By: Maria Williams
Michella Filipowitz’s journey through life has been anything but traditional. From her early days as a model in Paris to her current role as a devoted mother and philanthropist, Michella’s story is a testament to the beauty and strength found in forging your own path. Her experiences remind us that true fulfillment comes not from following society’s blueprint but from following the rhythm of our own hearts.
Society often dictates a specific formula for love and family—find a partner, get married, have children—but Michella’s life serves as a powerful example of how diverging from this formula can lead to a rich and meaningful life. While the conventional route may work for many, Michella’s story shows that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to finding love and building a family.
At just 15 years old, Michella made the bold decision to leave her family home and pursue a modeling career in Paris. This early leap into independence shaped much of who she is today. “Leaving home at such a young age was both thrilling and challenging,” she reflects. “Those years in Paris taught me so much about resilience and the importance of mental health support, which I realized was severely lacking.”
By the age of 23, Michella had become a mother to her son, Benjamin—a role that brought profound changes to her life. However, her path to motherhood was far from easy. Michella found herself in an abusive relationship, but with courage and determination, she managed to leave and focus on raising Benjamin in an environment of love and safety. “Being a single mother is incredibly difficult, but it’s also incredibly rewarding,” she shares. “When Benjamin was diagnosed with autism at the age of three, it was another challenge I had to face head-on. I refused to accept a life of isolation for him.”
Determined to provide Benjamin with the best possible start in life, Michella immersed herself in research, seeking therapies and educational environments to support his development. However, she quickly discovered that finding a school willing to accept a child with autism was no easy task. “Many private schools turned Benjamin away, fearing he would be too disruptive. It was disheartening, but I knew I had to keep searching.”
It was during this challenging time that Michella met her fiancé. Their connection was immediate, and their relationship quickly blossomed into a deep and lasting bond. “Our first date was unforgettable,” Michella recalls. “We spent five hours talking, and by the end, I knew I had found someone special.” Her fiancé’s love and acceptance of Benjamin played a significant role in strengthening their relationship. “He embraced Benjamin as his own, and that meant the world to me.”
Michella’s move to Sydney with her fiancé marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life. But just as she had experienced in Paris, Michella found that Australia’s systems of support for mental health and disabilities were lacking. Despite these challenges, her fiancé and his three children welcomed Michella and Benjamin with open arms, creating a blended family filled with love and understanding.
Michella and her fiancé co-founded the DR Family Foundation, inspired by Benjamin’s story. The foundation’s mission is to provide support for children from all backgrounds, whether they come from broken homes or face disabilities. “We want to create a safe space where these children can thrive,” Michella explains. The foundation also helps cover school fees for children in need and has plans to expand its reach by supporting abused women and organizing community events.
Michella’s life has been a journey of learning and growth, shaped by her experiences as a single mother and her quest for love and fulfillment. “Benjamin was my first love, and he changed my life for the better. Now, my fiancé has brought a new kind of love into my life—one that is built on acceptance, warmth, and shared dreams.”
Her story serves as a reminder that love and family come in many forms, and that the path to happiness is often found by embracing the unexpected. To follow Michella’s inspiring journey and learn more about the DR Family Foundation, visit her Instagram @princessmichella, and stay tuned for updates on their upcoming projects, including the opening of their new foundation home in Summer 2025.
Published by: Martin De Juan
