Is coexistence enough, or is it time we rethink the way we build community?
In this powerful episode of Connected Conversations, host Elena Petrova speaks with Julia Risso Villani - activist, educator, theater teacher, and voice-over artist—about why disability should never be framed as a tragedy, and how we can move beyond “coexistence” to something deeper: coexistence, collective care, and community without hierarchy.
🟢 Key Themes:
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Why “coexistence” isn’t the goal—and what true coexistence looks like
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How society’s obsession with “normal” excludes and devalues difference
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The role of education, childhood representation, and language in shaping equity
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Julia’s work using art and storytelling to drive political and cultural change
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Why access must be a collective responsibility, not a favour
From language to legislation, this episode challenges us to confront our own assumptions, and to reimagine the futures we build.
About Julia Risso:
Amparo Villar Garcia is a Cross-Cultural Communications certified trainer who brings 15 years of professional interpreting experience to her role. Her expertise spans medical interpretation (specializing in mental health), legal depositions, court proceedings, conference, and business interpreting.
As Ad-Astra's Head of Training since 2022, she has revolutionized the department by developing 18 comprehensive training programs and spearheading the upcoming Ad-Astra Online Skills Academy. Since 2018, she has been training interpreters across sectors, delivering both 40-hour and 60-hour medical and community interpretation certificates, demonstrating her commitment to elevating professional standards in the field.
🎧 Tune in to hear Julia’s radical and necessary vision of dignity, difference, and collective strength.
You can watch/listen to this episode here:
🟢 Spotify: https://shorturl.at/IdbJw
⚫ Apple Podcast: https://shorturl.at/NM7bc
🔵 Amazon Music: https://shorturl.at/8zKcG
