Today we’d like to introduce you to Zoie Stout.
Hi Zoie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up with a loved one who had Cerebral Palsy. It hsaped how I viewed th world in many ways. I watched this person overcome many things that other people with disabilities may not have the same opportunity to do. It made me want to work towards making it known that every individual has a voice and should have a way to use it. I became passionate about making sure others are seen and heard no matter their circumstances.
That passion stayed with me as I got older and began working with students with disabilities in college. I started seeing firsthand how many communication barriers still exist. Some individuals simply need encouragement and confidence to speak up, while others don’t have access to the tools or resources they need to communicate effectively. Those experiences inspired me to create Be Seen, Be Heard (BSBH), a nonprofit focused on helping individuals facing communication challenges feel empowered and supported.
Before launching BSBH, I spent several years building my business, Johnson City Modeling, LLC, where I combined fashion and advocacy through community benefit fashion shows. Over the last six years, I’ve hosted more than 12 events that raised over $13,000 for the Cerebral Palsy Foundation. But for me, those events were always about more than fundraising, they were about creating conversations, building understanding, and reminding people that everyone has something meaningful to say.
Today, I’ve started bringing that same mission into local schools, speaking to students about disability inclusion, communication differences, and empathy. Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue growing BSBH and launch initiatives like Disability Accessibility Awareness Day in Johnson City to bring communities together and create real conversations around accessibility and inclusion.
Everything I’ve experienced has led me to this purpose: helping others feel seen, heard, and understood. I’ve learned how powerful a voice can be, and now I want to help others find theirs too.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Yes and no. I am so blessed to be where I am at. However, there are constant learning curves when trying to build something great. Producing events is a difficult task in itself, but also maintaining a non-profit and LLC through college has been a challenge as well. Time management is something I have learned and learned well.
Another challenge has been just simply getting the word and mission out to as many ears and eyes as possible. I want to ACTUALLY make a difference and not just claim to be making one. I want feedback and difficult converstaions started. It can be hard to make this happen, but I will continue to strive to do so.
We’ve been impressed with Be Seen Be Heard, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Be Seen Be Heard is a non-profit organization with a mission to break down communication barriers for people with disabilities. We want people to be able to use their voice and feel seen and heard. Not all voices sound the same, and that is OK!
We host events where we talk about BSBH and our mission. We have partnered with varius businesses to get our message out.
Our non-profit is in the middle of producing a website for people in need to come and ask for assistance. We want to help connect resources to those in need. That may look like communication class, SLP sessions, medical help, ASL classes, etc. We are working to continue our knowledge on disabilities and resources surrounding ommunication differences!
We are accepting donations and resource inquiries always!
What matters most to you? Why?
Getting the Be Seen Be Heard message to the world! Our message is to make sure everyone knows that they have a voice and everyone should be able to use their voice, no matter what that may look like. This is so important to me because we all have something to say. If someone has a communication difference or disability, they should still be able to say what they need to!
Contact Info:
- Website: Coming Soon!
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beseenbeheardnp/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoie-stout-7325b5335
- Other: Email: [email protected]
