We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Caley Versfelt. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Caley below.
Caley, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Shy? Yes, that was me. I also believed I had a lot to give back.
In High School, I earned the Girl Scout Gold Award and was selected to be a float rider on their 100th Anniversary float in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade. I was so shy I could barely say my name during my first media training. I would get nervous but then would be social at events. I kept putting myself out there, saying “yes” to everything. I continued to “Dream Big and Never Give Up.” At the same time, I was in UCLA’s GenerationNext (part of Pathways) Program. I lived in an apartment near campus and developed independent living skills while completing three internships.
Public speaking helped me gain confidence. I spoke at five Jim Mora Celebrity Golf Classic’s. As a Global Messenger with Special Olympics, I also got many opportunities and later served on their Board of Directors.
As a Games Associate with the Los Angeles Special Olympics World Games, I started blossoming. I worked full time, and attended over eighty events, often speaking at them. I was most proud to be invited as a correspondent on the blue carpet for Opening Ceremonies, and throughout the Games, including Closing Ceremonies.
Acting boosted me to a new level of self-confidence. For three seasons I was on A&E’s Emmy Award-winning show, Born This Way. An acting highlight was as a guest star on ABC’s The Good Doctor filming in Canada when the cast surprised me with a director’s chair.
Meeting people and learning their stories is why I love being a correspondent. I am thankful to Easter Seals for giving me opportunities to interview at Easter Seals Disability Film Challenges, and as a co-host live on KNEKT TV with Brian Johnson for the Media Access Awards.
Best Buddies International, helped me land a job for nearly six years with the Entertainment Industry Foundation. As a Global Ambassador, I enjoy being a keynote speaker at many events including in Boston and California. I am on their Youth Leadership Council and previously was on their Los Angeles Advisory Board.
Through my t-shirt business, Tides of Kindness, I promote “Kindness is Contagious.” Through kindness, we can create a more welcoming and inclusive world.
I encourage people to have the confidence to pursue their dreams. Determination and self-confidence allow us to become leaders and to become the best version of ourselves. By putting people’s abilities first, we build a world where everyone is valued.
I credit my confidence to the multitude of nice people and great organizations that encourage me and give me opportunities to continue growing. I am thankful people believe in me, my abilities, and the abilities of others. I believe having Down syndrome is a gift!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My interests and areas of growth are limitless.
Public Speaker:
I can impact your organization by encouraging them to “Dream Big and Never Give Up.” For schools, I start by asking, “If I were your classmate, would you be my friend? Would you think I have abilities?” Then, I show them my successes and encourage them to see people with disabilities as unique people before discounting their disability. Educators and Public service personnel benefit by seeing abilities and eliminating predetermined limitations. For everyone, I encourage, “Don’t let self-doubt limit you.”
Actress:
People with disabilities comprise 20% of the population. I promote people with disabilities should be represented and have authentic representation.
Correspondent:
People with disabilities bring a fun, energetic, and different perspective to interviewing.
Model:
I show all body types can rock the runway.
Ambassador:
Representing companies is an honor. Increasing volunteers and sponsors is important for growth.
Tides of Kindness:
https://caleyversfelt.com/
All designs promote Kindness. New items are added frequently. Kindness is Contagious!
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?
The most important qualities that helped my journey are persistence, having a positive attitude, believing in myself, and loving what I do.
To succeed, please ignore the self-doubt voice. Every day, look in the mirror and say, “I can, I will, I am capable …” It might take several tries and multiple steps to obtain your goal. Believing you will succeed is the first step. Do not get discouraged. Look at people in sales. They don’t make a sale every time, but they keep at it. Every step will bring you closer to obtaining your dream. Surround yourself with people that believe in you. Believe in yourself.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful things my parents and family have done are to love me and to believe in my abilities. They want me to have a fulfilled life. They let me try things so I can decide where my interests are. They actively listen to me, make suggestions, help make connections, and find pathways and organizations to help me achieve my goals. They keep dreaming big alongside me. They never give up. My family supports my ideas, and we all work together to make my dreams come true. My family shows love, support, and encouragement. They are proud of who I am as a person and in my career.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://caleyversfelt.com/
- Instagram: @caleyversfelt_official
- Facebook: Caley from Good Doctor
- Linkedin: Caley Versfelt
- Twitter: @caleysfanpage
- Youtube: Caley Versfelt
- Other: Instagram: @tidesofkindnness Gmail: tidesofkindness@gmail.com
Image Credits
Photographer: Ryan Versfelt
