Delegates represented Armenia, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Colombia, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Liberia, Malawi, Mexico, Mozambique, Pakistan, Peru, Romania, Tanzania, Thailand, and Zimbabwe. These delegates, representing diverse disabilities, bring expertise in fields such as law, policy, business, human rights, youth empowerment, education, health, media, HIV/AIDS, and violence prevention.
Embracing the “Loud, Proud and Passionate!®” theme, WILD women moved forward in their personal and professional roles as community, national and world leaders. Through a series of intensive seminars and site visits, delegates focused on implementing policy and legislation, networking with international allies, and improving access to healthcare, employment and educational opportunities. Delegates also participated in team building activities, river rafting, and adaptive cycling, while learning about U.S. culture by staying with local families.
One of the unique components of the WILD program was the Global Disability and Development Institute (GDDI), where WILD delegates met with representatives from international development, humanitarian and human rights agencies. From June 30 – July 2, this innovative retreat went beyond rhetoric to engage participants in direct dialogue about strategies for including women and girls with disabilities in development projects throughout the world.
Following are reflections from some of the 2025 WILD women, about their WILD experience and how it will impact their lives and work:
“Speaking in front of 100 people at the community event was a great experience for me. It has [built] a strong confidence in me and I now can stand and speak with confidence anywhere – now I am powerful!” – WILD 2025 Delegate from Tanzania
“My time in the program has led me to question many beliefs, dismantle others, and redefine key aspects of my life. It helped me gain greater clarity about what I want, value it, and commit to a concrete action plan to achieve those goals, both professionally and in my leadership role for other women with disabilities.” – WILD 2025 Delegate from Colombia [translated]
“The self-defense techniques gave me more confidence in protecting my own self, as well as motivated me to pass this knowledge to other women with disabilities.” – WILD 2025 Delegate from Indonesia
“WILD was much more than a leadership program. It was a turning point in my life. I arrived with high expectations, but also with fear, fatigue, and some open wounds. And I’m leaving with a renewed heart, with a network of sisters who are now part of my story, and with the certainty that I am capable of leading from who I am, with my body, with my story, with my voice.” – WILD 2025 delegate from Mexico [translated]
As a non-profit organization, Mobility International USA (MIUSA) is advancing disability rights and leadership globally®. Since 1981, MIUSA has offered international exchange programs for over 2,300 youth, adults and professionals with and without disabilities from more than 135 countries.
The 2025 WILD program was made possible through the generous support of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Channel Foundation, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Fanny Bess Philanthropic Fund, Western Digital, MADRE, Rotary Club of Eugene, University of Oregon, Strategy for Humanity Education Fund, and MIUSA’s Women’s Leadership Fund. The program was also supported by national and local organizations and businesses, as well as homestay families and volunteers.