Travels from: Villahermosa

Language spoken: Spanish

Expertise:

• Motivation

• Disabled arts

• Faith

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Zuly Sanguino was born in Colombia in December 1989 with the rare condition called Tetra-amelia syndrome, an extremely rare genetic condition that effects in the limbs were not developed properly in the womb. She is one of six but her three brothers and two sisters did not suffer from the condition.

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In spite of their poverty and terrible living conditions, Zuly’s mother, Guillermina, wouldn’t give up on Zuly. Guillermina insisted that Zuly could live a normal life and do anything she put her mind to. She grew up in an artistic environment because her whole family does art. Her brothers, sisters and mother have shown this talent in different ways. With incredible artistic talent, Zuly went to art college at the age of 18.

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Zuly was later actively speaking for schools and involving in community visits and charity events where she could share her story. Her voice has started to spread around the world through documentaries, interviews and articles by major media companies. Her story has now been written in more than 30 languages around the world. Her paintings have been exhibited in various shows, and are mostly centered around the themes that she’s really passionate about – nature and the environment.

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It's been a difficult life for this young woman who was born with no arms or legs and has been subjected to bullying, sexual abuse and even contemplated suicide. But Zuly has proven that she is bigger than those challenges and is now a professional painter and a successful public speaker hoping to inspire others to overcome the hurdles they face in life.