UOW alumni: Changing the narrative from page to screen
This news story highlights the inspiring journey of Hannah Diviney, a writer, actor, author, and disability advocate. Hannah, who has cerebral palsy, has defied early medical expectations and used her voice to champion inclusivity and representation. She graduated from the University of Wollongong (UOW) with degrees in Creative Writing and International Studies in 2021.
Hannah’s advocacy work includes leading a global campaign for Disney to create a disabled princess and calling out ableist lyrics in songs by major artists like Lizzo and Beyoncé. She co-founded the social impact newsroom Missing Perspectives and published her first book, “I’ll Let Myself In,” which shares personal essays about her life and the underrepresentation of people with disabilities.
“I love people, and I love storytelling. That’s always been the fundamental core of what excites me,” Hannah says. “All of these things that I do – whether it's writing or activism or acting or media work – are avenues of that.”
Her efforts have earned her recognition as a finalist in the 2024 UOW Alumni Awards, and she continues to break barriers in media and society
