A Message I Didn’t Expect to Send

I wasn’t expecting to send this email today. My next message was supposed to be a celebratory one about CORXLY’s progress as we prepare to go live, but here we are. The events of the past 24 hours have been a reminder of both the progress we hoped to see and the challenges we still face.

Last night, I decided not to turn on the news or check social media. Instead, I went to bed holding onto hope. Hope that this morning, I would be able to celebrate not only the election of our first female president but also a leader from an underrepresented background – a figure who could represent the true diversity of this country.

This election was a missed opportunity. It wasn’t just about breaking a glass ceiling; it was about creating a new vision of what leadership could be. Alongside Kamala Harris, we almost had a vice president in Tim Walz who could bring a deeply personal understanding of disability to the national conversation. Tim, whose son Gus has a non-verbal learning disorder and ADHD, represents millions of families who face similar challenges. His presence could have marked a powerful step forward for disability advocacy and for creating policies grounded in empathy and real-life experiences.

Instead, we lost a chance to elect leaders who prioritize accessibility, equity, and inclusion because they know what it’s like to navigate these issues themselves. Leaders like Kamala (even with her imperfections) and Tim understand the importance of building systems that work for everyone – leaders who bring not just policy ideas but a deeply compassionate, accessible, and understanding perspective to governance.

As a Latina, an immigrant, and someone who is neurodivergent and lives with chronic health issues, I feel both frustration and renewed determination. This moment is a reminder of how much work we still have to do, and it reinforces my commitment to a more inclusive and equitable future.

This is why I founded CORXLY: to create a safe, supportive, and empowering space for those who are often left out of traditional conversations, tools, and spaces. Our mission has never felt more critical. CORXLY will continue to be a haven for inclusivity, understanding, and community support. Now, more than ever, I’m doubling down on our commitment to uplift and empower those who feel sidelined.

Building for everyone shouldn’t be radical – it should be the norm. Creating solutions that serve the collective good is the heart of CORXLY’s mission, and I firmly believe that we’re on the right path. I want you to know that as someone who has certain privileges, I am dedicated to using them fully, to amplify voices that need to be heard, and to continue advocating for those who need it most.

CORXLY and I will keep moving forward. We will keep fighting for the values that unite us and make us stronger. Together, we will continue to work toward a future that values and includes every individual.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

In solidarity,
Ariana Rodriguez,

Founder & CEO of CORXLY