DRIVING CHANGE

Fuelled by her passion for life and a purpose to serve those in her community, Zoe Zora is championing her cause as a disability and mental health advocate. In this fourth installment of the "HER WORLD, HER SPARK" series, Zora shares why it's important to speak up about building a more inclusive society in Singapore.

- Goh Hwee Koon

Fathima Zohra, better known as Zoe Zora, is not afraid to stand by her beliefs on inclusivity, and be the voice for people with disabilities and mental health issues.

When she was 20 years old, a car accident left her paralysed from neck down. It has been seven years, but she still has to manage recurring physical pain and sometimes mental stressthrough medication. Nevertheless, she is determined to overcome every challenge in her second chance at life.

"Life can change in a matter of seconds, but it's what you make of the new life you have that matters. And I want to speak up for those who are less heard, or desire to be heard, but are not so confident in expressing their views," she says.

WEARING HER HEART ON HER SLEEVE

Now 27, Zora is a full-time inclusive employment recruiter for a social enterprise that empowers people with disabilities to pursue gainful employment and independence.

"I share with employers the need for us to be hired. However, they should focus on the skill sets that suit the jobs available, because hiring shouldn't be tied to wanting to give back to society. We deserve the same opportunities as everyone else," she says, adding that she works not to keep herself occupied, but because she has aspirations like everyone else.