Cheri Warcholak Lohrey

I attribute my success to knowing who I am and embracing change. For 25 years, I was an educator, dedicated to guiding students and serving others through learning. In 2020, a multiple sclerosis diagnosis forced me to step away from teaching, prompting a period of uncertainty and self-discovery.

That journey led me to writing. In 2023, I published my memoir, exploring illness, identity, and resilience, followed by an Audible version in 2024. Writing and drawing became deeply healing, revealing how creativity and neurological change can intersect in unexpected ways. Today, I continue to write, create, and advocate, sharing my story through podcasts, a writer’s group, and public appearances.

My upcoming book, I Am Cleo (Feb 2026), is my most vulnerable work yet. Through storytelling and illustrations, it helps families—and especially children—understand illness with honesty and compassion. The educator in me never left; she simply found a new way to teach.

My advice to young women entering this field is to never give up, even if the path doesn’t look like what you imagined. Just because things don’t go according to plan doesn’t mean you don’t have purpose. When my activities became limited, I had to rediscover who I was—someone with a master’s degree suddenly navigating unfamiliar territory. I learned to lean into that discomfort, find my voice, and share it. I’ve been fortunate that people are willing to listen, and I want others to know: don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.

Advocacy is central to my purpose. I am passionate about amplifying the voices of individuals living with disabilities and chronic illness, and about showing that a career pivot does not diminish your value. I’ve experienced the disorientation of stepping away from professional organizations and questioning my relevance, even with a master’s degree and decades of experience. What I’ve learned is that contribution doesn’t disappear—it evolves.