Malakai (he/they) is the founder of StrongWheeld Consulting LLC, a distinguished public speaker, self-published author, and dedicated mental health activist with a passionate commitment to bridging gaps between the disability and LGBTQIA+ communities. Additionally, Malakai serves as a board member for Black & Beyond the Binary Collective -an organization dedicated to building the leadership, healing, and safety of Black-African transgender, queer, nonbinary, two-spirit, and intersex (TQN2SI+) Oregonians. 

As a person with Cerebral Palsy, Malakai brings raw, firsthand experience to their advocacy work, offering a unique and deeply personal perspective on the challenges faced by marginalized communities. Their journey of resilience began at birth, weighing just 2 lbs and 8 oz, and has been shaped by a lifetime of navigating both physical and systemic barriers.

Malakai’s educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Nebraska and a graduate certificate in Child and Adolescent Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. They are currently advancing their education through a Master’s program in Social Work at Capella University, with the goal of becoming a licensed clinical social worker and therapist.

Residing in Southern California, Malakai’s life has been a continual exploration of authenticity and identity. Diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy at the age of two, they faced the challenges of understanding their body and emotions from a young age. This journey of self-discovery ultimately led Malakai to embrace their identity as a man, transcending the gender assigned at birth. Their experiences at the intersection of disability and gender identity deeply inform their work, allowing them to connect with and advocate for others in meaningful ways.