Michella Filipowitz, a model, art dealer, and philanthropist, has led a remarkable life that has taught her invaluable lessons about love, family, and resilience. From a young age, she has carved her own path, showing the world that the concept of family doesn't need to fit into a traditional mold to be beautiful.
At the age of 15, Michella left her home to chase her dream of becoming a model in Paris. It was a bold move for someone so young, but one that shaped her into the strong woman she is today. Reflecting on her early years, she shares how the lack of emotional support during difficult times highlighted the gaps in society’s approach to mental health. "I wish I had someone to talk to during those times, but I didn’t," she says. This realization later became one of the driving forces behind her philanthropic work.
Fast forward several years, Michella’s life took another unexpected turn. At 23, she became a single mother to her son, Benjamin, whose autism diagnosis would further shape her perspective on life. "When I became a single mother, I faced challenges that I never imagined," she explains. "But the hardest part was accepting Benjamin’s autism and navigating a world that wasn’t designed to support him."
Determined to find the best possible care for her son, Michella dived into research, exploring therapies, and schooling options that could help Benjamin thrive. Her experiences led her to realize how isolating the world can be for children with disabilities, especially when they are placed in schools that segregate them from their peers. "Integration is key," she emphasizes. "Children with disabilities deserve to be part of society, not isolated from it."
Michella’s life took another turn when she met her fiancé. "We clicked immediately," she recalls. Their bond grew quickly, and soon they were planning their future together, which included moving to Sydney. While the move presented its own set of challenges, particularly in finding the right support system for Benjamin, Michella was determined to continue advocating for her son’s needs.
One of the most significant challenges she faced in Australia was the lack of mental health and disability support services, something she hadn’t anticipated after her time in Miami. "It’s shocking how limited the resources are here," she says. "But it also made me appreciate the support I had from my fiancé and his family, who have embraced Benjamin as their own."
Together, Michella and her fiancé co-founded the DR Family Foundation, with Benjamin’s story at the heart of their mission. Their foundation is dedicated to supporting children from diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities and those coming from difficult family situations. "We want to build a space where children can feel safe, supported, and loved," she explains.
One of their biggest projects is building a home for children in need, a project that goes beyond providing shelter. "It’s about creating a community where children can connect, grow, and find the love and support they deserve," says Michella. The foundation also offers assistance with school fees for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring that no child is left behind due to financial limitations.
For Michella, her journey has been deeply personal, but she hopes to inspire others to embrace the nontraditional paths life sometimes takes. "Family doesn’t have to look a certain way to be full of love," she reflects. "My son, Benjamin, was the catalyst for all of this, and now, alongside my fiancé, we’re building something bigger than ourselves—a community based on love, acceptance, and support."
To follow Michella Filipowitz’s journey and learn more about her work with the DR Family Foundation, visit her on Instagram @princessmichella.
