Michella Filipowitz: Redefining Family and Finding Fulfillment Through Love and Philanthropy
Michella Filipowitz’s journey is a testament to how life can lead us down unexpected paths, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and connection. As a model, businesswoman, and co-chair of the DR Family Foundation, Michella has proven that love and family take many forms—and that the most important thing is following your heart.
At just 15, Michella made the bold decision to leave her family behind and move to Paris to pursue a career in modeling. It was a move that would change her life forever, thrusting her into the fast-paced world of fashion and glamour. However, behind the scenes, Michella was dealing with personal challenges that made her realize the lack of mental health support available to young people like her. “Looking back, I didn’t have the emotional tools I needed back then,” she shares. “But those struggles helped shape who I am today.”
Years later, at the age of 23, Michella found herself in another life-altering situation—becoming a single mother. Her son, Benjamin, was diagnosed with autism at the age of three, and this diagnosis marked a turning point in her life. "Being a single mother is tough, but when you add raising a child with autism, it becomes an entirely different challenge," she says. "I had to navigate everything on my own, and it wasn’t easy."
Despite these difficulties, Michella found her calling through her son’s diagnosis. Instead of letting the challenges defeat her, she became an advocate for Benjamin and other children with disabilities, driven by the belief that every child deserves a chance to succeed. "I was determined to find the best therapies and schools for Benjamin," she explains. "I realized early on that children with disabilities often face isolation, and I refused to let that happen to my son."
After extensive research, Michella found a supportive environment for Benjamin in Miami. "The school we found changed everything," she recalls. "Benjamin went from being non-verbal to reading and speaking—he exceeded all my expectations." However, when Michella moved to Sydney with her fiancé, she quickly discovered that the support systems available for children with disabilities were much more limited than in Miami. "The lack of resources here in Australia was frustrating, but I was determined to give Benjamin the same opportunities," she explains.
Her fiancé played a crucial role in supporting her throughout the journey. "From the moment we met, he understood how important Benjamin is to me," Michella shares. "We fell in love quickly, and he accepted Benjamin like his own son. That bond is one of the main reasons I love him so much."
Together, Michella and her fiancé co-founded the DR Family Foundation, with a focus on helping children with disabilities and children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Their mission is simple: to provide love, support, and opportunities to kids who need it most. "We’re building a home for children who come from broken homes, kids with disabilities, and kids who don’t have anywhere else to turn," says Michella. "But more than a home, we’re creating a community where they can feel safe and valued."
In addition to their work with the foundation, Michella’s advocacy extends to promoting inclusivity in schools. "I believe all children, regardless of their abilities, should be integrated into society," she says. "Putting kids with disabilities in separate schools isn’t the answer. We need to teach children to embrace differences from an early age."
Michella’s vision for the future is a world where love and acceptance are at the core of every community. Her work with the DR Family Foundation is paving the way for this vision to become a reality. "Benjamin is the reason I am who I am today," she reflects. "Through him, I’ve learned that family, love, and success aren’t defined by traditional standards. We’ve created something beautiful, and I want to help other families do the same."
To learn more about Michella Filipowitz’s journey and her work with the DR Family Foundation, follow her on Instagram @princessmichella.
