Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Presents Jillian Mercado

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Actress, model and activist Jillian Mercado will be the keynote speaker for Good Shepherd Rehabilitation’s annual National Speaker Event this June 2025.

The inspiring, live event will take place on June 4, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. on Good Shepherd’s South Allentown Campus, 850 S. 5^th St.

The family-friendly event is free and open to the public. Reserve your spot now before it sells out:

About Jillian Mercado

Jillian Mercado is an actress, model and activist who was born and raised in New York City and is of Dominican descent. Diagnosed with spastic muscular dystrophy as a child, Jillian has become a prominent figure in the fashion world, challenging beauty ideals and re-defining traditional norms in the fashion industry.

To date, Jillian has starred in campaigns for Olay, Bumble 100, Calvin Klein fragrance, Nordstrom, Target and Tommy Hilfiger. In September 2018, she was featured on Teen Vogue’s first digital cover. In addition, editorial features include CR Fashion Book, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Glassbook, Jejune and Herring & Herring magazine. As an actress, Jillian’s most notable role is playing Maribel on the L Word Generation.

Jillian has spent her off-camera career actively fighting to advocate for more representation of people with disabilities and eradicate the enduring stigma they face in the fashion industry.

WFMZ-TV Anchor Melanie Falcon will serve as the event’s guest emcee. An audience Q&A, led by Melanie, will occur following Jillian’s talk. Isaiah Natale, an aspiring motivational speaker and resident at Good Shepherd Home – Raker Center, will introduce Jillian at the event.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; the program starts promptly at 6:30 p.m. with Q&A to follow at 7 p.m.

Complimentary appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages will be served.