Our Story
From one young person's need to a vision for disabled youth everywhere.
UPLIFT'D began with a question: what happens when a disabled teenager has a dream but no roadmap? The answer became our mission.
The Uplift Darvin Project
It Started in the Dominican Republic
In the Dominican Republic, a teenager named Darvin had ambitions — for education, for leadership, for a future that matched his potential. But like so many disabled youth around the world, he encountered a system that wasn't built with him in mind. Limited accommodations, few mentors who looked like him, and a lack of pathways to the international opportunities his peers took for granted.
The Uplift Darvin project was created to change that — not just for Darvin, but for every young person facing the same invisible walls. It was a direct intervention: connecting him with resources, advocates, and opportunities that opened doors that had been closed.
What happened next surprised everyone. The impact wasn't just individual. The community around Darvin began to shift. Families asked questions. Organizations took notice. A model emerged — one that could be replicated, scaled, and carried forward.
We didn't set out to build a movement. We set out to help one person. The movement followed.
How We Got Here
Our Journey
The Beginning
UPLIFT'D began as a project connected to the Uplift Darvin initiative in the Dominican Republic.
The Question
What happens when a disabled young person has ambition, but doesn't have access to the resources, accommodations, connections, or roadmap needed to pursue it?
The Response
Rather than accepting those barriers as inevitable, we began connecting people, resources, and opportunities.
The Bigger Vision
What began as support for one young person became a larger vision for creating pathways for disabled youth and young adults.
Today
UPLIFT'D is developing into an organization focused on equitable access, leadership, mentorship, education, careers, and global opportunities.
Our Mission
Equitable Access. Real Opportunity. Community Power.
UPLIFT'D exists to dismantle the barriers that prevent disabled youth and young adults from accessing the education, careers, mentorship, leadership development, and international opportunities they deserve.
We do this through inquiry and referral services — connecting individuals with programs, organizations, accommodations, and opportunities aligned with their specific goals. We don't believe in one-size-fits-all. We believe in you.
What We Believe
Our Core Values
Interdependence
We believe strength comes from community. No one rises alone — and no one should have to.
Disability Justice
Disability is not a deficit. It is a dimension of human diversity that deserves celebration, accommodation, and full inclusion.
Youth Leadership
Disabled youth are not the future of this movement — they are the present. We center their voices, decisions, and leadership.
Equitable Access
Access is not a privilege. Every young person deserves the tools, accommodations, and support to pursue their goals.
Global Perspective
Disability inclusion is a global challenge. We draw on international experience and build cross-border connections.
Radical Welcome
Every disability, every background, every goal is welcome here. UPLIFT'D is for everyone who has been told they don't belong.
Meet the Founders
The People Behind UPLIFT'D
Founder & CEO
Johileny Merán
Johileny Merán is the visionary behind UPLIFT'D, driven by a deep commitment to disability justice, youth leadership, and equitable access to opportunity. Her work bridges communities, organizations, and individuals to create pathways where none existed before.
Read Johileny's Story
Co-Founder
Mariela Regalado
Mariela Regalado co-founded UPLIFT'D alongside Johileny, bringing her expertise in education and community organizing to the mission of uplifting disabled youth in under-resourced communities.
Read Mariela's StoryFounding Partner
Built in Partnership
Latinas & Líderes
A registered 501(c)3 organization founded by Dominican women in education. Latinas & Líderes empowers girls from under-resourced communities in the Dominican Republic with the tools and skills to become leaders of their own lives, families, and communities.
Visit Latinas & LíderesReady to Be Part of This?
Whether you're a disabled young person looking for support, an ally who wants to help, or an organization ready to commit to inclusion — there's a place for you in this movement.