Shalida A. Askanazi, Author and Activist: Most Interesting People 2026

Why She’s Interesting: Through her unflinching honesty and sharp sense of humor, Shalida A. Askanazi is changing how people talk about disability and identity. The lifelong Clevelander, who began as a fashion blogger, is now an author and advocate whose voice challenges stereotypes and empowers others to live unapologetically.

Trendsetter: At Cleveland School of the Arts, Askanazi launched her blog The Fashion Wheel in 2010. What started as a style diary became her first act of activism. “I just loved clothes, but when I started modeling my own outfits because agencies turned me down, that was my way of saying, ‘I belong here, too.’”  

Finding Her Voice: A disappointing night at Playhouse Square became a turning point when staff told her she was blocking the aisle in her wheelchair. She shared the story on TikTok — and they listened. “They changed their accessibility training and their website. That made me realize my voice could make a difference.” 

Writing Her Truth: Askanazi’s upcoming memoir, titled That Girl’s in a Wheelchair, doesn’t shy away from hard topics like trauma, sex and self-doubt. “I get nervous people will think, Girl, you could’ve kept this to yourself. But being vulnerable shows others they don’t have to be perfect.” 

Joy as Resistance: When she’s not writing, Askanazi restores vintage designer handbags, reads books like Mexican Gothic and spends time with her husband and their two bunnies. “Joy is an act of resistance. You can fight for change and still have fun doing it.” 

Kid Lit: Her beloved bunnies, Iggy and Bianca, inspired the children’s book she’s writing with her husband.

Meet the rest of the 2026 class of Most Interesting People >>

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