Are there role models in the entertainment industry for our young girls?

     We see them just about everywhere. From the check out lane, on the cover of magazines (usually dressed scantily clad) to inviting them into our homes weekly by viewing their reality shows. We see them on the shows tossing foul language and insults to other cast members. Fighting. Pulling off wigs and hair pieces.  Frivolously spending money. Just what am I speaking of? The images of negative role models. Just take a look at the latest issue of Vibe Magazine.   Can we truly say, that these are the role models that we want our young girls to look up to?

      Just what is a role model? A role model is defined as someone you admire, and seek to imitate.  I wouldn't want MY daughters looking up to any of the women that are on the cover of the latest issue of Vibe Magazine. Needless to say, these women do not fit the image of a positive role model. My question is, are there role models in the entertainment industry that our young girls can look up to? The answer is yes.  But they are few and far between. 

Here are some women that I would prefer my daughters to look up to and imitate.

Jamie Grace
Jamie Grace is a  contemporary Christian artist. She not only inspires others through song, but she also inspires others with her powerful testimony. She also battles Tourette's Syndrome. She encourages other youth that may be battling with Tourette's Syndrome or any other adversity in life.

Keshia Knight-Pulliam
Keshia Knight-Pulliam, is an actress who starred as Rudy Huxtable on the The Cosby Show. She currently stars on Tyler Perry's House of Payne. She also has an organization called Kamp Kizzy,

"Keshia felt compelled to establish a non-profit foundation such as Kamp Kizzy, to empower the spirits of young girls".  

Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift is a country singer, and also known as "America's Sweetheart". Even though she was interrupted during her MTV's Video Music Awards moment by Kanye West, she handled the situation with style and grace.  Handling situations with style and grace, is something that is rarely ever seen by women within the entertainment industry.



Anjelah Johnson
Anjelah Johnson is a comedian that performs profanity free stand-up. She was also featured on Mad TV, and was best known for her character Bon Qui Qui.


I am glad there are still some positive role models in the entertainment industry for young girls. These women have managed to gain success in their various fields and still keep a positive image. They are to be commended!

Can people with special needs break into the entertainment industry?

About three years ago, I found out that there was a possibility that my unborn daughter could be born with Downs Syndrome. I decided not to allow the doctors to run any tests, because there were too many risks.  On May 7th, 2010, I went into labor. I didn't have a lot of amniotic fluid when my water broke. When my daughter Milan was born, I knew just by looking at her that she had Downs Syndrome. At first, I felt hopeless. One of the things that discouraged me about having a child with Downs Syndrome, is that I thought my dreams of going into the field of Entertainment wouldn't come true. In my mind, I thought that I would be taking care of a sick child 24 hours a day. Not only was I wrong, but seeing my daughter make progress, is a part of what inspired me to pursue the field of entertainment by enrolling into Full Sail University. In fact, I have discovered several opportunities for children like Milan to get involved in entertainment.

Getting a Child with Special Needs into the Entertainment Industry

Many people have stated that I should get my children into acting. I had no idea where to begin with Milan, since she was a child with special needs. I slowly began researching and have stumbled upon many websites that cater to children with special needs.   This  is information taken directly from these organizations’ blogs and websites.

Down Syndrome in Arts and Media

Down Syndrome in Arts and Media, is located in North Hollywood, CA. It is an online service that locates talent with developmental disabilities. Gail Williamson, is the Director.

Y Pierre Works

Located in Atlanta, GA, Yvonne Pierre is a writer, director, producer and advocate. Yvonne is a devoted mom of two boys. Yvonne Pierre writes productions that inspire, inform and uplift. Yvonne’s youngest son was diagnosed with Down syndrome after birth and she has redirected her attention and primary efforts towards the special needs community. Yvonne Pierre has written a production called THEN YOU STAND. This story is about a newlywed couple, who is excited about their first child. Then, they find out that their unborn child is diagnosed with a disability that leads them to question their faith.  Yvonne Pierre not only utilizes children that have Downs Syndrome in her production, but it also benefits research for Downs Syndrome.

Born to Act Players

Mary Rings is the Company Director.  The Born to Act Players are located in Van Nuys, CA.  This is a dramatic arts program that includes cast members with and without disabilities.

Performing Arts Studio West

The Performing Arts Studio West is located in Inglewood, California. It is an adult day program providing hands-on, individual training, career management, and on location support for performers with developmental disabilities working in film, television and commercials.

Dionysus Theatre

Dionysus Theatre is located in Houtson, Texas.  It is an inclusive full standing theatre and company educating and empowering actors with and without disabilities.

Based on the resources provided, one can see that there are many opportunities for individuals with special needs to get involved in entertainment for therapeutic reasons or to pursue a career. I hope this information encourages you!