Personal Details :
- Full Name: Jillian Mercado
- Date of Birth: April 30, 1987
- Place of Birth: New York City, New York, USA
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: Dominican-American
- Gender: Female
- Sexual Orientation: Queer (openly identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ community)
- Disability: Spastic muscular dystrophy (uses a wheelchair for mobility)
- Eye Color: Brown
- Hair Color: Dark brown
- Languages Spoken: English, Spanish (basic)
- Education: Studied Fashion Merchandising at Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), New York
- Profession: Fashion model, actress, activist
- Years Active: 2014 – present (modeling and media)
- Known For: Breaking barriers as one of the few visible disabled models in mainstream fashion and media
Social Media Presence :
- Instagram: @jillianmercado
- Twitter (X): @jillianmercado
- Facebook: facebook.com/officialjillianmercado
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jillianmercado
Career Overview :
- Jillian Mercado began her career by studying Fashion Merchandising at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City.
- While at FIT, she interned at fashion publications like Veranda and Allure, and volunteered at New York Fashion Week, immersing herself in the fashion industry.
- She started blogging and working for online fashion magazine PMc Magazine, where she covered fashion shows and events.
- In 2014, she was cast in a major ad campaign for Diesel’s Spring/Summer line, becoming one of the first models in a wheelchair to appear in a global fashion campaign.
- Following the Diesel campaign, she gained international attention and signed with IMG Models in 2015, becoming one of the few visibly disabled models represented by a major agency.
- She has appeared in major campaigns for brands like Nordstrom, Target, Olay, Calvin Klein, and Tommy Hilfiger.
- Jillian was personally selected by Beyoncé to appear in her official merchandise campaign for the “Formation World Tour.”
- She has been featured in editorials and covers for Teen Vogue, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, CR Fashion Book, Galore, Posture, and more.
- In 2019, Jillian made her acting debut on the TV show The L Word: Generation Q, playing the role of Maribel Suarez.
- She has since continued to act, including roles in series such as 9-1-1 and short films like My Eyes Are Up Here, which premiered at Tribeca Film Festival.
- Jillian is a powerful disability rights activist and founder of the platform Black Disabled Creatives, which promotes opportunities and visibility for Black disabled artists and professionals.
- She has collaborated with organizations like The UN to promote global inclusion and equality through the Sustainable Development Goals.
- Jillian has become a prominent voice advocating for greater representation of disabled people in fashion, media, and entertainment industries.
Personal Life & Interests :
- Jillian Mercado was born and raised in New York City to Dominican parents.
- She was diagnosed with spastic muscular dystrophy, a condition that affects muscle control and mobility, and uses a wheelchair.
- Jillian proudly identifies as queer and is a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility and rights.
- Her upbringing in a multicultural household shaped her perspective and drive to promote diversity in the fashion and entertainment industries.
- She has always been passionate about fashion, which led her to study at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT).
- Outside of modeling and acting, Jillian enjoys creative writing, photography, and exploring disability-inclusive design and storytelling.
- She uses her voice and visibility to advocate for the inclusion of disabled people in all areas of life, especially media and fashion.
- Jillian is known for her bold fashion choices, expressive personality, and unfiltered honesty about life with a disability.
- She is deeply involved in activism and community organizing, especially around racial equity, queer rights, and accessibility.
- Jillian often shares glimpses of her personal journey on social media, connecting with fans and amplifying underrepresented voices.
Net Worth :
- No credible public sources (e.g., media profiles, financial disclosures) provide an estimate of Jillian Mercado’s net worth as of 2025.
- Her career is defined by her impact in modeling, acting, and activism—not disclosed financial figures.
Awards & Achievements :
- **2022 Gracie Allen Award** – Won for *Actress in a Breakthrough Role – Drama* for her performance as Maribel in *The L Word: Generation Q*
- **Signed with Creative Artists Agency (CAA)** in August 2020 – A major milestone in her modeling and entertainment career
- **Finalist in the 11th Shorty Awards (Fashion category)** – Recognized for her influence in social media and digital advocacy
- **Featured on a Times Square billboard** – A major “pinch-me” moment celebrated in her 2023 interview with *InStyle*
- **Lead campaign model for Beyoncé’s Formation merchandise (2016)** – One of the few models with muscular dystrophy featured in a global pop-culture campaign
- **Featured in major campaigns** – Represented brands like Diesel (2014), Nordstrom, Target, Olay, Calvin Klein, and Tommy Hilfiger
Fun Facts :
- Jillian’s very first major campaign was for Diesel in 2014, after responding to an open call—she originally entered “for fun” and ended up being selected by Nicola Formichetti
- She was personally chosen by Beyoncé to model official “Formation” tour merchandise (sweatshirts, tees, hats) and appeared on Beyoncé’s website in March 2016
- Growing up, Jillian believed she had cerebral palsy until age 13—later correctly diagnosed with spastic muscular dystrophy
- Her parents—mother a seamstress, father a shoe-seller—greatly influenced her passion for fashion from a young age
- When asked about the best compliment she ever received, she shared: “Nigel Barker… told me that my voice sounded like caramel”
- Jillian founded **Black Disabled Creatives** in 2020, building a database of ~140 Black disabled artists to foster industry connections
- She’s a Taurus and a self-described star-enthusiast, recalling that as a child she believed she might be a fairy or a witch