Wendy L.
Cunningham
Barnes
Unshakable Grace. Relentless Advocacy. Radical Belonging.
Meet Wendy
Wendy L. Cunningham Barnes is a mother, author, founder, and speaker shaped by love, loss, and a deep belief in the right to belong. She raised three children, one typically developing, two with profound disabilities. As the author of The Power of Self-Love for Women and the visionary behind The Wendy Lyfe along with The You Belong Foundation, Wendy leads with heart, sharing stories of caregiving, inclusion, resilience, and radical truth. Her voice moves rooms, inspires action, and reminds us: this is a place where you belong.
In the Media
As seen in USA Today
When Wendy made the courageous decision to leave corporate America, she stepped into a world of therapy appointments, specialist consultations, and uncharted emotional terrain. Later, when her youngest son Christian was also diagnosed with special needs, Wendy’s sense of mission deepened even further. She realized her journey wasn’t just personal—it was a call to action for every family longing to be seen and heard. From that place of raw experience, The You Belong Foundation was born. Its mission: to support, celebrate, and amplify the voices of individuals with special needs and their families.
My Work in the World
Through each of my projects I aim to champion inclusion, amplify underrepresented voices, and inspire meaningful change. From community advocacy to storytelling platforms, my work reflects a deep commitment to belonging and impact.
The You Belong Foundation
Founded with a mission to advance radical inclusion, The You Belong Foundation helps businesses and communities become more accessible and affirming for individuals with disabilities and special needs. We lead with education, advocacy, and partnerships that center belonging for all.
The Paige Awards
The Paige Awards is an annual celebration that honors individuals and organizations breaking barriers in disability advocacy and accessibility. Named in honor of my daughter, this event uplifts the voices of those creating a more inclusive world.
The Wendy Lyfe
The Wendy Lyfe is where unfiltered conversations meet purpose. Through podcast episodes and live interviews, I share stories, uplift changemakers, and explore how we can all live with unshakable grace, radical self-acceptance, and a commitment to justice
Get in Touch
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Book Wendy to Speak
Bring the message of radical belonging to your stage, classroom, boardroom, or event.
Wendy L. Cunningham Barnes speaks with unshakable grace, lived wisdom, and a voice that leaves audiences changed. Whether you're hosting a conference, corporate DEI training, podcast, or community event — Wendy delivers bold, heart-centered insight that challenges, empowers, and inspires.
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Topics include:
– Disability & Inclusion
– Caregiving with Dignity
– Self-Love as a Revolutionary Act
– Building Belonging in the Workplace
– Raising Children with Disabilities
– Black Motherhood, Advocacy & Leadership
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