Chou Chats with Latrea Russ , Disability Empowerment Coach

Latrea Russ is a passionate Disability Empowerment Coach, eight-time published author, and dynamic motivationalspeaker dedicated to shifting the narrative around disability. As the founder of More Than My Disability, she works to empower children with disabilities and their families to recognize their value, embrace their voice, and thrive beyond the labels society places on them.

Born with a disability and raised in an environment filledwith challenges, Latrea’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and purpose. Rather than being defined by her diagnosis or circumstances, she chose to rewrite her story and now helps others do the same. Her award-winning book, It’s Not What It Looks Like: I Am Not Doing That Anymore, offers a raw and inspiring look at overcoming adversity and finding purpose in pain.

With over 20 years of experience in early childhoodeducation and a Master’s in Education with a focus on curriculum development, Latrea combines lived experience with professional expertise to connect with families, educators, and organizations. She provides coaching sessions, workshops, and virtual events that address bullying, self-esteem, confidence-building, and inclusion—all designed to uplift and equip those impacted by disability.

Latrea is also the host of the upcoming podcast, The Inconvenience of Disability, where she challenges societal views on disability and advocates for authentic representation and inclusion. Her impact extends across communities as she continues to speak at expos, forums,and school events nationwide, encouraging others to see disability not as a limitation, but as a different beginning.

Latrea’s mission is simple but powerful: to remind everychild and adult with a disability that they are more than their diagnosis—and to equip them with the tools to walk boldly in their truth. Her voice is a beacon of hope, her message is one of strength, and her purpose is rooted in transformation.

You can contact her on most social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok),on her website (www.coachlatrea.net), or by email at [e-mail].