For Carol Leish, advocacy is personal.
At just 10 months old, Carol suffered a brain injury when the car she was riding in was struck by a drunk driver. The accident affected her vision, hand-eye coordination and speech, creating challenges that would follow her throughout her life.
But Carol refused to let those challenges define her.
Instead, they became part of the reason she has devoted her career and volunteer work to helping others better understand individuals with disabilities. Through her work as a journalist, motivational speaker, educator and advocate, Carol encourages people to look beyond disabilities and recognize the abilities, talents and common experiences that connect us all.
Since 2013, Carol has been a journalist for the local newspaper, The Breeze. She is also a speaker and advocate who works to raise awareness and promote understanding of individuals with disabilities. She shares her own experiences with audiences in businesses, schools, hospitals, community organizations and clubs, using personal stories, humor and practical examples to encourage greater acceptance and inclusion.
Carol holds a Master’s degree in Education and Counseling from California State University, San Bernardino, where she maintained a 3.6 GPA. Her education and professional experience have included teaching preschool and elementary school students, as well as working with nonprofit organizations.
Her background in education and counseling has helped shape her approach to advocacy. Carol understands that every person learns and communicates differently, and she believes that creating understanding often begins with simply taking the time to listen.
A central message in Carol’s work is that people with disabilities have unique strengths and abilities that should be recognized and valued.
She emphasizes the importance of adapting, improvising and making accommodations when challenges arise. Rather than focusing solely on what someone cannot do, Carol encourages audiences to consider what that person can do – and what changes might make it possible for them to participate more fully.
One of her favorite sentiments reflects that philosophy: “Remember always that you not only have the right to be an individual, you have an obligation to be one. Every human being is a product of their time and their society and we are all more similar than we are different.”
Carol strongly supports the idea that, despite individual differences, people share far more common ground than they may realize.
She also frequently refers to Mark Twain’s quote, “God’s greatest blessing is the ability to think for yourself,” emphasizing the value of allowing people to bring their own perspectives, experiences and ideas to the community.
Carol believes this diversity of thought is especially important when discussing disability. People with disabilities should not simply be viewed as individuals who need assistance, she says, but as people who have experiences, knowledge and strengths that can benefit everyone.
Advocacy in Action
Carol’s advocacy extends beyond her presentations.
Since 2021, she has served as an advocate for people with disabilities on the Advisory Council for the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging. She participates in committees addressing aging, employment and other issues affecting people with disabilities, with a focus on respect, opportunity and fair treatment.
She is also involved with the Aging and Disability Resource Connection and serves as a Consumer Representative on the California Department of Aging’s Aging & Disability Resource Connection Committee.
One of the concepts Carol supports through this work is California’s “No Wrong Door” system, which is designed to make it easier for older adults and individuals with disabilities to find the services and support they need.
“The ‘No Wrong Door’ system in California is designed to streamline access to services and supports for older adults and individuals with disabilities,” Carol said.
The concept is intended to ensure that regardless of where a person first seeks assistance – whether through an agency, organization or service provider – they can be connected with the appropriate resources rather than being passed from one agency to another.
For Carol, making those systems easier to navigate is part of creating a community where people are treated with dignity and have meaningful opportunities to participate.
Above & Beyond – Carol to Be Honored at Upcoming Event
Carol Leish will be one of three individuals honored at the Brain Injury Center’s Gala on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at Las Posas Country Club in Camarillo.
The evening, “Making Magical Memories,” will include a champagne reception, silent and live auctions, a gourmet dinner and award presentations. The event celebrates the remarkable contributions of brain injury survivors, professionals and family caregivers.
This year’s Above & Beyond Award recipients are Carol Leish, Graal Diaz and Dotti Oliveras, recognized for their dedication and positive impact in the community.
The Brain Injury Center in Camarillo provides support and resources for individuals affected by brain injuries, as well as their families and caregivers. Services include rehabilitation, education, advocacy and community support, with the goal of helping individuals regain independence, improve their quality of life and navigate the challenges associated with brain injury.
For more information about the Brain Injury Center and the gala, visit www.braininjurycenter.org