Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cazoshay Marie. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Cazoshay, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Two pivotal experiences have shaped my sense of purpose: my faith and surviving a traumatic accident. In May 2017, I was struck by a car traveling 48 mph while crossing a street in downtown Phoenix. The impact left me with numerous injuries, including a traumatic brain injury and long-term disabilities.
Throughout my initial recovery and the years that followed, I discovered just how many others face similar struggles. Like many, I’ve dealt with being gaslit by medical professionals, a lack of information, judgment from others, and grappling with self-esteem as I adjusted to life as someone very different from who I once was. Realizing that these challenges were not unique to me fueled a deep passion for advocacy. I am committed to ensuring that others in similar situations have access to the resources and support they need, while also raising awareness about our experiences to the broader world.
Overcoming adversity as a disabled individual has also taught me lessons in resilience and adaptability that I share with others, regardless of whether they are navigating life with disabilities. My goal is to help people pivot and thrive in the face of obstacles, whatever they may be.
As a Christian, I believe my purpose is to help others, following the example of Jesus. My faith has inspired me to transform my challenges into opportunities to serve. While my experiences have been difficult, they’ve also brought unexpected blessings—chief among them, the discovery of my purpose.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Living with conditions that impact every aspect of my daily life has presented challenges, but it has also strengthened my determination to pursue what matters most to me. By embracing accommodations, I’ve made those pursuits more accessible.
As a disability advocate and speaker, I share insights on resilience, adapting after life-altering events, and promoting disability accessibility and inclusion. I also created and moderate Resilient Roots, a monthly virtual support group for parents living with brain injuries. Soon, I’ll be launching a recurring virtual poetry event to showcase the creative works of individuals living with brain injuries. I also serve on the Advisory Council for the Brain Injury Association of America.
Through art and writing, I explore and express my experiences, using creativity as a powerful tool for connection and advocacy. On my blog, D.I.D. with Cazoshay, and social media, I share about life with disabilities and chronic conditions, as well as topics that bring me joy, like fashion and personal style.
I’m passionate about showing that disabled individuals are multi-faceted, valuable, and capable of contributing to and thriving in a variety of spaces—and I’m grateful to do so through the platforms I’ve built.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Resilience, creativity, and self-care are three skills that have profoundly shaped my journey. Life is unpredictable, and we can’t always control the challenges we face. That’s why resilience—the ability to adapt and push forward despite obstacles—is so essential.
Creativity is another critical skill. It enables us to approach situations from fresh perspectives, helping us strategize effectively and achieve our goals. Thinking outside the box often leads to the most innovative solutions.
Finally, self-care, though sometimes overlooked, is just as important. As busy individuals juggling many responsibilities, it’s easy to neglect our well-being. However, without taking care of ourselves, we risk burnout and may make mistakes because we aren’t operating at our best. We only have one body and one life, and prioritizing self-care ensures that we can show up fully and achieve our goals with both energy and focus.
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?
As an advocate and creator, I’m always excited to collaborate with others! Whether it’s speaking at events or for organizations, sharing my art and writing, or partnering on meaningful projects, I’m open to exploring new opportunities. I’m especially eager to connect with individuals who share my passions for advocacy, resilience—and even fashion!
Let’s connect! You can find me on social media (@cazoshay_marie) or through my website at www.DIDwithCazoshay.com. I’d love to hear from you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.didwithcazoshay.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cazoshay_marie/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@DIDwithCazoshay/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cazoshay
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/didbyshay
- Other: Resilient Roots Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/@resilientrootspwbi/
Resilient Roots Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resilientrootspwbi/
Resilient Roots Website: https://bio.site/resilientrootspwbi
Image Credits
Brain Injury Association of America
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
