Meet Monika, a Capes for Kids superhero. Each year ambassadors proudly wear their capes and inspire meaningful conversations about accessibility, inclusion, and creating a stigma-free world where everyone belongs. Our superheroes also generously share their stories, pose for photos, feature in ads, and join in so many festivities. We’re so excited for you to get to know them better.
Monika is breaking barriers and redefining beauty standards as Canada’s first professional runway model with Down syndrome. Monika is outspoken and a leader in her community, speaking about disability inclusion everywhere she goes, from the Paris Fashion Week runways to CTV News. As an advocate for inclusion and diversity, Monika continues to inspire others and demonstrate that beauty comes in all forms.
When Monika is a ‘model off duty’ she still loves the stage. Whether she’s performing a song, dance, or expressing herself through her own sense of fashion. When it comes to her sportier side, she loves to stay active through jogging, skiing, and of course swimming!
Monika’s love for swimming is what first brought her to Holland Bloorview, where she learned the basics before becoming a competitive synchronized swimmer. She also participated in music therapy and was a proud member of Bloorview Rocks, which she says “was a total blast!”
The most important thing to Monika is the people in her life. She loves to spend quality time with friends and family. With so much excitement and energy to give Monika says that her superpower is LOVE!
Her biggest wish in the world is to make everyone happy and spread kindness. Which is why she created her initiative I Am Brave and Beautiful, a bracelet to remind people that they are brave and beautiful. The idea is simple: Make a wish, tie the wishlet and believe in YOURself, pursue your dreams. Then when the wishlet comes off your dreams will come true!
Monika couldn’t be more excited to be rallying her community behind Capes for Kids! She hopes you all register, fundraise and confidently strut your stuff and wear your cape!