PEA Group Perspectives: Marina’s Story in Honor of Disability Pride Month
Living with Cerebral Palsy means waking up every day and stepping into a world—not just its streets or buildings, but its systems and workplaces—that weren’t built with me in mind. It means navigating hand tremors and muscle contractions while confronting the quieter, heavier barriers: assumptions about my capabilities, my potential, and my place.
In the struggle, I’ve found deep growth—building meaningful relationships, expanding my skills, and discovering strength not despite my challenges, but because of them. And through it all, I’ve come to see what true inclusion really means. Never let your past experiences define your mentality and abilities today. Michael J. Fox puts it perfectly: “Frankly, my height or lack thereof never bothered me much. Although there is no doubt that it has contributed to a certain mental toughness. I’ve made the most of the head start one gains from being underestimated”.
Along my journey, I’ve worked with teams that didn’t just accept my disability—they celebrated my potential. PEA Group has been one of the brightest lights on that path. From the start, they’ve seen me—not my limitations, but my strengths, my voice, my contributions. And that shift in perspective has changed everything.
Inclusion, when done right, isn’t charity—it’s empowerment. And empowered people don’t just perform better—they thrive. PEA Group has shown that they get it. Whether it’s adaptive equipment, flexible scheduling, or simply giving me the space to say, “Here’s what works best for me,” they’ve met me with understanding, not hesitation. With respect, not resistance.
Because of that, I show up to work every day as my whole, authentic self. I don’t feel like I’m there to check a box. I feel like I’m there because what I bring to the table matters. And that feeling—that deep sense of belonging—fuels my passion, my confidence, and my commitment to the mission we share.
There’s still work to be done. Inclusion everywhere is still a goal, not yet a reality. But I’m proud—so proud—to be part of a company that’s leading by example. One that sees people for who they are, invests in their potential, and understands that success isn’t measured by what we can’t do or our current struggles—but by everything we can despite them.
Because when you’re truly seen, when you’re truly heard—there’s no limit to what you can achieve.