’s financial support or volunteer assistance, plays a crucial role in our mission.
For those interested in getting involved, whether as sponsors, volunteers, or participants, we welcome inquiries and collaboration. Together, we believe in the power of teamwork to realize our shared dreams and create a more inclusive and vibrant entertainment landscape.
To support DAE’s mission, individuals can donate by texting “DAE” to 53555. For further information or to inquire about partnership opportunities, please contact us at [email protected]. Join us in making a difference—because teamwork truly makes the dreams work.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge stand out as pivotal to my personal and professional growth: empathy, resilience, and community-building.
Empathy: My experiences of hardship and exclusion have cultivated a deep sense of empathy within me. Understanding the struggles of others, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, has been instrumental in shaping my commitment to giving back through initiatives like Differently Abled Entertainment. My advice to those starting their journey is to cultivate empathy—to truly listen and understand the experiences of others. It’s through empathy that we can build connections and effect meaningful change.
Resilience: Throughout my journey, I’ve faced numerous setbacks and challenges, from financial struggles to personal adversity. However, I’ve learned the importance of resilience—the ability to bounce back from adversity and keep moving forward. Despite the obstacles, I’ve remained steadfast in my determination to pursue my dreams and make a difference in the lives of others. For those embarking on their own path, my advice is simple: never give up. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and keep pushing forward, no matter how difficult the road may seem.
Community-building: Building a supportive community has been essential to my success, both personally and professionally. Whether it’s through DAE or other endeavors, I’ve seen firsthand the power of coming together to uplift and empower one another. My advice to those at the beginning of their journey is to seek out like-minded individuals who share your passion and values. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and your vision, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Together, we can achieve far more than we ever could alone.
I would emphasize the importance of perseverance and resilience. Ignore the naysayers and skeptics who may try to discourage you along the way. Believe in yourself and your abilities, and keep pushing forward, even in the face of adversity. Remember, success is not always linear, and setbacks are simply opportunities for growth. Stay true to your passion and purpose, and never lose sight of the impact you can make on the world.
By embodying empathy, resilience, and a spirit of community, we can not only overcome obstacles but also create meaningful change in our own lives and the lives of others.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely! At Differently Abled Entertainment, we welcome collaboration with individuals and organizations who share our passion for promoting inclusivity and empowering differently abled artists. Whether you’re skilled in social media management, photography, videography, or video production and editing, your talents are invaluable in helping us further our mission.
We’re also eager to collaborate with other local nonprofits in Tucson, as well as participate in resource fair events to expand our reach and impact within the community. In the past, we’ve been involved in events such as Disability Pride Day, Rare Disease Day, and All Abilities Day, organized by various local entities. Additionally, we’ve participated in events like Board Connect hosted by the Community Foundation of Southern Arizona.
If you’re interested in partnering with us or getting involved in any capacity—whether as a board member, director, volunteer, sponsor, or collaborator—we’d love to hear from you! Together, we can amplify our efforts and create meaningful change in the representation of marginalized groups in the entertainment industry.
To connect with us and explore collaboration opportunities, please reach out to us at 520-248-6911. We look forward to working together to build a more inclusive and supportive community for all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ourdae.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/differentlyabledentertainment/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/differentlyabledentertainment
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ourdae/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/diffabledent
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/differently-abled-entertainment-tucson-2
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@diffabledent
Image Credits
Photo of me was taken at DAE’s Everyone Looks Good in Black & White group photoshoot by Jonathan Arilia. Graphics were designed by DAE team.
