By Audrey Willett:
The founder of Maemuki Talks, Mon Oliveros, hopes to spread awareness about people with disabilities. Please enjoy my interview with her for The Gen Z Collective!
AW: Tell us all about you and your organization!
MO: My name is Mon Oliveros, I’m a student from Mexico, and I’m the creator of Maemuki Talks. I grew up living with a person in a wheelchair, so since I was a child I saw the lack of awareness in the world when we talk about disabilities. I had been wanting to talk about issues that I consider important for a long time, but I didn't know where to start. A few months ago, I started writing articles for an organization called Wish With You, which also seeks to raise awareness about disabilities, and in writing my articles I found great people with incredible stories. That's when Maemuki was born, a profile where I share stories, inspirational messages, and more information about disabilities.
AW: Why do you think it’s important for your generation to let their voices be heard? MO: We are the generation of change, and it is up to us to generate awareness for a better world, for an incredible future. We really have a lot of power, so we have to use it for a positive impact.
AW: Are you optimistic or pessimistic about the future? MO: Sometimes we let our negative side take over us, but I like to think positively. I consider myself an optimistic person when we talk about the future, and more so when we see that we are the generation that transforms and raises our voice.
AW: What are the most important issues facing our world right now? And in the future? MO: I think that everywhere we turn, we are going to find major issues that need attention and change. So, I can't pick and choose which is more important, but I can sum it up as what we need is to stick together, take care of the Earth, and respect others.
AW: What does your organization offer that helps the world be a better place?
MO: What I seek, as I said before, is to generate awareness and incite respect. By knowing and staying informed, we can make society a much more united environment for real change in the years to come.
AW: Will you be voting in the next election?
MO: Of course, I think it is very important to be informed in order to choose what will propel us towards a better future.
AW: Please tell us all about your current campaigns, projects, and endeavors. Tell everyone where to find you online and on social platforms.
MO: I will continue to write articles, and I plan to connect with people from all over the world to learn their stories. Speaking more about future plans, I plan to get in touch with authorities in my city first, to generate more access for people in wheelchairs! You can find me on Instagram as @maemukitalks. If you have a story or know someone, don't hesitate to contact me. Also, if you have any questions, my messages are always open. AW: If there is anything else you would like to say, please do! MO: Remember, we are a generation full of power, we have to use it for a massive and positive impact. I would also like to say that we are going through difficult times, I understand that, and that's why my messages are always open. If you want a new friend, you can also contact me on my personal Instagram @mon.oliveross. Don’t hesitate to reach out!
Audrey Willett is a southern California sophomore in high school. She is an activist and aspiring filmmaker, and the Social Media Outreach coordinator for The Gen Z Collective.