Michella Filipowitz has never been one to follow the conventional path, and her life is a testament to the beauty of forging your own way. As a model, art dealer, and co-chair of the DR Family Foundation, Michella’s story is an inspiring example of how embracing the unexpected can lead to profound fulfillment and lasting love. Her journey challenges the traditional ideals of what it means to build a family and find happiness, showing us that life’s greatest rewards often come from the least anticipated places.
In our society, there is a pervasive notion that happiness and fulfillment are tied to a specific sequence of events: meet the right person, fall in love, get married, have children, and live a stable life. While this path certainly works for some, it doesn’t reflect the diversity of human experience. Michella’s life is a vivid illustration of the fact that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to love and family. Her journey is a reminder that true joy often comes from embracing the unknown and trusting in the process, even when it leads you down an unconventional road.
Michella’s story begins with a bold decision that set the course for her life. At just 15 years old, she left her home behind to pursue her dreams of becoming a model in Paris. This wasn’t just a career move; it was a leap into adulthood, where she had to navigate the complexities of life far from the comfort and familiarity of home. The early years in Paris were both challenging and transformative, shaping Michella into the resilient and determined woman she is today. It was during this time that she first encountered the harsh realities of life, including the glaring gaps in mental health support for young people dealing with trauma. These experiences planted the seeds of what would later become her passion for advocacy and support, particularly for those who are often overlooked by society.
As Michella’s modeling career progressed, so too did her understanding of the world around her. She learned the importance of mental and emotional resilience, lessons that would prove invaluable in the years to come. Michella’s time in Paris wasn’t just about building a career; it was about building character and learning how to navigate a world that isn’t always kind or forgiving. The challenges she faced during these formative years helped her develop a deep sense of empathy and a strong desire to make a difference in the lives of others.
By the time Michella was 23, her life had taken a significant turn. She became a single mother to her son, Benjamin, a role that brought immense joy but also a host of challenges. “Becoming a single mom wasn’t something I planned,” she shares. “But it’s the most rewarding role I’ve ever taken on. Benjamin gave me a sense of purpose and a strength I never knew I had.” The arrival of Benjamin marked the beginning of a new chapter in Michella’s life, one that would be defined by both love and resilience.
When Benjamin was diagnosed with autism at the age of three, it was a pivotal moment for Michella. The diagnosis brought with it both heartbreak and determination. “I noticed early on that Benjamin wasn’t developing at the same pace as other children,” she recalls. “When we received the diagnosis, it was a confirmation of my fears, but it also motivated me to learn everything I could to support him.” Michella immersed herself in researching autism, seeking out the best therapies and educational environments for Benjamin. She was determined to give him every opportunity to thrive, no matter what challenges lay ahead.
Living in Miami at the time, Michella faced significant challenges in finding the right educational environment for Benjamin. Many private schools were reluctant to accept a child with autism, fearing that his needs might disrupt the learning environment for other students. On the other hand, schools specifically designed for children with disabilities often isolated these children, limiting their opportunities to interact with their peers. Michella was determined to find a school where Benjamin could thrive, surrounded by a diverse group of children who would help him grow socially and academically.
The search for the right school was long and arduous, but Michella’s persistence paid off. She eventually found a school that not only accepted Benjamin but also provided him with the support he needed to flourish. This was a turning point for both mother and son, offering them a sense of stability and hope for the future. “Finding the right school was a huge relief,” Michella says. “It gave me peace of mind knowing that Benjamin was in a place where he could grow and develop in a supportive environment.”
As Michella began to find a rhythm in her life as a single mother, fate intervened once again. She met her fiancé, an art dealer from Sydney, and their connection was immediate. “From the moment we met, I knew there was something special between us,” Michella says. “Our first date turned into a five-hour conversation, and I realized I had found someone who understood and supported me in a way I hadn’t experienced before.” Their relationship blossomed quickly, and soon they were making plans for a future together.
Moving to Sydney to be with her fiancé was a major decision, one that came with its own set of challenges. It meant starting over in a new city, far from the support system she had built in Miami. It also meant finding the right support systems for Benjamin all over again. The transition wasn’t easy, especially when Michella realized that Australia’s systems for mental health and disability support were not as robust as those in Miami. “It was a difficult adjustment,” she admits. “But my fiancé’s unwavering support and love for Benjamin made all the difference.”
Despite the challenges, Michella and her fiancé were able to create a loving, supportive environment for their blended family. The love they shared not only strengthened their bond but also inspired them to give back to the community in a meaningful way. Together, they co-founded the DR Family Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping children and families facing challenges similar to those Michella and Benjamin had overcome.
The DR Family Foundation’s mission is to create a safe and nurturing environment for children from all walks of life—whether they come from broken homes, live with disabilities, or simply need a place where they can grow and thrive. The foundation offers financial assistance to help cover the costs of schooling for children in disadvantaged situations and provides a safe haven where they can feel supported and loved.
But the foundation’s vision doesn’t stop there. Michella and her fiancé have ambitious plans for the future, including expanding their efforts to support abused women and organizing community volunteer events. “We want to spread love and kindness wherever we can,” Michella says. “Because at the end of the day, that’s what the world needs more of.”
Michella’s life story is one of resilience, love, and a deep commitment to making a difference in the world. It’s a reminder that even when life doesn’t follow a traditional path, there is beauty and fulfillment to be found in the unexpected. “Benjamin changed my life in ways I never could have imagined,” Michella reflects. “And now, with my fiancé by my side, I’m excited to see what the future holds for our family and for the foundation.”
The foundation’s impact is already being felt, with plans to build a home for children from diverse backgrounds who need a safe space to grow and thrive. “We’re creating a place where children can feel safe, loved, and supported,” Michella explains. “It’s about giving them the tools they need to succeed, no matter what challenges they face.”
The home, set to open in Summer 2025, is just the beginning. Michella and her fiancé envision a future where the DR Family Foundation can expand its reach, helping even more children and families in need. “We’re just getting started,” she says. “There’s so much more we want to do, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes us.”
Michella’s commitment to making a difference extends beyond her work with the foundation. She is also an advocate for mental health awareness, particularly for children and families dealing with disabilities. “Mental health is just as important as physical health,” she says. “It’s something that needs to be talked about more, and we need to make sure that support is available to everyone who needs it.”
As Michella looks to the future, she is filled with hope and determination. “I’ve learned that life doesn’t always go according to plan,” she says. “But that’s okay. Sometimes, the most beautiful things come from the unexpected. I’m grateful for the journey I’ve been on, and I’m excited for what’s to come.”
To keep up with Michella’s journey and learn more about the DR Family Foundation’s projects, follow her on Instagram @princessmichella. The foundation’s new home for children is set to open in Summer 2025, with many more exciting initiatives on the horizon. Whether it’s through the foundation’s work or her advocacy for mental health, Michella Filipowitz is dedicated to making the world a better, more loving place for everyone.
Written in partnership with Tom White.
