Long Beach Leaders are Readers: Jennifer Kumiyama, Singer, Actress and Accessibility Champion
Top leaders of the world have the exceptional simple habit of reading. Whether for enjoyment or enrichment, reading stimulates the mind and fuels creativity. Long Beach Leaders are Readers features leaders in our community as they share their recommended reads.
This August, in honor of Women’s Equality Month, we are delighted to spotlight Jennifer Kumiyama, the Citywide Accessibility Coordinator, actress, and singer. Jennifer’s remarkable journey and dedication to accessibility and inclusion make her a true inspiration.
Jennifer recommends WISH. This delightful story emphasizes the importance of hope, perseverance, and believing in oneself. Jennifer shares this book to highlight these themes, which resonate deeply during Women’s Equality Month. Discover how this charming tale reflects Jennifer’s advocacy and her commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable community.
Join us in celebrating Jennifer Kumiyama and her impactful contributions to our community.
WISH
Adapted by Luna Chi (Little Golden Book)
Meet Jennifer Kumiyama:
What made you choose WISH as your book recommendation?
I chose this book, because I voiced the character, Dahlia, in the animated feature film.
What do you hope other readers get from reading your book recommendation?
That regardless of circumstance we have more power to make our own dreams a reality.
How old were you when you got your first library card?
I was ten years old.
Were there any stand-out scenes or particular passages from your recommended book that have impacted your life?
We have the power to make our own wishes come true.
Why do you think reading is important?
Reading introduces us to other ways of life, teaches us new things that we may have never learned otherwise.
Jennifer Kumiyama, Actress, Singer and Accessibility Champion
Jennifer Kumiyama was born with Arthrogryposis and uses a wheelchair daily. Kumiyama earned a spot on Warner Bros. reality TV show “Popstars 2” and earned national accolades from many publications including Variety Magazine and TV Guide – referring to her as “the girl in the wheelchair, who’s voice blew everyone out of the water”. Shortly after that in 2002 – Jennifer was cast in Disney’s “Aladdin; a Musical Spectacular” at Disney California Adventure Theme Park, where she is the first performer in a wheelchair to ever be on any Disney stage in the world. She performed 4 times a day for 8,000 guests a day, who visit from every corner of the world. It was at Disney that Jennifer took on her real role as an advocate for people living with disabilities – showing the entire world that talent sees no boundaries. This motivated her to become a speaker – sharing her story with schools, social groups, and major businesses. Her new passion, in addition to singing – is being a voice for people living with disabilities by breaking attitudinal and architectural barriers. “Aladdin; a Musical Spectacular” closed on January 10, 2016.
In 2010, Jennifer was crowned Ms. Wheelchair California and Ms. Wheelchair America 2011, 1st Runner Up. During her reign she spread the message of hope through her platform “Empowering Children with Disabilities to Make Their Own Dreams Come True”.
Jennifer was cast in a major role as ‘Carmen’ in Sundance Film Festival hit and Academy Award Nominated film “The Sessions”, MTV’s teen sensation “Awkward” and “Celebrity Undercover Boss”.
Since the closing of ‘Aladdin’ Jennifer worked for former Long Beach Councilwoman, Senator Lena Gonzalez, former Long Beach Mayor Dr. Robert Garcia and is also an elected AD 70 Delegate in the California Democratic Party.
Jennifer can be heard as the voice of Dahlia in Disney’s new hit animated feature WISH, released in theaters everywhere November 22nd, 2023.
Jennifer is currently the City of Long Beach Citywide Accessibility Coordinator. You can learn more about Jennifer on her website.
Find Wish at your local library branch by clicking here!