Skip Navigation
Skip to Footer

Brilynn Rakes, Communications Fellow

National Leadership Program, Summer 2017

Brilynn is facing the camera, has brown eyes, very curly hair, and is wearing a black shirt.

Brilynn Rakes

Brilynn Rakes was a Communications Fellow with RespectAbility, where she worked on changing the narrative in Hollywood to ensure accurate and positive cultural media portrayals of people with disabilities. Rakes is originally from Visalia, California. She is a recent graduate from Fordham University where she earned a BA in Communications and Media Studies. She also earned a BFA in Dance from the Ailey/Fordham program.

As a visually-impaired dancer, Rakes has performed works by Donald MyKayle, Christopher Huggins and Jose Limon. She also was invited to participate in the New York City Finals of the International Ballet Competition and Youth American Grand Prix in 2012 and 2013. Prior to joining RespectAbility, Rakes was the AT&T Spotlight Performer on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars where she performed alongside Emmy-nominated dancer and choreographer Derek Hough. Watch the AT&T Spotlight Behind the Scenes with Brilynn Rakes on YouTube.

Rakes profiled Cal Thomas, Dana Marlowe, Jonathan Murray and Gideon Culman, four guest speakers for the 2017 Summer Fellowship. Read them on our website:

Learn More About The National Leadership Program

Meet the Author

Brilynn Rakes

Brilynn Rakes is a Communications Fellow. She is a recent graduate from Fordham University. As a visually-impaired dancer, she was the AT&T Spotlight Performer on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars where she performed alongside Emmy-nominated dancer and choreographer Derek Hough.

0 comments… add one

Leave a Reply

Respect Ability - Fighting Stigmas. Advancing Opportunities.

Contact Us

Mailing Address:
RespectAbility
43 Town & Country Drive
Suite 119-181
Fredericksburg, VA 22405

Office Number: 202-517-6272

Email: info@respectability.org

Operational Excellence

RespectAbility is recognized by GuideStar at the Platinum level, and has earned a Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator.
© 2023 RespectAbility. All Rights Reserved. Site Design by Cool Gray Seven   |   Site Development by Web Symphonies   |      Sitemap

Back to Top

Translate »