blonde girl in blue with denim jacket. rachel barcellona

Rachel Barcellona

Rachel currently serves as a board member for C.A.R.D. USF, Unicorn Children's Foundation, Els for Autism Center of Excellence, Dyspraxia Foundation USA, and works with The Global Autism Project, Doug Flutie Jr Foundation for Autism and Victoria's Voice Foundation, all of which have impacted the lives of families every where. The Unicorn Children's Foundation has raised a quarter of a million dollars to help donate to families who don't have money for the necessary therapies/resources for their children.


Check out the article "Just because I have autism doesn't mean I can't shine" written by Roger Mooney of the Tampa Bay Times

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educational accomplishments

  • National Honor Society
  • National Society of High School Scholars
  • Young Heroes Award
  • Advancement Via Individual Determination Honors Program
  • International Thespian Honor Society
  • High points for superior status at graduation
  • Superior for Best Student Directed Scene and Best One-Act District Thespian Competition

community service/volunteer work

  • CARD-USF Spring Sprint for Autism, Fiesta By The Bay
  • Cycling out Autism
  • Humane Society of Pinellas County
  • West Central Florida Girl Scouts Council
  • Swinging Gate Farm
  • Big Brother's Big Sister's
  • Toys for Tots
  • Raising Hope for Foster Teens
  • The Art of Animation Camp for Students with Disabilities
  • St. Joseph's Hospital
  • The Mr. Strong Foundation (Multiple Events)
  • The Inspire Foundation (Multiple Events)
  • Alzheimer's Association Manor Care Nursing Home and Alzheimer's Care
  • Give Kids the World Village
  • Children's Miracle Network
  • Conserve it Forward
  • Best Buddies International
  • The HEAL Foundation
  • National Autism Association
  • Safe Minds
  • We Speak for Them Autism and Speical Needs Awareness
  • Unicorn Children's Foundation
  • The Parker Foundation
  • Yes of America
  • Macy's Miracles
  • Help Us Gather
  • Diversity Action Coalition
  • Els of Autism
  • Global Autism Project

Leadership Roles

  • Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD-USF) International Spokesperson and symposium panelist, recently elected Board member and speaker
  • Panelist and speaker at the World Arts and Film Festival
  • Treasurer of Advancement Via Individual Determination
  • Featured Speaker Fiesta by the Bay
  • Big Brother's Big Sister's Silent Auction Fundraiser and Annual Bowling Event
  • Best Buddies International; Mentoring Student Program
  • AVID National Video, Writer and Actress, Children's Theater Production
  • Radio Talk Show guest Positively Autistic International Broadcast and WGBB radio New York
  • Brand Ambassador Tiara Magazine, International platform of Anti-Bullying and Suicide prevention
  • Board of Directors Center for Autism and Related Disabilities University of South Florida
  • Ambassador for the Unicorn Children's Foundation
  • Honorary Board member Safe Minds Inc.
  • Ambassador Gift of Life USA
  • Global Video Network Launch Featured Stories

Honors and Awards

  • National Service Award US of America Volunteer Service
  • Florida Community Service Award;
  • National Youth Community Service Award
  • Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Metal for Volunteer Service
  • Art piece featured at Florida State Art Gallery
  • Tampa Mayor's Alliance volunteer service nomination and Outstanding Youth Services Award City of Tampa
  • Brand Ambassador for Tiara Magazine promoting suicide prevention
  • Role Model Award and Inspiration Award Supermodels Unlimited Magazine
  • Youth Board Member Conserve it Forward
  • Student Achievement Kindness Award, Outstanding Citizenship. and Character Student of the Month Award
  • Spirit of Pageantry Award twice !
  • The Prudential Spirit of Community Award Distinguished Finalist
  • Presidential Volunteer Service Award
  • Singing God Bless America and National Anthem at Madison Square Gardens
  • My Film Ability wins award at the World Arts and Film Festival
  • Guiding Star Award at the World Arts and Film Festival
  • Youth in Service Award Unicorn Children's Foundation
  • Ambassador for the Unicorn Children's Foundation
  • Letters of Congratulations from Governor of Florida and Senate Representatives for the work we have been doing to create Autism Awareness and Acceptance
  • National Youth Activist Triumph Award
  • Young Soloist Award