We’re looking forward to introducing you to Reaghan Velasquez. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Reaghan, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
In the wake of the devastating floods in Central Texas where one of The Yellow Out Campaign’s partnering inclusive playgrounds stand in Kerrville, Texas and that was just opened to the public in April 2025, our organization has found great moments of laughter and proudness. Proud of the great support our organization has developed at a local, state, and national level. The Yellow Out Campaign and myself are incredibly proud that we were able to donate 12 picnic tables to Camp CAMP of Center Point, Texas, which is a campsite that hosts children and young adults with disabilities throughout the year and connects so closely to our mission. Proud that in all that we have done within South-Central Texas lives true to our mission of encouraging all children and young adults the significance to “Be Yourself, Love Yourself, Express Yourself, Empower Yourself!”
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Reaghan Velasquez, the CEO and Founder of Houston based and South-Central Texas serving non-profit organization, The Yellow Out Campaign. Being born with the most common neurological condition known, Spina Bifida, has led me to not only be an advocate for the condition but also live empowered to make a difference for children and young adults living with disabilities by establishing inclusive playground structures and adventure days throughout the year since 2020. The Yellow Out Campaign strives to promote inclusion for people of all abilities, free of social and physical barriers.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
The Yellow Out Campaign has been a great blessing to many communities in South-Central Texas and the families we have provided opportunities of inclusion and friendship to. However, how we got here and my earliest memory of feeling not only powerful but reminded of my purpose, started in my hometown and in elementary school in 2012. Of course, I was just a kid, myself, and being in mainstream schooling while living an adaptive lifestyle is all I ever knew. But with the use of my walker in mind and apparent challenges to simply enjoy the playground at school, my science teacher came to me during recess and ask what my difficulties were when trying to enjoy the afternoon outdoor with peers. After sharing my challenges regarding the terrain and lack of accessibility, my teacher encouraged me to get to work and use my voice. While my peers were still enjoying their time outside, I was writing a letter to our school principal and requesting change, action, and to have a sense of inclusion for not just myself but future students. Within two days of submitting the letter, an engineer had finished installing an asphalt sidewalk and ramp into our school playground to help me better enjoy recess and the outdoors just like my peers. This early memory not only remind and expose me to my own personal power but it also continues to be a memory of motivation, a reminder of my purpose, and the beauty of support and inclusion.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
There is a lot I would tell myself, but one thing I would say to young me would be to not be ashamed of your scars, your testimony and story, embrace it because once you do, your purpose blossoms, friendships and relationships are created and your impact only grows. I would say, be kind to yourself, and remember the power of “Be Yourself, Love Yourself, Express Yourself, Empower Yourself!”
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
The Yellow Out Campaign is committed to promoting inclusion for people of all abilities, free of social and physical barriers, by providing inclusive play sites and experiences. Our organization is on a mission to make a change and be a voice, advocate and lead. Since 2020, The Yellow Out Campaign has been able to support 3 inclusive playgrounds in South-Central Texas with a 4th projected to reach levels of completion in 2027 in Pearland, Texas. Our organization is confident that these 4 inclusive play sites and the 4-6 inclusive adventure and activities that we currently host throughout the year will only continue to grow and develop in the next 5 years.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I am certain that I am doing what I was born to do; be an advocate and make a difference by using my gift of a diagnosis to benefit others in similar situations. I am a firm believer that this is where I was placed to be and what I was destined to live for. Having the ability to raise my hand, raise my voice, and raise awareness for the disabled community ignites a fire within me when focused on inclusion and opportunities for young people living with differences. Perhaps a part of that is because 23 years ago when I was born, resources and exposure to the disabled community were much more limited than they are today. But, I know the next 23 years will be filled with inclusivity, purpose, and empowerment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theyellowoutcampaign.org
- Instagram: @theyellowoutcampaign
- Linkedin: The Yellow Out Campaign
- Facebook: @theyellowoutcampaign
Image Credits
City of Kerrville, Manuel De Leon
