#VOZWOMAN | Bri Scalesse
We are honored to introduce our newest VOZ Woman, Bri Scalesse — model, writer, creative, and pioneering disability advocate. Based in New York City, Bri blends artistry with activism, using her platform to illuminate the beauty, spark, and strength of the disabled community. Recognized on Forbes’ Accessibility 100 list for her innovation in accessibility, her voice resonates across mediums - from Substack essays to a groundbreaking modeling career and powerful storytelling on Instagram and TikTok. A Columbia University MFA graduate, Bri has fronted campaigns for global brands including Google, Victoria’s Secret, NARS, Skims, and Nike, and starred in the Academy Award– and BAFTA–qualifying film As You Are. Beyond her modeling and writing, she mentors the next generation by teaching young disabled women at The Rolettes’ annual conferences. Through every facet of her work, Bri challenges media representation and champions equity in fashion, reminding us of the resilience, creativity, and community that define true beauty.
Your story is deeply inspiring. Can you share a pivotal moment in your journey that helped shape the woman you are today?
Moving to New York City changed my life. I moved here at 22 for graduate school, but I had huge hopes and dreams tucked away in my pocket. Dreaming of modeling ever since I was a little girl, the moment I had a chance to follow that dream, and to be the representation I didn’t see for disabled women growing up, I grasped onto it with my whole self. I really believe New York is a magical place that gifted me the opportunities I always hoped for.
What drives your passion for advocacy and justice?
Being a wheelchair user has given me an incredibly unique perspective on life. It has made me acutely aware of the inequalities disabled people face everyday. Advocacy has been imbedded into my career from the beginning because there are so many changes I have to constantly advocate for not only for myself but for all of the disabled models who come after me.
What role does community play in your life, both personally and professionally?
Community is at the core of my “why.” Why I model. Why I create content. Why I write. I was afraid to fully enter the disability community when I was younger, and when I finally allowed myself to make disabled friends, my life changed. I embraced and loved myself so much more.
Describe your personal style - how does fashion bring you joy?
Fashion is one of my core creative outlets. Fashion has always been such a huge part of me and how I express myself. I think I am still finding a personal style, I still love to play so much. Some days I want to wear all black and leather. Some days I want to wear a sexy lace dress. Some days I want to wear jeans and a corset. So I think my style is an eclectic mix of whatever feels right that day.
What does sustainability mean to you —how do you embody it in your everyday choices?
Sustainability to me really lies in focusing on forever pieces. I try to be really intentional with my staple pieces (jackets, pants, sweaters, bags) ensuring that they are excellent quality and can last with me throughout the seasons and years.
Are there any sustainable habits or rituals that have become second nature in your daily life?
Thrifting is my main and favorite form of shopping. If I’m looking to try a fun trend, I’ll always look at the thrifts. For those lifelong pieces, I look at brands that align with my values.
How do you use fashion as a tool for empowerment and storytelling?
It took me a long time to accept my body as a disabled woman. Now that I am so proud of who I am and of all of myself, I love using fashion to celebrate and adorn my body. And I love utilizing fashion as an ode to my younger self, showing her she can be sexy, strong, cool, and confident.
How has your relationship with fashion evolved over the years—especially when it comes to representation and accessibility?
I think being in the fashion industry, seeing the constant one step forward, two steps back, I have become more frustrated with the industry itself. But my relationship to fashion/clothes/style themselves is very personal. I wish the industry put more effort into representation for and creating with the disability community, in front of the camera and behind the scenes.
What advice would you give to women?
I would tell women to do what they want! To pursue their dreams. And dream so big. To live for themselves and not for others or letting their life revolve around others expectations.
How do you stay grounded in your values, especially while navigating spaces that aren’t always inclusive or ethical?
I always keep my “why” (my inner child and the disability community) at the forefront of my mind. And I don’t think I am or my career is perfect. You choose what values matter to you and you listen to that inner compass. Someone on the internet is probably always going to have an opinion about something. So I just try to stay true to myself and surround myself with really good people.
We're so grateful for the opportunity to share Bri's story with the VOZ Community. Follow her journey on Instagram and Tiktok.
