Juliette Rizzo

From covering and coordinating national news stories as a journalist to being selected by an organizing committee of the Atlanta Olympic Games to carry the Olympic torch through downtown Dallas, Juliette Rizzo has proven that personal dreams and goals are within reach for people with disabilities when the appropriate supports are in place. Juliette empowers Americans by sharing her experiences and adventures with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma and fibromyalgia through an empowering platform, "Power through Participation: Illuminating Opportunities for People with Disabilities." She believes participation is more than having a physical presence in your community. It is about finding your identity through your involvement in and personal contribution to community life. "The CBS Early Show" in New York as the national spokeswoman for National Women's Health Week, a first for a woman with a disability. • "The Today Show" with Al Roker raising awareness of scleroderma, • Co-hosted an international Fourth of July broadcast to the troops in Iraq • Appeared at the Rose Bowl and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parades as Ms. Wheelchair America While employed as a public relations director in Texas, Juliette was recognized with a "Best of Texas" award from the Texas Public Relations Association for her contributions to a comprehensive marketing toolkit to increase patient education and awareness of orthopedic surgical procedures. Her work also received local and international recognition. In 1999, Juliette was asked by renowned disability leader and then Assistant Secretary Judith E. Heumann (also co-founder of the Independent Living movement for people with disabilities) to relocate to Washington, D.C. as Director of Communications and Media Support Services in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services in the U.S. Department of Education and press secretary to Ms. Heumann. She also served as Communications Director to Assistant Secretary Robert H. Pasternack. Juliette currently is Director of Exhibits and Events Planning in the Department of Education, raising awareness of educational opportunities for all Americans . Juliette holds a Master of Journalism degree, focusing on public relations with a unique minor in rehabilitation studies from the University of North Texas, and a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from Texas A&M University. Juliette is a frequently requested speaker. Her message of empowerment and opportunity for both women and people with disabilities is inspiring.