Gerrit Zwaal

Advocate

Gerrit is more than a handsome face. He represents the importance of diversity, inclusion, empowerment and what happens when, against all odds,  we believe in ourselves and never give up! 

Born with a cleft lip, Gerrit endured multiple surgeries but made a decision to not fully alter his birth defect. Instead, he chose to show others that we are all different and that is to be celebrated, not hidden.  At age 7, Gerrit was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome which is comorbid with ADHD, LD, anxiety and OCD to name a few. He has risen above painful tics, societal stereotypes, challenges in education and with self-esteem. By the time he was in high school, Gerrit embraced his neurobiological disorder and began to celebrate it as what makes him unique and amazing. He mentored other children and teens with similar challenges and in this found his calling. Now in his first year in University, he is working toward a psychology degree to create change in society. His goal is to ensure others with birth defects or disorders see that anything is possible when you believe in yourself and accept all of your differences as gifts!