Lucia M. Rios (BA ’02, Journalism) has always dreamed of writing a book, and she is now one step closer to that goal — as the winner of the National Disability Institute’s third annual My American Dream Video Contest.
Rios, a community access specialist at Holland’s Disability Network Lakeshore and a freelance journalist, was one of five national finalists in National Disability Institute’s video contest encouraging persons with disabilities to highlight their American dreams to show that working toward your dreams is something all Americans share.
Rios’s video received the most votes on the contest website, making her the grand prize winner of $1,000, a digital tablet of her choice, and sessions with a mentor to help her move toward her dream. Rios, who has spina bifida, shared in her video her dream of writing a book about the disability experience and her life as a person with a disability.
While at Western Michigan University, Rios majored in journalism. “Writing is something that was always important to me,” she says. “I found my voice through writing.”
Rios will be mentored by National Public Radio News Investigations Correspondent Joseph Shaprio, a 31-year industry veteran and author of the award-winning NO PITY: People with Disabilities Forging a New Civil Rights Movement.
To view Rio's Video Entry and Suprise Win Announcement, please click here.
To learn more about Rios' national recognition and the National Disability Institute, please click here.