By: Maria Williams
Michella Filipowitz’s journey is a testament to how one person’s determination and compassion can make a profound difference in the lives of others. From her beginnings as a young model in Paris to becoming a passionate advocate for children with disabilities, Michella’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and unwavering dedication. As co-founder of the DR Family Foundation, she is on a mission to ensure that every child, regardless of their abilities, has the support and opportunities they need to thrive.
Michella’s story begins at just 15 when she made the bold decision to leave home and pursue her modeling dreams in Paris. This decision was not just about launching a career; it was about stepping into a world of independence and facing the challenges that come with it. Paris, with all its allure, was also a city that tested her resolve. “Paris was everything I imagined—beautiful, fast-paced, but also incredibly challenging,” she reflects. “It was a place where I had to grow up quickly, and I learned a lot about myself and the world.”
These early years in Paris were marked by both excitement and hardship. While Michella was living out her dream of modeling, she also encountered the industry’s darker side—one that lacked the emotional and mental support young people like her desperately needed. This experience opened Michella’s eyes to the importance of mental health and the need for environments where young people could feel safe and supported. It was a lesson that would stay with her throughout her life, influencing her decisions and shaping her future endeavors.
Eventually, Michella transitioned from modeling to art dealing, a field where she found a deeper connection to history, culture, and human experience. “Art has a way of telling stories that words sometimes can’t,” she says. “Being able to connect with those stories and share them with others became a new passion for me.” This shift in her career allowed Michella to channel her creativity in new ways while also giving her the stability she needed to start thinking about her future beyond the world of fashion.
At the age of 23, Michella’s life took a significant turn when she became a single mother to her son, Benjamin. His arrival brought immense joy but also new challenges that would redefine her life’s purpose. When Benjamin was diagnosed with autism at a young age, Michella was thrust into a world of uncertainty. “I didn’t know what to expect,” she admits. “But I knew that I had to be strong for Benjamin. He became my everything, and I knew I had to do whatever it took to give him the best life possible.”
Raising a child with special needs is never easy, and Michella quickly realized the gaps in support for families like hers. Without a partner to share the responsibilities, she found herself navigating a complex and often overwhelming system of care and education. “There were so many obstacles,” she recalls. “Finding the right school, the right therapies—it was all so daunting, and there were times when I felt completely alone.”
Michella’s search for a school that would accept and support Benjamin was eye-opening. Many schools were either unwilling or unable to accommodate children with disabilities, often segregating them from their peers. This experience highlighted the need for greater inclusivity in education, a realization that would become the driving force behind the creation of the DR Family Foundation. “Children with disabilities deserve to be part of the community, not isolated from it,” she says. “It’s about giving them the chance to learn and grow alongside their peers.”
The DR Family Foundation was born out of Michella’s determination to make a difference in the lives of children with special needs. The foundation’s mission is to provide families with the resources and support to help their children succeed. Whether it’s financial assistance for specialized education or guidance for navigating the complexities of raising a child with disabilities, the foundation is there to help. “I know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed by the challenges of raising a child with special needs,” Michella says. “That’s why I wanted to create a space where families could find the help and support they need.”
Under Michella’s leadership, the DR Family Foundation has become a beacon of hope for many families. The foundation works closely with schools and institutions to advocate for inclusive education, ensuring that children with disabilities are accepted and celebrated for who they are. “Education should be about more than just academics,” Michella explains. “It should be about creating a safe, supportive environment where every child can thrive.”
In addition to its educational initiatives, the foundation also offers emotional support to families through counseling and peer networks. “Raising a child with special needs can be incredibly isolating,” Michella says. “We want to create a community where families can connect, share their experiences, and support one another.”
One of the foundation’s most ambitious projects is the development of homes for children in crisis situations. “We’re working on building homes for kids who are in difficult family situations—whether it’s due to abuse, neglect, or other hardships,” Michella explains. “These children deserve a safe place where they can heal and thrive, and we’re committed to giving them that chance.” The foundation’s approach to these homes is holistic, providing shelter and access to counseling, education, and recreational activities that help children rebuild their lives in a supportive environment.
Photo Courtesy: Michella Filipowitz
Michella’s dedication to children with disabilities doesn’t stop there. She has also envisioned creating a soccer team for these children in Australia, allowing them to engage in physical activity and social interaction in a supportive environment. “Sports can be a powerful tool for building confidence and a sense of belonging,” she notes. “Every child deserves to feel included and valued, and we’re working to make that a reality.”
Through the DR Family Foundation, Michella is changing lives and challenging societal perceptions of children with special needs. “Our differences make us stronger,” she believes. “It’s about respect, inclusion, and empathy—values that should be at the heart of every community.”
As the foundation continues to grow, Michella remains committed to her mission of creating a world where no child is left behind. “Every project we undertake is driven by the belief that every child deserves to be celebrated for who they are, not defined by their challenges,” she says.
Michella Filipowitz’s journey from a young aspiring model to a leader in philanthropy is a testament to the power of determination and the impact one person can have on the lives of many. Her work with the DR Family Foundation is just beginning, and with her vision and dedication, the future looks bright for children with disabilities.
To follow Michella’s journey and learn more about the DR Family Foundation’s work, follow her on Instagram @princessmichella.
Published by: Martin De Juan
