Maureen Gazda – Editor & Senior Journalist
Maureen lives her life by the age old mottos, “Everything happens for a reason” and “Live life to the fullest”. Her young life was changed in an instant when she dove into her friend’s backyard pool and suffered a devastating spinal cord injury. The reality of being paralyzed from the waist down was a sudden and tragic loss for the seasoned twelve year old athlete, but having an optimistic attitude proved to be an essential coping mechanism for Maureen. She used her “I can do this” attitude to conquer any struggle or challenge that came her way and she quickly realized that she could still accomplish all the goals and dreams she had envisioned for her future. With this attitude, Maureen has gone on to accomplish a great deal since that tragic July day thirteen years ago.
Maureen is a 2007 graduate of The University of Massachusetts at Amherst earning a Bachelor’s degree in English. She has always maintained an intense passion for writing and has spent the past few years’ freelance writing for a variety of publications. Maureen is an extremely motivated and enthusiastic person and is excited to be a part of ILWAD’s news department. As senior journalist, she hopes to provide insightful articles and interviews that evoke inspiration and passion among the readers. She thoroughly enjoys interviewing and writing about inspiring people and the difference they make in the world.
Instead of dwelling on her disability, Maureen chooses to focus on and celebrate the many talents and abilities she has been given. She believes that we all have so much to offer the world in our own unique way.
Maureen’s Profile: @mgazda | Contributions: Disability News Articles
