By: Maria Williams
When Michella Filipowitz made the move from Miami to Sydney, she expected the usual hurdles of settling into a new country. However, nothing prepared her for the unique challenges of raising her son, Benjamin, who was diagnosed with autism. Rather than being discouraged, Michella took action, co-founding the DR Family Foundation to ensure that children with disabilities in Australia receive the support they need to thrive.
Michella Filipowitz—model, entrepreneur, and philanthropist—has poured her heart into building a better world for children with special needs. After becoming a single mother at 23 and facing the difficulties of Benjamin’s autism diagnosis, she found herself driven to create meaningful change. The challenges she encountered along the way inspired her to launch the DR Family Foundation, an organization aimed at giving children with disabilities access to the education and resources they deserve.
One of the key initiatives of the foundation is covering school fees for children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend. Michella is also spearheading efforts to build a shelter that will provide a safe and nurturing environment for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring they have the stability they need to succeed.
“Our goal is to create more than just a shelter,” Michella explains. “We want to establish a supportive community where children feel safe and have access to the resources they need to thrive.” Set to open next year, the shelter will offer a lifeline for children who need a secure place to call home.
Michella’s passion for advocacy is deeply personal. “I’ve seen the struggles families go through, and I want to bring awareness and foster change,” she says. Her own experiences as a mother have made her acutely aware of the exclusion children with disabilities often face. She recalls the painful moments of watching Benjamin play alone while other children engaged with one another. This experience drove her to become an advocate for change in schools and in society as a whole.
“In Australia, the support system for children with disabilities isn’t as strong as it was in Miami,” she shares. “It was incredibly difficult to find a school willing to accept my son, and that was a heartbreaking realization.”
Michella’s frustration only grew as private schools continually turned Benjamin away, citing their inability to support children with special needs. “It’s as if they aren’t equipped to handle children who are different,” she says. For Michella, the solution lies in integrating all children, regardless of ability, into the broader society. She believes that separating children with disabilities only serves to deepen the divide.
Her vision is for an education system that embraces diversity, where children of all abilities learn to respect and appreciate one another. “These children didn’t choose their circumstances,” she emphasizes. “It’s our responsibility to make sure they feel supported and included.”
Reflecting on her time in Miami, Michella recalls how a nurturing school environment helped Benjamin make incredible progress. “Before, he wasn’t speaking at all,” she shares. “But once he was in the right environment, he started talking, reading, and developing beyond my expectations.” This experience reinforced Michella’s belief in the power of inclusive education to change lives.
In Sydney, after much perseverance, Michella finally found a public school that welcomed Benjamin. “I couldn’t believe it,” she says. “I was so overwhelmed with joy that I cried in the car. The principal told me how well other children with disabilities were doing at the school, and I knew this was the right place for him.”
Michella’s dream is that one day all children with disabilities will have the chance to grow, learn, and thrive alongside their peers in a supportive and inclusive environment. She understands that systemic change takes time, but she’s committed to seeing it through with the DR Family Foundation.
In addition to educational initiatives, the foundation is preparing to launch a soccer team for children with disabilities. This initiative will provide an opportunity for children to engage in sports, build friendships, and feel a sense of belonging. “Sports are a great way to bring kids together,” Michella says. “It’s about creating a space where everyone feels included.”
Michella’s journey as a single mother has taught her the importance of community and resilience. Through her work with the DR Family Foundation, she hopes to help other families facing similar challenges. “Benjamin has shown me what true strength is,” she says. “He’s taught me about love, patience, and the power of perseverance.”
For updates on Michella’s journey and to learn more about the work of the DR Family Foundation, follow her on Instagram @princessmichella.
Published by: Khy Talara
