Today we’d like to introduce you to Cody Bowman

Hi Cody, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

I was born with Spina Bifida, a birth defect. So I use a manual wheelchair to get around. However, I was raised to be extremely independent. Luckily, my parents were very supportive & believed in me and my abilities. I would not be where I am today if it were not for how I was raised. They pushed me to do my best. I am the first in my family to earn a college degree…I now have 2 under my belt!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

Unfortunately, no. As someone who identifies as a person with a disability, it has not been easy…but I believe that it has been worth it! I’ve had to work extra hard to prove myself to the world and to people who doubted me. I’ve also had to deal with a lot of trauma in between…including my parents splitting up after 25 years. However, despite it all, I kept moving forward. The only way to go when your down is UP!

Some of the struggles that I have faced pertaining to my disability are people not accepting me for who I am, employers not taking a chance on me because of their belief in what I cannot do, and societies general misconceptions and pre-conceieved notions about what someone with a disability is like. People might say that I have overcome things but I don’t like that saying. I haven’t overcome, I have persevered in spite of the obstacles thrown my way.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

Well, my dream job would be to work in digital marketing. I have experience with content creation and social media management so that is my long term goal. I received my Bachelor’s of Arts in Professional & Technical Communications from the University of South Florida in 2023. So right now, I am searching for more opportunties to gain experience. I love being able to tell a story via visuals and engaging people. I love having the opportunity to be creative.

Any big plans?

Like I said previously, my dream job is to work in digital marketing. That is my long term goal. I am hopeful! I am working with Vocational Rehabilitation to help me to get to where I want to be.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: wheelchairdiva