By: Maria Williams
When Michella Filipowitz relocated from Miami to Sydney, she anticipated the usual trials of adjusting to a new country. However, the most significant challenge she faced was raising her son, Benjamin, who was diagnosed with autism. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the situation, Michella used it as a catalyst to co-found the DR Family Foundation, an organization focused on creating opportunities for children with disabilities.
As a model, businesswoman, and philanthropist, Michella Filipowitz has transformed her personal challenges into a force for good. Becoming a single mother at 23, she found herself navigating not only the complexities of motherhood but also the unique obstacles that come with raising a child with special needs. Her son Benjamin became her inspiration to advocate for other families in similar situations.
The DR Family Foundation’s mission is simple yet profound: to provide children with disabilities the support, education, and resources they need to thrive. One of the foundation’s impactful programs is helping families cover the high cost of school fees, aiming that these children aren’t denied the opportunity to learn. Additionally, Michella is leading a project to open a shelter for disadvantaged children, offering them a stable, supportive environment where they can feel safe.
“Our shelter will be more than a place to live,” Michella explains. “We want it to be a community where children receive the care and guidance they need to reach their full potential.” Set to open next year, the shelter will provide children from difficult backgrounds with a safe space to grow and thrive.
Michella’s drive to create change is rooted in her personal experiences. “As a mother of a child with autism, I’ve seen how isolating it can be,” she says. “I want to bring awareness and change so that no child feels left behind.” She recounts watching Benjamin sit alone while other children played together, a reality that pushed her to take action and advocate for inclusive practices in schools and beyond.
“In Australia, the support network for children with disabilities is weaker compared to what we experienced in Miami,” Michella says. “Finding a school that would welcome my son was one of the hardest parts of our journey.”
After facing repeated rejections from private schools, Michella realized the systemic issues preventing children like Benjamin from being included. These schools often cited a lack of resources to handle the needs of children with disabilities, but Michella believes that separating these children is not the solution. “Integration is key,” she says. “All children deserve to be part of society, not isolated.”
Photo Courtesy: Michella Filipowitz
Her vision for an inclusive education system involves classrooms that celebrate diversity and teach students to respect one another’s differences. “Children don’t get to choose their circumstances,” she emphasizes. “It’s up to us to ensure they feel supported and valued.”
During her time in Miami, Michella saw firsthand how much Benjamin’s life improved when he was enrolled in a school that fostered inclusion. “He went from being non-verbal to speaking and reading,” she shares. “The right environment made all the difference, and I know it can do the same for other children.”
After a long search, Michella finally found a public school in Sydney that was willing to accept Benjamin. “I was overwhelmed with emotion when they called me to say he had been accepted,” she recalls. “The principal reassured me that other children with disabilities were doing well there, and I felt such relief knowing that Benjamin would have the chance to grow in a supportive environment.”
Michella’s ultimate goal is to see all children with disabilities included in the education system and society as a whole. While she knows that achieving this will take time, she remains dedicated to making it happen through her work with the DR Family Foundation.
In addition to her efforts in education, Michella is expanding the foundation’s initiatives to provide opportunities for children to connect and build relationships. Soon, the DR Family Foundation will launch a soccer team for children with disabilities, offering them a chance to engage in physical activity and build friendships. “It’s about creating a space where every child feels welcome,” Michella says. “We want them to experience the joy of belonging to a team.”
Michella’s journey as a single mother has taught her the importance of resilience and community. Through her work with the DR Family Foundation, she hopes to support other families as they navigate similar challenges. “Benjamin has been my greatest teacher,” she says. “He’s shown me what it means to be strong and to never give up.”
For updates on Michella Filipowitz’s journey and her ongoing work with the DR Family Foundation, follow her on Instagram @princessmichella.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
