Dr. Walton Motivates the CG Workforce

CIVIL RIGHTS On Deck • November 1, 2019
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As concepts of beauty change and evolve, ideas that were one considered flawed or weak are now embraced and sought after. Read more about using contrast to create harmony.

In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), Coast Guard Head-quarters was pleased to host Dr. Donna Walton as its keynote speaker, a multi-disciplinary au-thor, motivational speaker, and advocate for people with disabil-ities. She is also the founder and president of the non-profit, The Divas With Disabilities Project. This organization’s mission is to shape the perception of what “disability” looks like by promot-ing women of color through vari-ous media platforms. Dr. Walton said she is dedicated to this mis-sion because a disability is not a person’s sole defining trait. At the age of 18, Dr. Walton’s battle with bone cancer forced the am-putation of her left leg above the knee. She shared her journey to rebuild her world, including overcoming Triple Jeopardy Syn-drome. She defined this phrase and gave examples of how women of color with disabilities are subjected to discrimination based on three characteristics: gender (female), race (African-American), and disability (physical/mental). She also engaged the audience by having them ask, What’s a leg got to do with it (meaning competence)? Dr. Walton replied, I believe it has nothing at all to do with it. By Ms. Deborah Gant, CRD, USCG HQ

 

National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation

By ncsd.org • April 7, 2025
National Cancer Survivors Day (NCSD) Foundation and highlights Donna R. Walton, EdD (Washington, D.C.): Survivor who had her leg amputated due to bone cancer at 18.

What Inspired Dr. Donna Walton to Create DIVAS with Disabilities | The Mixed Space

By Dr. Donna Walton • April 4, 2022
DIVAS stands for Dynamic, Illuminating, Victorious, Achieving Sisters. Dr. Donna Walton shares how her experiences at the intersection of being Black, female, and living with a disability inspired the creation of this impactful organization. She highlights the core mission and vision of DIVAS: to challenge stereotypes, dismantle stigma, and promote the social inclusion of women with disabilities.

Moving from Disability Rights to Disability Justice

By CARE Atlanta • March 23, 2022
Join Dr. Donna Walton, Founder and President of @divaswithdisabilities, as she emphasizes the importance of viewing disabilities as part of one’s identity, not as a limitation or barrier.
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