Meet Marcela Marañon, a Peruvian-born creator known as @thejourneyofabravewoman on TikTok. Marcela travels the world and constantly leads by example, inspiring others to follow their passions, accomplish their dreams and never give up. She is the first disabled Latina woman to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, and has become a strong advocate for the disabled community, bringing awareness to the lack of wheelchair access for disabled people. Read more below about how Marcela's journey on TikTok and how her advocacy has inspired others. 

What does it mean to you to be part of the Latinx community?

It means a lot to me. As a Latin disabled creator it is an honor to work with TikTok to help me express my commitment to the Latino disabled community and to spread awareness on TikTok about the importance of inclusion for disabled Latino creators.

How has your culture influenced or shaped you?

My culture has influenced me to be positive and strong. I think having the love of my family, friends and my Latin community has helped build my passion to make a difference.

How do you share your culture & community on and off of TikTok?

By the way I live my life. Knowing part of who I am is to serve others and make this world better through the work that I do -- which has pretty much been influenced by the way I was raised by my Latino parents. We focus on community, family and love.

How has the TikTok community inspired you?

TikTok has inspired me to create uplifting and encouraging messages within all of my content. When I create a TikTok, I do it with the intention of making a difference and helping others.

What video are you most proud of creating?

The rewalk videos because it is a technology that is helping people with spinal injuries to walk again, and not many people know that the technology exists.

What are some content creation tips you would offer to other creators?

To stay true to themselves. To create positive content. To think about what is like they would like to see when they open TikTok -- do you want to see an encouraging video or boring content? Stay consistent and do not give up!

Who are some Latinx creators that everyone should be following/watching?

I really like @milz_44 -- I think that her content is very brilliant and educational. She is a quadriplegic and she shows how she does things with the resources that she has.


[Trailblazer illustrations created by Brazillian artist Niege Borges for TikTok's Latinx Heritage Month celebration]