Cheers to Thurston County Inclusion’s 'Runway Revolution'
Originally published on The JOLT News on March 24, 2026.
Throughout my K-12 education, I would occasionally have classmates with special needs who would spend a majority of their time with their paraeducator.
I smiled at them, said hello, and enjoyed conversation as the moments allowed, but I felt a distance between us. With distance came a lack of understanding. That is why I am so grateful for what my mom did:
My mom took multiple opportunities to have herself, my sister and I volunteer with a special needs respite care facility, and I absolutely loved it!
As a kid, I got to play with other kids my age who had their own set of talents and imaginations. Their creativity and joy made every room they entered sparkle.
I learned so much from my new friends because just like with everyone else, we had similarities and differences. I will say I had never met a kinder, sweeter or more loving group of people.
There are stereotypes, stigmas, terrible language and inaccurate ideas surrounding the special needs community that sometimes arise, but I have discovered that those opinions are typically circulated by individuals who have never spent time with anyone from this community.
Unfortunately, many of these inexperienced and unrepresentative individuals are theones who write policy or are in some form of leadership. I hope that will change one day as more people advocate for representation, diversity and inclusion in all spaces and come to events like the “Runway Revolution.”
‘Runway Revolution'
“Runway Revolution,” which took place at Faith Lutheran Community Center in Lacey on March 21, was one of the most joyous events I have ever attended.
People cheered, clapped, or silently waved ribbon wands depending on the needs and desires of each model. I loved celebrating the beauty that emanated from the inside out on each of the models. Their outfits were fabulous and their smiles shined like the sun itself.
I really applaud how the team at Thurston County Inclusion organized this event! Each member of the team was really aware of and kind about the needs of each model, which allowed them to plan well and create seamless transitions on stage. The love and intentionality poured into this event was evident.
The atmosphere was bright with spring colors and flowers, and the ambiance was made even brighter as models walked down the runway to the songs of their choice. I think everyone has their own song to pump them up (mine varies based on which musical I am obsessed with at the time). I loved witnessing each model’s face light up when their song came up! Thank you to Thurston County Inclusion for making that happen!
Every event I attend leaves me with some lesson or message to carry in my heart, and "Runway Revolution" was no exception. The whole heart behind this show was to remind us that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and that everyone is genuinely beautiful enough to be a model.
The modeling industry itself has such a narrow viewpoint on beauty, and it’s a trueshame because it is missing out on celebrating some truly remarkable models and people.
I think about the ways the industry has shaped the public vision of beauty, and how that has resulted in the shaping of people’s viewpoints on themselves and others. The industry tries to define for us what is cool or attractive, and that has led to the massive repercussions we have witnessed in the bullying, self-harm or suicide, and insecurity crises. All of this has created an air of exclusivity and has proclaimed the message that if you do not meet the standard, you are not enough.
You are enough, and we really do need a“Runway Revolution.”
Speaking of revolutions, model and speaker Ivanova Smith gave an incredible speech that packed a powerful punch. My favorite line was, “You can’t talk about us without us!” Again, I think about policymakers and organizations — none of them can properly serve their designated communities without proper representation.
Thurston County Inclusion is quite literally inclusive in every organizational detail, and that is why I encourage you to give as you are able so that they can continue to empower our community and bring us all together under one very big and vibrant umbrella.
Explore Thurston County Inclusion’s website (https://www.thurstoncountyinclusion.org/) to learn more.
https://thejoltnews.com/stories/cheers-to-thurston-county-inclusions-runway-revolution,28594