When I began my career in education, I quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. Later, when I moved into Applied Behavior Analysis, I was drawn to the structure and environment, but I found myself limited in my role due to minimal training. Volunteering at the age of 11 with an adaptive soccer program hooked me. Over time, gaining more experience and moving into leadership positions helped me find a better sense of purpose. Reflecting on this begs the question – once you find your purpose (or passion), how do you make a career out of it?
During my journey to answer this for myself, I met Alexia Michitti, an entrepreneur with a unique perspective on design and accessibility. Alexia was born with an underdeveloped right hand, which influenced her approach to her business. She founded “EM13RACE,” a company that focuses on designing athletic clothing for people with limb differences*. The EM13RACE logo reflects the variety and unique presentation of limb differences, with each letter having physical differences like shortened or missing pieces.
Like the logo, EM13RACE garments are practical and well-thought-out, catering to the specific needs of those who have different impacts. Whether it’s a shortened sleeve on one’s affected side or a cropped pant leg, Alexia’s designs address gaps in the clothing market that often overlooks limb different consumers. There are even design that cater to those without limb difference so anyone can benefit from the genius of EM13RACE.
So, how does this relate to the question of turning passion and purpose into a career? Alexia is a player for the U.S. Women’s National Amputee Soccer Team, serving as a goalkeeper despite being born with one hand. Growing up, she wasn’t allowed to play in this position, but now she fills that role on a national team. In addition to her position on the team, Alexia has contributed to its development through her leadership and advocacy, helping the team establish itself in the early stages. She grew-up in the traditional 11-a-side game of soccer with others without disabilities. Without sharing a story that is not my own, I will suggest that her experiences were not worthy of her abilities. That being said, she found passion and purpose in her experience as a player, person with a disability, and leader in the limb different community.
Her work in both business and sport highlights the broader potential for people to influence areas where they find inspiration. Identifying the age-old issue of rolling shirt sleeves for her hand and seeing her peers cut pant legs just to access the world around them, suggested a gap in accessibility; an opportunity that has traditionally been overlooked. Alexia’s contributions show how targeted solutions can have real impacts, both in everyday products and in organized sports. Her company addresses practical needs in adaptive fashion, and her role in the amputee soccer team demonstrates the importance of inclusion in all areas of life. Regardless if EM13RACE is her “end game,” she turned her passion into a career.
Entrepreneurship and innovation are some of the many ways we can capitalize on the things we care about. Once you find your passion, it’s a matter of assessing gaps and addressing using your interests and skillsets. Finding mentors** and leaders in (or adjacent to) that given space can help carve a path to lifelong involvement in your field of choice. Like Alexia, you too can turn care into a career.
*limb differences: having missing or uniquely developed upper and lower extremities; a more general term to describe the condition of person commonly referred to as an “amputee” as limb difference can be acquired (i.e. amputation) or congenital (i.e. impacted prenatal growth)
**mentors: haven’t found that right person to support your path? Connect with me via sayhowconsulting.com/schedule and let’s chat!
