Life & Work with Joshua Bolen of Kansas City

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Bolen.

Hi Joshua, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Joshua Bolen, and I am the founder of Fashion Honors Autism. My journey began long before the organization was created. Growing up, I faced my own challenges, including ADHD, a learning disability, and a speech impediment. I often struggled with confidence and feeling like I fit in. Those experiences taught me what it feels like to be overlooked and underestimated, but they also taught me resilience.

In 2017, I founded Fashion Honors Autism with a simple mission: to create opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum to be seen, celebrated, and empowered. What started as a small fashion show quickly grew into something much bigger. I realized that fashion, creativity, and self-expression could be powerful tools for building confidence, social skills, and community connections.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of working alongside countless families, volunteers, mentors, and community partners who believe in the same vision. Through workshops, mentorship, and our annual charity fashion events, we have created spaces where individuals with autism can showcase their talents, develop new skills, and discover their potential.

Today, Fashion Honors Autism is more than an event it’s a movement dedicated to inclusion, empowerment, and celebrating what makes each person unique. My goal is to continue expanding our impact so that more individuals and families have access to opportunities that build confidence, foster connection, and create lasting memories.

My story is one of turning challenges into purpose. Every young person who walks our runway reminds me why this work matters. Fashion Honors Autism exists to ensure that every individual knows they are valued, capable, and deserving of being celebrated.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Like many nonprofit founders, one of the biggest challenges has been funding and sustainability. Fashion Honors Autism started with a vision and a passion for making a difference, but turning that vision into a lasting organization required countless hours of volunteer work, personal sacrifices, and overcoming financial obstacles.

There were times when resources were limited, sponsorships were difficult to secure, and I questioned how we would continue to grow. Balancing my career, family responsibilities, and the demands of running a nonprofit was also a challenge. On top of that, I had to overcome my own self-doubt and the lingering effects of growing up with ADHD, a learning disability, and a speech impediment.

Another challenge has been educating people about the importance of inclusion and helping them see the potential in individuals with autism. While awareness has improved over the years, there is still work to be done to ensure that individuals on the spectrum are given opportunities to thrive and be celebrated for their strengths.

Despite the obstacles, every challenge has reinforced why this mission matters. Seeing participants gain confidence, build friendships, walk the runway, and discover their own potential makes every setback worthwhile. The challenges have shaped me into a stronger leader and have helped Fashion Honors Autism grow into the organization it is today.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
In addition to leading the organization, I work professionally in behavioral health, supporting youth and families through wraparound services and helping them navigate challenges while building on their strengths.

My work focuses on creating opportunities for individuals with autism and other developmental differences to build confidence, develop social skills, and discover their potential. Through Fashion Honors Autism, we provide inclusive experiences that celebrate individuality while helping participants feel seen, valued, and empowered.

What I am most proud of is taking an idea that started in 2017 and growing it into a movement that has impacted countless individuals and families. Seeing participants walk the runway with confidence, form friendships, and embrace who they are reminds me why this work matters. I am also proud of building partnerships with businesses, community leaders, and advocates who share the vision of creating a more inclusive world.

What sets me apart is that my work is deeply personal. Having faced challenges of my own growing up, I understand the importance of creating opportunities for people who may feel overlooked or underestimated. I combine my passion for advocacy, leadership, and community building to create programs that focus on strengths rather than limitations. My goal has never been simply to host events it has been to create lasting impact, foster inclusion, and help individuals recognize their value and potential.

What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is making a meaningful impact in the lives of others, especially individuals and families who may feel overlooked, misunderstood, or unsupported. I believe every person deserves the opportunity to be seen, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.

My family is also at the center of everything I do. They are my motivation and remind me daily of the importance of love, patience, and being present. Along with my faith, they provide the foundation that guides my decisions and keeps me focused on what truly matters.

Through Fashion Honors Autism, I have the privilege of helping create opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum to build confidence, express themselves, and discover strengths they may not have realized they possessed. Seeing someone believe in themselves for the first time or watching a family feel supported and connected is incredibly rewarding.

At the end of the day, what matters most is leaving people better than I found them. Whether through my nonprofit work, my career in behavioral health, or my personal relationships, I strive to make a positive difference and create a lasting impact that extends far beyond myself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.fashionhonorsautism.com
• Instagram: @fashionhonorsautism
• Facebook: @fashionhonorsautism
• Youtube: @fashionhonorsautism