About the Author

Speak loud enough for so everyone can be heard. – Tiara S. Mercius

Tiara Mercius, J.D., is a New York native living in Long Beach, CA. She underwent emergency amputations in her infancy to avoid the spread of blood clots in her legs and fingers. By the age of 10, Tiara had undergone 13 different surgeries. She used prosthetics during grade school before making the decision to use her wheelchair full-time . It seems like an odd decision but, it was probably one of the best ones. She’s become more mobile, more independent and more confident. Her four wheels opened up the world to her.

In 2018, Tiara graduated from Southwestern Law School. She was a member of several student organizations, including the Trial Advocacy Honors Program, Black Law Students Association, Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity, Latino Law Students Association, Public Interest Law Committee, and more.

She’s still writing her story. So check back often for updates, articles and information.

Tiara is available for interviews and speaking engagements. Here are some of her past appearances.

“Sharing a World with Others”: Rhetoric’s Ecological Turn and the Transformation of the Networked Public Sphere

Part 1 Interview With Activist and Blogger Tiara Simmons-Mercius On Ableism, Law School, Pregnancy and Disability

Part 2 How to Confront Ableism, Racism, Sexism in the Medical Industry, On Social Media, and In School: An Interview with Activist and Blogger, Tiara Simmons-Mercius

Southwestern Team Reaches semi-finals at TAHP Competition

Wheelchairs On Planes: Why Can’t Passengers Use Their Own Onboard?

Disabled People Call Out Things Non-Disabled People Don’t Realize Are Offensive

#38 – Evolving Careers, Part 2: How Careers Aren’t Working for Women

‘A powerful shift’: Disability advocacy, once an afterthought in presidential races, gains new traction

A Starting Point for Disability Justice in Legal Education

Southwestern Recognized for Diversity by ABA Law Students Division