Kelsey Diaz: UH Artist, Volunteer, and Disability Advocate

When Kelsey was in 2nd grade, she had to illustrate where she saw herself at ages 18, 30, and 65: she drew a dancer, a scientist, and an artist. While the timelines may have moved up a bit, she was either a mildly prescient seven year old or has always known what she wants out of life. She was a dancer in high school at the San Diego School of Performing Arts, then got a degree in physiology and neuroscience from UCSD. After graduation, she took a job in marketing for a pharmaceutical company, then decided to do freelance graphic design. 

Kelsey grew up in Normal Heights and has lived in Hillcrest. Eight years ago, she and her husband moved to University Heights. Everything changed for them in 2020 when their son was born with a rare genetic disorder, Baraitser Winter Syndrome (BWS), which can affect all facets of a baby’s physical and intellectual development. 

Kelsey and her husband devoted themselves to learning about BWS and how to be good disability advocates. Though there is no cure, those with BWS learn to manage their symptoms through therapy. Their son is now a happy and healthy five year old. 

Since the birth of her son, Kelsey has become a professional artist and educator. She loves finding ways to incorporate her passions for science and disability advocacy into her art. She co-founded Simply Complex Stories (SCS), an organization dedicated to creating books and content that present medical diagnoses and disabilities in an easy-to-understand way. Through SCS, Kelsey has illustrated three published children’s books covering the rare diseases cerebral palsy and epilepsy. She recently celebrated her one-year anniversary as an educator at Revision, a non-profit creative workspace for adults with disabilities. In addition, she started selling her original art, prints, and other creative goods through her website – colormediaz.com – and can be found at local pop-up markets. Follow her on Instagram @ colormediaz to find out where she will be next. 

Part of Kelsey’s path to becoming a full-time artist has included navigating her own disability alongside her son’s. In 2023, after a bout of Covid, Kelsey was diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis/ chronic fatigue syndrome. In an effort to prioritize energy conservation and rest, Kelsey spent more time exporting art. Even with the new slower pace of her life, she is able to sit and paint, crochet, design, and sculpt. 

Recently, she began volunteering with the University Heights Community Association. She started with painting three utility boxes at the corner of El Cajon Boulevard and Texas Street as part of the neighborhood beautification project. She also had a booth selling her art at the Fall Festival and the Taste of University Heights/Art Show. She is now a member of the communications team and will be working on branding and merchandising. 

Lastly, it is her goal to increase awareness about accessibility in UH. Kelsey is always finding ways to support the local disabled community so that they can enjoy all of the wonderful things University Heights has to offer.