Tamara Mena, whom we've previously featured as an Inspiring Latina, made history at New York Fashion Week when she became the first Latina to model in a wheelchair.
Mena, a spinal cord injury survivor, modeled for Modelle & Rotelle, the only high-fashion show featuring models in wheelchairs.
READ: Meet more fabulous, real Inspiring Latinas!
Orgullosa de ser la primera #latina en silla en MBFW! Sólo quiero compartirlo con @Latina Y @PriscilRodrig! Por fin!! pic.twitter.com/NLhMnIZ3yM
— Tamara Mena (@TamaraMena1) February 16, 2015
Mena has been paralyzed since age 19, when she was involved in a car accident that took the life of her boyfriend. Despite her injuries, she maintains an optimistic attitude about her life and mission. "It heightened and intensified by appreciation for life and my gratitude," she told us. "I definitely appreciated my life before, but not nearly as much whatsoever. I truly, truly value everything that I do have, not just life in general."
"It's crazy to say this, but going through this life-changing experience and what I did to get through it, is what has allowed me to believe in myself so much," she continued. "I was always a go-getter, but I didn't believe in myself the way I do now."
PLUS: First model with Down syndrom walks New York Fashion Week.
