A CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT: From the Miss Florida Pageant to a New Autism Advocacy Movement

To wear the crown is already a major achievement. But, for activist and beauty queen Rachel Barcellona, it’s also history changing.

Not only was Rachel crowned Miss Tampa, but she was the first person officially diagnosed with autism to compete for the title of Miss Florida.

The news of her accomplishment spread far beyond Tampa Bay, making national headlines.

“I was featured on NOW THIS with over 5 million views, talking about how I was the first autistic contestant,” Rachel says.

Her mother Barbara takes great pride in Rachel’s accomplishments.

“Most people will look at her now and not even know that she has autism,” Barbara says. “I'm proud of her throughout her whole life.”

Knowing and watching the obstacles in her daughter’s path, Barbara shares that most people – including pageant insiders – have no idea what her daughter has overcome.  

Barbara explains, “They don't realize the years and years of therapy and driving from Clearwater to Tampa, five days a week to Orlando, for different things to help her.”

Vicky Westra, the Founder and CEO of Autism Shifts and the mother of an autistic daughter herself, calls Rachel a “Shifter” - a young woman who is walking proof that those with autism can achieve dreams like anyone else.

Vicky started the nonprofit in 2007 with the goal of creating a new understanding and acceptance of the diagnosis, through education and advocacy. Based in Tampa Bay, Autism Shifts has a global mission to empower the autism community, guiding people from a place of fear and worry about an uncertain future toward the hope and joyful anticipation of living their best possible life. Vicky calls this the “Green Zone.”

“What we’ve been able to do through our program, and me as a mom, I’ve been able to shift that perspective and start looking at the whole diagnosis differently,” Vicky explains.

It’s why she launched the Shifter Membership Program, sharing the exciting news during a recent podcast of “On The Record With Sarina Fazan.”

The Shifter Membership Program provides weekly trainings, tools, and resources to its members, progressing from learning about autism to leading advocacy efforts. 

Vicky says, “It’s a program designed to provide specialized training, resources, and connection opportunities for our autism community.”

There are individual or family memberships, and Autism Shifts even offers a free option, so the program can be as accessible as possible. You can learn more about the Shifter Membership Program at www.AutismShifts.org/become-a-member.

“Vicky's been working for years, so it's a wonderful, wonderful program for the kids and adults,” Barbara says.

Rachel agrees, “Well, I am glad to be an honorary shifter member, and I think that's a wonderful title because I'm glad to help her in her movement. We're all capable of doing incredible things. And I've seen that with my very own eyes.”

To learn more about Rachel, visit her website at www.RachelBarcellona.com and follow her on social media.

For more information about Autism Shifts or to register for the Shifter Membership Program, visit www.AutismShifts.org or follow @autismshifts on social media.