Tag: empowerment

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Embracing Identity: Ben Akuoko’s Path to Empowerment

The header, the Beyond Sight Magazine cover, and the YouTube Thumbnail include a Portrait-style photograph of Ben standing in a gift store setting, wearing a black suit, white shirt, and a bow tie, along with sunglasses. He is smiling and has one hand on his chest. The background shows wooden shelves filled with various clothing items, shoes, and hats. A large circular window is visible, showing a glimpse of the outdoors. The area appears well-lit, with spotlights overhead. The image is styled as a magazine cover titled 'BEYOND SIGHT | A Bold Blind Beauty Project' and features 'Ben Akuoko'. The cover is dated September 2025.

“Once upon a time, it was a 15-year-old boy who didn’t know where his life would be going. It was the fear of going blind and the fear of losing his independence. And I want to go back. I wish I had a time machine and I want to go to that young, young man and say everything turned out amazingly and everything
turned out great.”

~Ben Akuoko

Editor’s Note

We are honored to showcase Ben Akuoko as September’s Man In Motion. Ben’s journey, marked by resilience, creativity, and advocacy, inspires us to reflect on the many ways we can embrace every facet of our identities. His experiences living with sight loss, while celebrating his heritage and uplifting others, remind us that true strength comes from acceptance, self-expression, and empowering community.

Ben’s message reaffirms our belief that beauty, in all its forms, thrives when we create space for every voice. We hope his story sparks meaningful conversations and encourages you to celebrate your unique journey.

Stephanae McCoy
Editor-in-Chief, Bold Blind Beauty

Beyond Sight Magazine Cover

The header, the Beyond Sight Magazine cover, and the YouTube Thumbnail include a Portrait-style photograph of Ben standing in a gift store setting, wearing a black suit, white shirt, and a bow tie, along with sunglasses. He is smiling and has one hand on his chest. The background shows wooden shelves filled with various clothing items, shoes, and hats. A large circular window is visible, showing a glimpse of the outdoors. The area appears well-lit, with spotlights overhead. The image is styled as a magazine cover titled 'BEYOND SIGHT | A Bold Blind Beauty Project' and features 'Ben Akuoko'. The cover is dated September 2025.
Beyond Sight Magazine | Ben Akuoko

YouTube Video

Ben Akuoko | September Man In Motion

Introduction and Background

The image shows Ben standing and holding a white cane. He is dressed in casual attire, wearing a blue sweater over a patterned shirt, jeans, and blue and white sneakers. The background is plain and light, indicating an indoor setting. Ben is slightly leaning forward, resting both hands on the cane and looking to the side with a thoughtful expression.
Ben posing with Cane

Hi, my name is Ben Akuoko, and I reside in Burlington, Ontario, Canada. And I would like to thank the folks at Bold Blind Beauty for giving me this opportunity of being a Man In Motion.

With my journey, I am an individual who lives with the eye condition of retinitis pigmentosa. I was diagnosed at two years old. It affects at first your night vision, your peripheral vision, and then the photo receptors. As you get older, you begin to gradually lose your vision.

Right now, I am my white cane user as well as a screen reader user. I’m also an individual who is of Ghanaian descent from my parents are both from West Africa, and I’m also a registered social worker.

Early Life and Hiding Low Vision

Ben smiling, is standing outdoors, wearing a gray long-sleeve shirt, gray sweatpants, and a white cap. He has a medal around his neck with a bib that says text "Half Marathon." He is posing with one hand on the waist and holding a blue item in the other hand. There are people and trees in the background. The scene appears to be at an outdoor event, likely a marathon or race.
Ben half-marathon

With my journey of being a person with Low Vision, as a young person, I would not identify with having low vision. So because of, um, my culture, it was hiding my low vision, so I was able to pass. Which means that I was able to be someone who looked like they didn’t have low vision. I played a lot of sports. I used to love playing basketball. I was a runner. Actually, I still am a runner, I did Olympic wrestling, and I love to play video games. So I did a lot of visual things as a young person, and I didn’t realize that I even had low vision.

So I realized that I had low vision was grade three when I couldn’t see the board, and I didn’t get it because before I thought that every other kid couldn’t see the board either. Like that, that’s the range of what you can see. But as I started to realize they were taught me braille, uh, they taught me how to use a cane. And it just started becoming reality that I had vision issues, so I realized that I was different.

Struggles in School and Hiding Disability

Growing up, I was not good at school. I didn’t want to use technology, so I was a D – C student. I just wouldn’t apply myself. I was also embarrassed by being a person who needed to have large prints or needed to use magnifiers. So I would do my best to hide my disability. I wanted to fit in, and I felt that I didn’t see other black men who identified with having a disability.

Discovering Outlets and Passions

Ben is standing on a grassy area by a serene lake, surrounded by autumn trees. He is wearing a black jacket, jeans, and red sneakers, and is smiling at the camera. In the background, there is a stone bridge reflected in the calm water, with a clear blue sky overhead. The scene is peaceful, with fallen leaves scattered around Ben.
Ben by the lake

So as I got older, I started to get into working out and making music. I make hip hop and R and B music. This was my outlet to get all my frustrations out, and this was where I got to be creative.

In grade 10, I turned to working out. I was at the gym every day during lunch, and I also turned to doing track and field.

When it came to my education, especially being a C – D student, I did post-secondary school. So I got into the field of social work, and I remember at first I was like, This is not the field for me. Like me, as a black dude doing social work, isn’t that only for women? And after three months of doing it, I fell in love with it because I had the ability to help people. And then at the same time, it’s so many different sectors that you could take part in.

Educational Achievements

So I got my social service work diploma, and then years after that, followed by my Bachelor’s of Social Work. And then finally, I got the trifecta, and I got my Master’s of social work, which was such a big accomplishment. Because, to be honest, I never thought I’d ever make it to that level.

Growing up, I always wanted to work with youth. I always wanted to educate individuals as well. So I definitely have a great job where I’m able to help youth with low vision and their families, as well as educate everybody about how we should be inclusive. I love to have fun. I do stand-up comedy, which I just got into a few years ago.

Travel, Fitness, and Living Fully

And then also, I love to travel. And I want people to know out there that even if you’re a person who has low vision and blindness, that you’re still able to travel and you’re still able to enjoy outside of your comfort zone. So I’ve been to places like Asia, Africa, and South America. And I’m looking to go to more places and travel independently.

I also love physical fitness. I ran half a marathon last year. It’s just like life, where you have to keep going and you have to accomplish your goals. I have done dance classes, and I feel like it’s so good for your soul to enjoy and to meet people.

Entrepreneurship and The Brightside Scope

Something that I’m very proud of is my side business of the Brightside Scope. With the Brightside Scope, I’m able to incorporate all my skills and all my interests into one place. Growing up, I never felt that I was able to find my place. I never saw role models who looked like me or people who identified and had the same interests as me, so I always felt like both my identities would clash.

Bringing Identities Together & Educating Others

The image shows Ben leaning against a railing or ledge, looking at the camera and smiling. They are wearing a gray T-shirt with colorful writing that spells out SOUL. The background features a cityscape with several buildings, and there is greenery visible, likely a park or forested area. The photo appears to be taken from a high vantage point, possibly a balcony or rooftop, on a clear day.
Ben has soul

With the Brightside Scope, I’m able to bring both my identities. With my love for entertainment, I’m able to bring acting, and then my love of public speaking and educating. I’m able to go into classrooms, post-secondary schools, and organizations to educate, to show how we should incorporate different people’s identities.

I also do podcasting, which I’m able to use to spread awareness about low vision and blindness, and give a different point of view on everyday topics. So I’m so proud of where this business is going, and I’m so proud to continue to educate other people about a different point of view and let other people have the opportunities to bring their identities to everyday life.

Acceptance and Looking Back

It has been such an amazing journey to really find myself. I remember as a young person, I refused to use a cane. I refused to identify as an individual who lived with low vision because I was scared. But with the motivation from others and going through my career as a social worker and just seeing other people navigate through life, I was able to learn that I should be proud of who I am and proud of both my identities.

Message of Hope

Once upon a time, it was a 15-year-old boy who didn’t know where his life would be going. It was the fear of going blind and the fear of losing his independence. And I want to go back. I wish I had a time machine, and I want to go to that young, young man and say everything turned out amazingly, and everything turned out great.

So I hope for today from my story that you’re able to start your journey on how to accept yourself.

Ben Akuoko’s Bio

Ben Akuoko is a Canadian advocate and founder of Brightside Scope, a platform dedicated to advancing awareness, representation, and empowerment within disability and cultural communities using storytelling through traditional and social media outlets. A proud Black man of Ghanaian descent living with Retinitis Pigmentosa, Ben draws on his lived experiences to champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in his practice. He holds a Master’s in Social Work and has served as an accessibility consultant, public speaker, mentor, and ambassador for national organizations. Through his cross-disability awareness work, lectures, and media projects, he continues to shed light on the importance of intersectionality and inclusion in all spaces.

Connecting With Ben

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Image Descriptions:

  • The header, the Beyond Sight Magazine cover, and the YouTube Thumbnail include a Portrait-style photograph of Ben standing in a gift store setting, wearing a black suit, white shirt, and a bow tie, along with sunglasses. He is smiling and has one hand on his chest. The background shows wooden shelves filled with various clothing items, shoes, and hats. A large circular window is visible, showing a glimpse of the outdoors. The area appears well-lit, with spotlights overhead. The image is styled as a magazine cover titled ‘BEYOND SIGHT | A Bold Blind Beauty Project’ and features ‘Ben Akuoko’. The cover is dated September 2025.
  • YouTube Video Description: The video features Ben, a Black man with a shaved haircut. He has a small earring and appears to be wearing a blue and white patterned shirt. He is smiling and speaks with a calm, friendly tone. He has a microphone attached to his shirt. The background is a light blue curtain.
  • Ben posing with Cane – The image shows Ben standing and holding a white cane. He is dressed in casual attire, wearing a blue sweater over a patterned shirt, jeans, and blue and white sneakers. The background is plain and light, indicating an indoor setting. Ben is slightly leaning forward, resting both hands on the cane and looking to the side with a thoughtful expression.
  • Ben half-marathon – Ben, smiling, is standing outdoors, wearing a gray long-sleeve shirt, gray sweatpants, and a white cap. He has a medal around his neck with a bib that says text “Half Marathon.” He is posing with one hand on the waist and holding a blue item in the other hand. There are people and trees in the background. The scene appears to be at an outdoor event, likely a marathon or race.
  • Ben by the lake – Ben is standing on a grassy area by a serene lake, surrounded by autumn trees. He is wearing a black jacket, jeans, and red sneakers, and is smiling at the camera. In the background, there is a stone bridge reflected in the calm water, with a clear blue sky overhead. The scene is peaceful, with fallen leaves scattered around Ben.
  • Ben has soul – The image shows Ben leaning against a railing or ledge, looking at the camera and smiling. They are wearing a gray T-shirt with colorful writing that spells out SOUL. The background features a cityscape with several buildings, and there is greenery visible, likely a park or forested area. The photo appears to be taken from a high vantage point, possibly a balcony or rooftop, on a clear day.
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Living Blind: Ariana Dewberry’s Journey of Empowerment

Beyond Sight Magazine’s cover shows a striking woman with a rich, deep brown complexion standing confidently against a softly lit, pastel backdrop. Her long, flowy black hair flows in gentle waves over her shoulders, framing her face beautifully. She has high, sculpted cheekbones, full lips, and expressive, almond-shaped eyes accentuated by perfectly shaped brows and subtle, glamorous makeup. Her radiant smile lights up her face, exuding warmth and charm. She’s dressed in a chic, tailored houndstooth suit with soft pink accents, the fitted jacket and pants flattering her curves. Underneath, a silky, champagne-colored blouse adds a touch of elegance. One hand, with manicured nails, rests gracefully on a classic white column, while the other holds a sparkling white cane. In the upper left corner, the name “Ariana 2025” appears in a stylish script. The text reads Beyond Sight Magazine | Monthly Beauties | July 2025 | Ariana Dewberry AKA Professor Blindie | A Project of Bold Blind Beauty.

Bold Blind Beauty understands the importance of representation, and we believe real beauty goes beyond physical appearance. We stand for A.I.R. (Access, Inclusion, and Representation)TM, and our July cover model, Ariana Dewberry, embodies this belief. It is our mission to create a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and appreciated for who they are.

There is no single blueprint for living blind. But now, I’m grateful. Every journey is unique, and comparison only steals meaning from your own accomplishments.

~Ariana Dewberry AKA Professor Blindie

Editor’s Note

A vibrant mother-and-son duo beaming with joy against a softly blended blue backdrop. The mother, exuding confidence and warmth, dazzles in a bold red tee and chic black pleated skirt, her long waves cascading over her shoulder. Beside her, her adorable son sits perched on a classic white pillar, his infectious smile lighting up the scene. He rocks a vibrant blue T-shirt and trendy ripped jeans, clutching a teddy bear dressed to match. Both shirts feature a custom photo print, adding a personal, heartfelt touch. There’s a playful “Grad 2025” script in the corner.

This July, Bold Blind Beauty proudly features Ariana Dewberry—known to many as Professor Blindie—as our Monthly Beauty. Ariana’s story exemplifies the resilience, vision, and authenticity that lie at the heart of true representation.

As Ariana shares, searching for a ready-made blueprint to achieve a thriving life with blindness often reveals a difficult but empowering truth: there is no one-size-fits-all path. Each journey is unique, molded by personal triumphs, struggles, and the willingness to rise time and again. Ariana’s honesty reminds us that comparison can diminish the value of our accomplishments, while courage and self-acceptance allow us to celebrate every hard-earned milestone.

Ariana’s evolution from seeking external examples to embodying the representation she craved is a lesson in empowerment for all. Her advocacy, unwavering commitment to education, and vibrant leadership through Blind Intelligence challenge stereotypes and open doors for countless others.

In highlighting Ariana, we hope her story ignites confidence for every reader: embrace your individuality, share your journey, and remember that your story—stumbles, victories, and all—holds immeasurable power. Congratulations to Ariana Dewberry for lighting the way and showing us all how to blaze our blueprint.

With pride and gratitude,

Stephanae McCoy
Editor-in-Chief, Bold Blind Beauty

Beyond Sight Magazine Cover

Beyond Sight Magazine’s cover shows a striking woman with a rich, deep brown complexion standing confidently against a softly lit, pastel backdrop. Her long, flowy black hair flows in gentle waves over her shoulders, framing her face beautifully. She has high, sculpted cheekbones, full lips, and expressive, almond-shaped eyes accentuated by perfectly shaped brows and subtle, glamorous makeup. Her radiant smile lights up her face, exuding warmth and charm. She’s dressed in a chic, tailored houndstooth suit with soft pink accents, the fitted jacket and pants flattering her curves. Underneath, a silky, champagne-colored blouse adds a touch of elegance. One hand, with manicured nails, rests gracefully on a classic white column, while the other holds a sparkling white cane. In the upper left corner, the name “Ariana 2025” appears in a stylish script. The text reads Beyond Sight Magazine | Monthly Beauties | July 2025 | Ariana Dewberry AKA Professor Blindie | A Project of Bold Blind Beauty.
Ariana Dewberry AKA Professor Blindie | July 2025 Monthly Beauty

Blaze Your Blueprint: Discovering the Power Within

A radiant young Black woman stands proudly in front of a backdrop of tall bookshelves filled with neatly arranged, colorful books. She is dressed in a vibrant royal blue graduation gown and matching cap, adorned with a red, white, and blue tassel. Her skin is a rich, deep brown, and her long, wavy black hair cascades over her shoulders. She beams with a wide, joyful smile, her eyes sparkling with excitement and accomplishment. Around her neck, she wears a striking white and silver stole. One side features the Dallas College logo in bold red and blue, along with photos of herself, including one where she is holding a white cane, symbolizing her journey and achievements. The other side of the stole is decorated with another photo of her and the inspiring words: "My eye sight doesn’t determine my future." She also wears a black and white honor cord, gold hoop earrings, and a delicate gold necklace. In her hands, she holds a rolled diploma tied with a red ribbon.
Graduation

For a long time, I searched for myself in other people’s journeys. I was just looking for a blueprint—a guide to living a prosperous and successful blind life. Eventually, I realized that the representation I longed to see was within me. I had to become what I was searching for.

At first, it felt like a harsh truth: there is no single blueprint for living blind. But now, I’m grateful. Every journey is unique, and comparison only steals meaning from your own accomplishments. Your milestones, your victories—they matter more when they’re earned through your own grit, perseverance, and strength.

It’s okay to blaze your own path, to stumble, to fall, to rise again—and to stride at your own pace. This is your life to live and your story to tell.

A radiant woman and a young boy are posed closely together, exuding warmth and affection. The woman’s smooth, glowing skin is complemented by her long, flowing waves of dark hair that cascade over her bare shoulders, revealed by a strapless, form-fitting light blue dress. Her eyes sparkle with joy, and her full lips are parted in a wide, inviting smile. Gold hoop earrings and a delicate necklace rest against her collarbone, adding a touch of elegance. Her manicured hands, with long white nails, gently and securely embrace the boy, highlighting a sense of tenderness and connection. The boy, nestled comfortably in her arms, beams with a bright, infectious smile. His soft, youthful skin and neatly braided hair add to his charm. He wears a pastel plaid shirt and light blue shorts, his small body relaxed and happy in her embrace. The blue, star-studded background adds a dreamy atmosphere to The text in the upper left corner reads: Ariana & Rahkeen 2025.

Ariana Dewberry’s Biography

Ariana Dewberry, known professionally as Professor Blindie, is an ambitious mother, entrepreneur, and college student from Dallas, Texas. She is the founder of Blind Intelligence, a platform dedicated to educating, empowering, and disability advocacy. After being diagnosed with Pseudotumor Cerebri, Ariana turned her challenges into purpose, raising awareness through events, merchandise, and public speaking. Now on the path to becoming a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, she continues to inspire others by embodying the representation she once searched for.

Connect With Ariana Dewberry

Image Description

  • Header: Beyond Sight Magazine’s cover shows a striking woman with a rich, deep brown complexion standing confidently against a softly lit, pastel backdrop. Her long, flowy black hair flows in gentle waves over her shoulders, framing her face beautifully. She has high, sculpted cheekbones, full lips, and expressive, almond-shaped eyes accentuated by perfectly shaped brows and subtle, glamorous makeup. Her radiant smile lights up her face, exuding warmth and charm.
    • She’s dressed in a chic, tailored houndstooth suit with soft pink accents, the fitted jacket and pants flattering her curves. Underneath, a silky, champagne-colored blouse adds a touch of elegance. One hand, with manicured nails, rests gracefully on a classic white column, while the other holds a sparkling white cane. In the upper left corner, the name “Ariana 2025” appears in a stylish script. The text reads Beyond Sight Magazine | Monthly Beauties | July 2025 | Ariana Dewberry AKA Professor Blindie | A Project of Bold Blind Beauty.
  • Graduation: A radiant young Black woman stands proudly in front of a backdrop of tall bookshelves filled with neatly arranged, colorful books. She is dressed in a vibrant royal blue graduation gown and matching cap, adorned with a red, white, and blue tassel. Her skin is a rich, deep brown, and her long, wavy black hair cascades over her shoulders. She beams with a wide, joyful smile, her eyes sparkling with excitement and accomplishment. 
    • Around her neck, she wears a striking white and silver stole. One side features the Dallas College logo in bold red and blue, along with photos of herself, including one where she is holding a white cane, symbolizing her journey and achievements. The other side of the stole is decorated with another photo of her and the inspiring words: “My eye sight doesn’t determine my future.” She also wears a black and white honor cord, gold hoop earrings, and a delicate gold necklace. In her hands, she holds a rolled diploma tied with a red ribbon.
  • A vibrant mother-and-son duo beaming with joy against a softly blended blue backdrop. The mother, exuding confidence and warmth, dazzles in a bold red tee and chic black pleated skirt, her long waves cascading over her shoulder. Beside her, her adorable son sits perched on a classic white pillar, his infectious smile lighting up the scene. He rocks a vibrant blue T-shirt and trendy ripped jeans, clutching a teddy bear dressed to match. Both shirts feature a custom photo print, adding a personal, heartfelt touch. There’s a  playful “Grad 2025” script in the corner.
  • A radiant woman and a young boy are posed closely together, exuding warmth and affection. The woman’s smooth, glowing skin is complemented by her long, flowing waves of dark hair that cascade over her bare shoulders, revealed by a strapless, form-fitting light blue dress. Her eyes sparkle with joy, and her full lips are parted in a wide, inviting smile. Gold hoop earrings and a delicate necklace rest against her collarbone, adding a touch of elegance. Her manicured hands, with long white nails, gently and securely embrace the boy, highlighting a sense of tenderness and connection.
    • The boy, nestled comfortably in her arms, beams with a bright, infectious smile. His soft, youthful skin and neatly braided hair add to his charm. He wears a pastel plaid shirt and light blue shorts, his small body relaxed and happy in her embrace. The blue, star-studded background adds a dreamy atmosphere to  The text in the upper left corner reads: Ariana & Rahkeen 2025.

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 Defying Norms: Jessica Gonzalez’ Triumphs In Education & Blind Tennis

The header photo is in the Beyond Sight Magazine cover template and shows an image of Jessica with long, curly hair that extends down past her shoulders. The hair is voluminous and tightly curled. She is wearing a dark-colored top. The background appears to be an indoor setting with shelves and various items, but the details are not discernible. The image is styled as a magazine cover with the title ‘BEYOND SIGHT | A Bold Blind Beauty Project’ and features ‘Jessica Gonzalez'. The cover is dated July 2025.

I would like to make sure that the people out there hear me when I say, go out there and try something new. Even if it’s baby steps to get out there and try little stuff. Don’t be afraid, ’cause if I were afraid, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

~Jessica Gonzalez

Editor’s Note

We are so excited to introduce you to our Woman On The Move for July: Jessica Gonzalez!

Jessica’s story begins with heartfelt gratitude, as she expresses her thanks to Bold Blind Beauty for this feature and gives a special shout-out to her friend Melody. Get ready to be empowered by Jessica’s incredible journey of perseverance and self-advocacy. She faced significant vision challenges from an early age, navigating a world that wasn’t always understanding.

Through it all, Jessica found her path to independence, embracing her unique perspective and bravely stepping outside of societal expectations. Her experiences led her to remarkable achievements, from surprising career choices to discovering a passion that’s taking her across the globe.

Jessica’s message is a powerful reminder of the impact of encouragement and the importance of supporting one another, no matter how big or small the stride. She truly embodies what it means to be “on the move.”

Join us in celebrating Jessica Gonzalez, a remarkable woman whose journey lights the way for others to embrace their challenges and pursue their dreams.

Stephanae McCoy
Editor-in-Chief, Bold Blind Beauty

Beyond Sight Magazine Cover

A magazine cover titled 'BEYOND SIGHT' featuring a sepia-toned portrait of Jessica Gonzalez with curly hair. She is smiling, and the cover highlights 'Women On The Move' and 'A Bold Blind Beauty Project'.
Beyond Sight Magazine |  Jessica Gonzalez

YouTube Video

Introduction and Gratitude

Hi guys. My name is Jessica Gonzalez, and I would like to start off by saying thank you to Bold Blind Beauty for featuring me in this month’s magazine. Thank you. I like to give a shout-out to my friend Melody for telling me all about this. Thank you, girl. Love you.

Early Life and Vision Challenges

So let’s get started. My name is Jessica Gonzalez, and I was born four months early as a premature. I was diagnosed with the eye disease, retinopathy of prematurity, which is short for ROP. And in my state, my vision, I don’t know how others’ ROP is, but my vision may be a little different from others. I am totally blind in my left eye, and in my right eye, I have no peripheral vision, and I have very cloudy vision in my right eye, which is like looking through the fog, and it’s like being nearsighted and farsighted, kind of, at once.

And so with that, as a child, I hid that from the world, I mean obviously you can see that one eye is straight and one eye is crooked. And so that always brought a lot of stares, a lot of teasing. But I still walked with no cane, and I had no guide dog, and I had no help. And oh boy, falling down was a thing to do.

And I still got teased a lot by a lot of peers growing up. But as I’ve gotten older and a lot more confident in my life, a lot of that stuff stopped. I don’t know if people became more mature, but I definitely became more confident, and I learned to embrace my vision and roll with the punches.

Gaining Independence and Confidence

The image shows a person wearing a dark quilted vest and a short-sleeved shirt, positioned closely next to a large dog. The dog has light fur and is wearing a collar with a leash attached. The dog is panting, with its tongue visible. In the background, there are several trees with green foliage and a building with a brick facade. The building has a distinct architectural feature, an archway, and is situated at a distance behind the person and the dog. The scene appears to be outdoors, with a clear sky visible above.

So, how I did that was I started off by going to the Orientation Center for the Blind in Albany, California. That is where I first learned how to read and write braille. I learned my orientation skills. I learned how to use the computer as well as my living skills, which pretty much kind of highlights, you know, how to get around the house, how to organize your stuff, and how to cook and clean.

After I finished that program, I went and got my very first guide dog, Fender. And I learned from there how to be severely independent. I started feeling more confident in my life. I started feeling safer knowing that I have a guide dog next to me. I. And learning that my independence can now be strided off and a little bit more smoothly, and I was less afraid now that I had a cutie pie next to me. So once I got him and finished the school for Guide Dogs, I moved down to Sacramento, and then I ended up going to school.

Pursuing a Career in Film

And this was another portion of my visual journey that really, really tested my faith in my own self and my vision. It was definitely, it was a major that I went into called digital film and video production, which a lot of people told me not to do. It was very visual, and that is something that I should just leave to the sighted people, and I was told to go and do something that’s more for you. And I would tell people, okay, well, what is that?

Filling out paperwork, typing people’s papers, working at a front desk, like, you know, what do you suggest? And of course, that was what they thought that we all blind people should be doing. But I did not wanna do that. I wanted to do something outside the norm. I didn’t wanna do the stereotypical, what blind people are supposed to do.

So I went to school anyway, and I graduated with a 3.9 GPA and did a killer speech at the end, and it was a struggle. I did struggle a little. I could not see through the camera lens. I can see it once it was done, and it was on a big, big, big screen. But I had a lot of help. And thank you for all my filmmakers out there who guided me along the way and helped me be who I am today. Thank you. And so instead of looking through the camera, I would direct someone else to look through the camera because I know what I wanted it to look like, but I just needed a little assistance to help make that happen. So that’s how I was able to get through film school and graduate with honors.

Working at Apple

The image shows a person with long, wavy hair that extends past the shoulders. The hair appears to be dark in color. The individual is wearing a zippered garment, possibly a jacket or sweater, with the zipper partially visible at the neckline. In the background, there is a shelving unit with various items, including rolled-up materials or objects that resemble yarn or fabric. The shelves are positioned to the right side of the image. On the left side, there are horizontal lines that suggest the presence of blinds or a window covering.

And so after I was done with that, I went to apply for a job at Apple, and I started off as a technician, and I was kind of skeptical at first ’cause I was like, oh my God, they’re not gonna hire me. I’ve been down this route before, where they were like, Why would we wanna hire you? What can you do for us? What would make you, what would make us wanna hire you before we hire anyone else? And I just pushed through it, and I was like, look, don’t not hire me because I’m blind. You need to see what I can do first. And I let that just flow with it, and I said, you know what, I’m gonna just hope for the best.

And sure enough, I was able to land the job. And four years later, I got hired on with Apple Inc. And I was hired on as a logistics warehouse trainer, and that is where I reside today in my work field. And as I started working that job, that job was a little, it was, it was perfect for me, but I didn’t realize how much eyesight I would need or how much sight I would use.

And with me using the little bit of sight that I had left, I was stretching my limits. I was having to read a lot of papers, read a lot of instructions, and use the computer a lot. And I had to have the font big, and I had to have the brightness up really high. But overall, I was telling them, look guys, I think I need to go back and get a refresher on my braille and my computers and everything else because I feel now I am in a part of my life that will allow me to use these skills and I can actually put them to use.

So I was granted the time to go and learn these skills at the Society for the Blind, and I was able to relearn how to use braille and use my computer and how to get through my job nice and nice and successfully. So that is where I am in my job.

Discovering Blind Tennis

The image shows two individuals standing side by side on a brick pavement. The person on the left is holding a tennis racket with a red frame and white strings in their right hand. They are wearing a gray zip-up jacket with the word "FLEXDAY" printed on the left side of the chest, a black skirt, and white athletic shoes. Their left hand is giving a thumbs-up gesture. The person on the right is wearing a black zip-up jacket, also with "FLEXDAY" printed on the left side of the chest, gray pants, and black sneakers with white soles. Their right hand is also giving a thumbs-up gesture. Behind them is a banner advertising a tennis championship, with text indicating the event will take place in Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy, from September 23 to 29, 2024. The background includes a green fence and trees.
The image depicts a group of six individuals positioned in front of a red curtain. Two individuals are kneeling in the front row, while four are standing behind them. The person on the left in the front row is wearing a dark tracksuit with light blue and white accents, along with a lanyard and badge around their neck. The individual on the right in the front row is dressed in a dark blue blazer over a light-colored shirt and jeans. In the back row, the person on the far left is wearing a black jacket with "USTA" written on it, holding a white cane. Next to them, another individual is holding an American flag, wearing a dark jacket with a white collar. The third person in the back row is wearing a red jacket with "JACK FISHER" written on it, also with a lanyard and badge. The person on the far right is partially visible, standing next to a white flag with red markings. The flags being held are positioned vertically, with the American flag on the left and another flag on the right. The individuals are arranged closely together, with the flags prominently displayed behind them.
The image depicts a person playing tennis on an indoor court. The individual is positioned centrally in the frame, standing on a blue tennis court surface with white boundary lines visible. The person is wearing a black sleeveless tennis dress with white trim and white athletic shoes. On their left wrist, they have a black wristband. The person is holding a tennis racket in their right hand, which is raised above their head, and a yellow tennis ball in their left hand, also raised above their head, suggesting they are about to serve. Behind the player, there is a black banner with white text and logos, including "Comune di Lignano Sabbiadoro," "VISPORT," and "EUROSPORT." The background also features a green structure, possibly part of the indoor facility.

While I was at the Society for the Blind, I was introduced to blind tennis, and that is where my passion lies today. So I was introduced to blind tennis and I didn’t wanna do it, I didn’t wanna do typical blind sports, which is track and field, beep baseball, goal ball like that, just, I don’t know, it just wasn’t for me.

So when tennis came along, I was like, wow, how do I do this? And I get that question asked every day. How do you do this? And I said, you know, guys, I had the same question that you guys have. I also wanted to know how. So with my extremely happiness to learn and my willing to get out there and try something new, I got out there and I tried it and oh my God, I fell in love and that landed me a wild card spot to fly to Italy in 2024 to play in my very first World Championship tournament. Yay. Thank you.

And to this day, I have the support of the Gold River Sports Club, and I also have the help of some amazing tennis players and my coaches, and friends to get out there, and they’re supporting me. And we are building a blind tennis team. So if there’s anyone else out there in the United States who would love to learn how to play blind tennis, but you don’t have blind tennis in your area. This hit me up on Instagram or Facebook and or my contact information will probably be down in my information, and feel free to give me a call, and we’ll work something out.

Encouragement and Final Thoughts

And so, yeah, my life has revolved around my blindness my whole life. But I didn’t let it stop me. I may have started off letting it stop me, but in the end, I didn’t let it stop me. And I would like to make sure that the people out there hear me when I say, go out there and try something new. Even if it’s baby steps to get out there and try little stuff. Get out there and try. Don’t be afraid, ’cause if I were afraid, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

So I wanted to just say thank you, everyone, for supporting us, wonderful blind people out here, and encouraging us to get out there and try new stuff, and just being here to support us and being proud of us, because your little bit of encouragement really goes a long way. So I just wanted to tell everyone thank you, thank you, thank you, and have a wonderful, wonderful day. Thank you guys.

Connecting With Jessica Gonzalez

Connecting With Bold Blind Beauty

Like what you’ve read and want to chat about it? Join us in the Bold Blind Beauty Facebook group.

Image descriptions:

  • The header photo is in the Beyond Sight Magazine cover template and shows an image of Jessica with long, curly hair that extends down past her shoulders. The hair is voluminous and tightly curled. She is wearing a dark-colored top. The background appears to be an indoor setting with shelves and various items, but the details are not discernible. The image is styled as a magazine cover with the title ‘BEYOND SIGHT | A Bold Blind Beauty Project’ and features ‘Jessica Gonzalez.’ The cover is dated May 2025.
  • YouTube thumbnail and video description: The thumbnail features a sepia-toned image of Jessica with long, curly hair, set against a softly blurred indoor background. The photo is framed with a gold border on the left, while the right side displays bold white text on a black background, highlighting “JULY WOMEN ON THE MOVE” and the name “Jessica Gonzalez.” A large gold circle adds a modern touch to the design, emphasizing the celebratory focus on Jessica as the featured individual.
    • In the video, Jessica has long braids cascading over her left shoulder. She is wearing a dark graphic tee with dark pants while seated on a stylish red and cream sofa surrounded by complementary sofa pillows. Behind her are several large windows accessorized with cream colored Venetian blinds.
  • The image shows a person wearing a dark quilted vest and a short-sleeved shirt, positioned closely next to a large dog. The dog has light fur and is wearing a collar with a leash attached. The dog is panting, with its tongue visible. In the background, there are several trees with green foliage and a building with a brick facade. The building has a distinct architectural feature, an archway, and is situated at a distance behind the person and the dog. The scene appears to be outdoors, with a clear sky visible above.
  • The image shows a person with long, wavy hair that extends past the shoulders. The hair appears to be dark in color. The individual is wearing a zippered garment, possibly a jacket or sweater, with the zipper partially visible at the neckline. In the background, there is a shelving unit with various items, including rolled-up materials or objects that resemble yarn or fabric. The shelves are positioned to the right side of the image. On the left side, there are horizontal lines that suggest the presence of blinds or a window covering.
  • A tri-panel of tennis images
    • The image shows two individuals standing side by side on a brick pavement. The person on the left is holding a tennis racket with a red frame and white strings in their right hand. They are wearing a gray zip-up jacket with the word “FLEXDAY” printed on the left side of the chest, a black skirt, and white athletic shoes. Their left hand is giving a thumbs-up gesture. The person on the right is wearing a black zip-up jacket, also with “FLEXDAY” printed on the left side of the chest, gray pants, and black sneakers with white soles. Their right hand is also giving a thumbs-up gesture. Behind them is a banner advertising a tennis championship, with text indicating the event will take place in Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy, from September 23 to 29, 2024. The background includes a green fence and trees.
    • The image depicts a group of six individuals positioned in front of a red curtain. Two individuals are kneeling in the front row, while four are standing behind them. The person on the left in the front row is wearing a dark tracksuit with light blue and white accents, along with a lanyard and badge around their neck. The individual on the right in the front row is dressed in a dark blue blazer over a light-colored shirt and jeans.
      • In the back row, the person on the far left is wearing a black jacket with “USTA” written on it, holding a white cane. Next to them, another individual is holding an American flag, wearing a dark jacket with a white collar. The third person in the back row is wearing a red jacket with “JACK FISHER” written on it, also with a lanyard and badge. The person on the far right is partially visible, standing next to a white flag with red markings.
      • The flags being held are positioned vertically, with the American flag on the left and another flag on the right. The individuals are arranged closely together, with the flags prominently displayed behind them.
    • The image depicts a person playing tennis on an indoor court. The individual is positioned centrally in the frame, standing on a blue tennis court surface with white boundary lines visible. The person is wearing a black sleeveless tennis dress with white trim and white athletic shoes. On their left wrist, they have a black wristband. The person is holding a tennis racket in their right hand, which is raised above their head, and a yellow tennis ball in their left hand, also raised above their head, suggesting they are about to serve. Behind the player, there is a black banner with white text and logos, including “Comune di Lignano Sabbiadoro,” “VISPORT,” and “EUROSPORT.” The background also features a green structure, possibly part of the indoor facility.
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Josselyn Sosa: Redefining Beauty Through Resilience

Beyond Sight Magazine’s cover shows Josselyn descending a staircase using a white cane with a red tip. She is wearing a long red dress with a floral pattern and a light blue denim jacket. She has long, wavy brown hair and is smiling. The text reads Beyond Sight Magazine | Monthly Beauties | March 2025 | Josselyn Sosa | A Project of Bold Blind Beauty.

We understand the importance of representation, and that’s why at Bold Blind Beauty, we believe that real beauty goes beyond physical appearance. We stand for A.I.R. (Access, Inclusion, and Representation)TM, and our March cover model, Josselyn Sosa embodies this belief wholeheartedly. We want to create a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and appreciated for who they are.

For years, I shrank from using my cane, afraid it announced my difference too loudly. But I learned that resilience isn’t in hiding, it’s in standing tall, taking up space, and moving forward anyway. I learned that true beauty lies in how you embrace your essence, not how the world sees you.

~Josselyn Sosa

Editor’s Note

Photo 2: Pink-tinted sunglasses

This month, we celebrate Josselyn Sosa, a remarkable disability advocate, athlete, and podcaster whose story exemplifies resilience, determination, and the power of community. Josselyn is a cohost of the Babies Down, Bottles Up podcast, where she, alongside two other blind moms, shares the joys and challenges of parenting with sight loss. Through candid conversations, they empower others in the disability community, creating a sense of belonging and understanding.

Her journey also includes a memorable internship with the Cinema Touching Disability Film Festival in 2013, where she worked tirelessly on outreach and publicity, leaving a lasting impression on the team. Accompanied by her Seeing Eye dog, Nasha, Josselyn’s enthusiasm and dedication were evident in every task she undertook.

Josselyn Sosa embodies—living boldly, authentically, and unapologetically. Her story reminds us that disability is not a limitation but a unique perspective that enriches the world. We are honored to feature her as our March Monthly Beauty and celebrate her empowering contributions to the blind and parenting communities.

Stephanae McCoy
Editor-in-Chief, Bold Blind Beauty

Beyond Sight Magazine Cover

Beyond Sight Magazine’s cover shows Josselyn descending a staircase using a white cane with a red tip. She is wearing a long red dress with a floral pattern and a light blue denim jacket. She has long, wavy brown hair and is smiling. The text reads Beyond Sight Magazine | Monthly Beauties | March 2025 | Josselyn Sosa | A Project of Bold Blind Beauty.
Josselyn Sosa | March 2025 Monthly Beauty

Blind is Beautiful, and So is the Journey

Josselyn is standing on a staircase indoors, holding a white cane. She has long wavy hair and is wearing a red dress with a floral pattern. Behind her, there is a large window with a view of a cityscape. Colorful, decorative glass pieces in various shapes and colors, such as red, yellow, blue, and purple, are hanging in front of the window.
Photo 3: Josslyn standing on a staircase

Josselyn Sosa, a resilient disability advocate, athlete, and podcaster, transforms challenges into empowerment. Losing her sight at 12, she mastered new skills and now co-hosts “Babies Down, Bottles Up,” supporting parents with disabilities. An adaptive athlete and mother of two, she defies societal expectations of blindness. Josselyn emphasizes self-acceptance and courage, stating, “Resilience isn’t in hiding, it’s in standing tall.” She inspires others to embrace their identities and live confidently.

Josslyn Sosa’s Bio

Josselyn is a disability advocate, athlete, and podcaster on a mission to challenge perceptions of blindness and parenthood. Originally from El Salvador, she lost her sight at 12 due to congenital glaucoma, but that hasn’t stopped her from living life to the fullest. Now living in Texas with her husband and two young children, ages eight and three, Josselyn thrives as both a mother and a trailblazer in the blind community. As a cohost of the Babies Down, Bottles Up podcast, alongside two other blind moms, she discusses the joys and challenges of parenting with vision loss, while offering empowering insights and fostering a community for parents with disabilities. An athlete, Josselyn plays adaptive sports like beep baseball and goalball, demonstrating that determination and resilience know no bounds. Through her advocacy, podcast, and athletic pursuits, she’s proving that being blind is just another way to live boldly and unapologetically.

Connect With Josselyn

Image Description

  • Beyond Sight Magazine’s cover shows Josselyn descending a staircase using a white cane with a red tip. She is wearing a long red dress with a floral pattern and a light blue denim jacket. She has long, wavy brown hair and is smiling. The text reads Beyond Sight Magazine | Monthly Beauties | March 2025 | Josselyn Sosa | A Project of Bold Blind Beauty.
  • Photo 2: Josselyn has long, wavy hair and is wearing pink-tinted sunglasses and smiling. She is holding a black microphone on a stand. Her white t-shirt has pink glittery text that reads “Babies Down, Bottles Up” with an image of a champagne bottle.
  • Photo 3: Josselyn is standing on a staircase indoors, holding a white cane. She has long wavy hair and is wearing a red dress with a floral pattern. Behind her, there is a large window with a view of a cityscape. Colorful, decorative glass pieces in various shapes and colors, such as red, yellow, blue, and purple, are hanging in front of the window.