For our first featured guest, I would like to introduce super-producer Simon Illa. Simon has been a mentor to me since we met over 10 years ago. As a young person with a disability, he was one of the first adults I met living independently with a significant physical disability similar to my own. Under his mentorship is where I learned that I, too, could live independently with accommodations and have a fulfilling career. Not only does he inspire me to have even greater confidence in my own abilities, but he is a great friend as we share a passion for music and fashion. It was no coincidence we were both wearing Carmelo Anthony jerseys the first time we met. Below is a short video he has made for us all and a short bio as well. Also, be sure to definitely check him out at his own site, www.simonilla.com!

Redefining ‘disability’ by example has always been Simon’s philosophy. Born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Simon was raised under the ideal that, while he was/is different from the average person, physically, it was ultimately up to HIM to find out what he was capable of doing. “Growing up, I was always pushing my limits, breaking bones, being bed-ridden for weeks, and bouncing right back. What I didn’t know then is that I was learning patience and perseverance. These are qualities that just became more and more engrained in defining me as a person. I’ve never set out to inspire anyone or be a role model. My dream growing up was to be a record producer… so, being raised the way I was, I always questioned ‘why NOT me’ and there was never an answer… so here I am.”

Since his break into the music industry, Simon Illa has produced and written with and for artists such as Big Boi signees Vonnegutt, D Woods of Danity Kane, Jonny Craig and more, remixed Manchester Orchestra, the Millionaires and others. His versatile production abilities have landed his work on everything from Major League Baseball to Documentaries to Major Film Work. Simon earned an Emmy Nomination for his music production for NBC’s ‘Tribute to 9/11’, was dubbed ‘Philadelphia’s Hottest Producer’ by Blender Magazine, and is often recognized from his appearance on TLC’s hit series ‘Miami Ink’. As Steve Lillywhite (producer of U2, Dave Mathews Band. and more) says “Just Google his name – Simon Illa”.