"I have heard many presentations over the years on individuals overcoming challenges due to disabilities, but nothing as raw, unfiltered, and articulate as the experiences the Thomas family shared. Tina’s backstory was also compelling and emotional that perhaps shaped her as a mom to Mui.” Capital Group
3 Speakers 2 Stories 1 Message: StandUp4Others, Actions NOT Words
Our story?
One woman wanting to escape the trauma of her past, and in doing so her helping an abandoned orphan escape hers…
One woman wanting to escape the trauma of her past, and in doing so her helping an abandoned orphan escape hers…
Mental Health
Cyberbullying
Adverse childhood experiences
Discrimination, Prejudice, Inclusion
Visible Difference
Cyberbullying
Adverse childhood experiences
Discrimination, Prejudice, Inclusion
Visible Difference
“The remarkable story of Mui Thomas might bring a tear to your eye.” The Guardian
A real life version of the young adult novel "Wonder". CNN
A real life version of the young adult novel "Wonder". CNN
To book a talk, please email us: [email protected]
Many people set the bar so low for activists and for individuals with special needs that they expect such people to share their experiences, time and message for no fee, as if these people should simply be grateful for the opportunity to be seen and heard.
Besides using our savings, we sort funding out as we go, so of course we charge a small fee.
Besides using our savings, we sort funding out as we go, so of course we charge a small fee.
Testimonials
Corporate:
Kevin Bowers, Partner at bowers.law
“Thank you to The Girl Behind The Face Initiative (aka Mui, Tina & Rog) for giving their inspiring presentation to the bowers.law team, every member of which (even if they are all lawyers) learned some valuable life lessons and about vital personal qualities, including the importance of resilience, empathy, kindness and support - all directed in the right way, of course! All organisations and corporates should sign-up for the presentation which can only enhance their internal culture and improve their understanding of how they should more effectively interact with the outside world - all of which should help this important message spread as far as possible...for the benefit of all of us.”
Tim Wannenmacher, Managing Director at UBS, Co-Head of Global Markets, Asia Pacific
“Thank you Tina, Mui and Rog for sharing your inspiring story of courage in the face of discrimination. It was clear that your story resonated with everyone in the room. Many struggle against adversity but only a few have the strength to stand up and bring about change in a society, parts of which had let you down previously. It was also heartening to learn how you received the kindness of strangers which goes to show how little it sometimes takes to make a hugely positive impact. You are changing our community for the better. Everybody needs to listen to your story. (Audience 120+)”
NGO:
Deborah Crouch is the Chief Executive of The Samaritans:
“Listening to Rog, Tina and Mui talk of the experiences that have brought them to this point elicited enormous respect and admiration. Their story, describing the decisions they had to make and why, and how those around them reacted - and not always with encouragement - and why they wanted to share their past, was touching, sometimes amusing and sometimes painful. It has not been easy for them, but their strength and sincerity are incredible.”
Associate Professor Dr Lorraine Sheridan, President, Asia Pacific Association of Threat Assessment Professionals Australia
“Mui, Tina and Rog provided two talks at our annual conference. They received a standing ovation and all of our members were deeply moved and inspired. Standing up for Others and knowing that individuals are at the heart of all we do is of paramount importance.
We would invite you again and again and would recommend you to anyone. The three of you are wonderful in all ways.
We all need to be reminded of the terrible human cost of bullying. Mui and her family inspired our members and provided this important reminder that we should not forget that numbers and statistics represent individuals who are suffering. I would recommend the Thomas family to anyone who seeks to create positive change.”
School:
Ann Haydon, The Head of Harrow International School
“What a privilege to meet the totally awesome Thomas family.
What resilience, courage, love and positivity they radiated.
A strong message for all of us. Thank you for inspiring Harrow International School.”
Martina O’Connor (CE/CAS/TA Coordinator & teacher) Discovery College:
“Today, our students at our Year 7 and 8 assemblies had the extraordinary privilege of listening to the Thomas family share their powerful narrative through the 'Girl Behind the Face' initiative.
The family's presentation, woven with threads of resilience, courage, and an unwavering commitment to advocating for mental health and inclusivity, left an indelible mark on both students and faculty alike.
Tina, Rog, and Mui not only shared their personal journey with transparency and grace but also challenged each of us to embody their mantra of 'StandUp4Others' in our daily lives. It was more than just a talk; it was a heartfelt call to action to support and uplift those around us, demonstrating what it truly means to transform adversity into advocacy.
Their story, an intricate tapestry of struggle and strength, reminded us all that every individual has the capacity to make a significant impact.
We are deeply grateful to the Thomas family for their visit, which has surely sown seeds of empathy and empowerment within our school community.”
Kevin Bowers, Partner at bowers.law
“Thank you to The Girl Behind The Face Initiative (aka Mui, Tina & Rog) for giving their inspiring presentation to the bowers.law team, every member of which (even if they are all lawyers) learned some valuable life lessons and about vital personal qualities, including the importance of resilience, empathy, kindness and support - all directed in the right way, of course! All organisations and corporates should sign-up for the presentation which can only enhance their internal culture and improve their understanding of how they should more effectively interact with the outside world - all of which should help this important message spread as far as possible...for the benefit of all of us.”
Tim Wannenmacher, Managing Director at UBS, Co-Head of Global Markets, Asia Pacific
“Thank you Tina, Mui and Rog for sharing your inspiring story of courage in the face of discrimination. It was clear that your story resonated with everyone in the room. Many struggle against adversity but only a few have the strength to stand up and bring about change in a society, parts of which had let you down previously. It was also heartening to learn how you received the kindness of strangers which goes to show how little it sometimes takes to make a hugely positive impact. You are changing our community for the better. Everybody needs to listen to your story. (Audience 120+)”
NGO:
Deborah Crouch is the Chief Executive of The Samaritans:
“Listening to Rog, Tina and Mui talk of the experiences that have brought them to this point elicited enormous respect and admiration. Their story, describing the decisions they had to make and why, and how those around them reacted - and not always with encouragement - and why they wanted to share their past, was touching, sometimes amusing and sometimes painful. It has not been easy for them, but their strength and sincerity are incredible.”
Associate Professor Dr Lorraine Sheridan, President, Asia Pacific Association of Threat Assessment Professionals Australia
“Mui, Tina and Rog provided two talks at our annual conference. They received a standing ovation and all of our members were deeply moved and inspired. Standing up for Others and knowing that individuals are at the heart of all we do is of paramount importance.
We would invite you again and again and would recommend you to anyone. The three of you are wonderful in all ways.
We all need to be reminded of the terrible human cost of bullying. Mui and her family inspired our members and provided this important reminder that we should not forget that numbers and statistics represent individuals who are suffering. I would recommend the Thomas family to anyone who seeks to create positive change.”
School:
Ann Haydon, The Head of Harrow International School
“What a privilege to meet the totally awesome Thomas family.
What resilience, courage, love and positivity they radiated.
A strong message for all of us. Thank you for inspiring Harrow International School.”
Martina O’Connor (CE/CAS/TA Coordinator & teacher) Discovery College:
“Today, our students at our Year 7 and 8 assemblies had the extraordinary privilege of listening to the Thomas family share their powerful narrative through the 'Girl Behind the Face' initiative.
The family's presentation, woven with threads of resilience, courage, and an unwavering commitment to advocating for mental health and inclusivity, left an indelible mark on both students and faculty alike.
Tina, Rog, and Mui not only shared their personal journey with transparency and grace but also challenged each of us to embody their mantra of 'StandUp4Others' in our daily lives. It was more than just a talk; it was a heartfelt call to action to support and uplift those around us, demonstrating what it truly means to transform adversity into advocacy.
Their story, an intricate tapestry of struggle and strength, reminded us all that every individual has the capacity to make a significant impact.
We are deeply grateful to the Thomas family for their visit, which has surely sown seeds of empathy and empowerment within our school community.”
“The kids, bless them, they’re so strong, they're so courageous... but the parents are the ones who are slowly dying." Johnny Depp
"Despite the hardship that Ms Thomas and her family have endured, she doesn't let her condition discourage her." Daily Mail
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