Jamal Hill
Thu, Apr 17, 3:30 PM
MCC Theater and Lounge
Join us in redefining disability athletics with paralympic swimmer, Jamal Hill, and UCSB students, Emily Libal, Yao Yao Xiao, and Ashlyn Shelton. During this panel, Jamal will uncover his personal journey on confronting and overcoming the shame associated with his disability. Swimming became a pathway to self-acceptance, mental well-being, and empowerment. Through his resilience, Jamal hopes to inspire audiences to face their insecurities and embrace their full potential. Additionally, Yao Yao, Emily, and Ashyln will talk about how their disabilities have shaped their identities as student athletes. The panel will be followed by a reception in the MCC lounge where guests can interact and share a meal with our guest speakers.
Guest Bios:
- Jamal Hill is a paralympic athlete, social entrepreneur, and global advocate for accessibility, innovation, and inclusion. He is the founder of the Swim Up Hill Foundation, he is on a mission to teach one million people how to swim annually, breaking barriers in sports, education, and technology. He is committed to creating equitable opportunities worldwide by challenging industries to rethink the power of perseverance.
- Yao Yao Xiao was born deaf with sensorineural hearing loss. She grew up playing many sports, including soccer, cross country, basketball, and track.
- Emily Libal was diagnosed with type one diabetes at age 4 and has been an athlete her whole life. Additionally, she has been on UCSB’s cheer team for two years.
- Ashlyn Shelton is on the UCSB Club Swim. She has pulmonary and muscular dysfunction, and has been swimming for 6 years.
