Close Modal Don’t Waste a Second Celebrate the Being Human spotlight at the Museum of Science during a special evening examining the resiliency and beautiful determination of humanity. What does it take to make our dreams come true in the face of discrimination and unexpected hurdles? How can we advocate for ourselves and each other in the face of societal pressures to make the world a more inclusive space for all? How can we learn and grow from the challenges throughout our lives? Join Emily Falcon, author of From the Sidelines to the Finish Line, to hear about her experiences growing up with a congenital heart condition and the life-changing open-heart surgery she underwent as an adult. You’ll also hear other inspirational stories of self-advocacy from special guests, such as the science accessibility expert working towards making space exploration accessible for all and a Drag performer who discuss the discrimination and harassment their community must face simply to share their art with the world.Everyone has something holding them back in life, but through these personal reflections you’ll leave inspired to advocate for yourself, believe in your abilities, test your boundaries, and never again waste a single second.This program is free, thanks to the generosity of the Lowell Institute. Register for the Event Date and Time Wednesday, May 21 | 7:00 pm Audience Adults 18+ Location Blue Wing View Map Price Free with Pre-Registration Language English Register for the Event Date and Time Wednesday, May 21 | 7:00 pm Audience Adults 18+ Location Blue Wing View Map Price Free with Pre-Registration Language English What does it take to make our dreams come true in the face of discrimination and unexpected hurdles? How can we advocate for ourselves and each other in the face of societal pressures to make the world a more inclusive space for all? How can we learn and grow from the challenges throughout our lives? Join Emily Falcon, author of From the Sidelines to the Finish Line, to hear about her experiences growing up with a congenital heart condition and the life-changing open-heart surgery she underwent as an adult. You’ll also hear other inspirational stories of self-advocacy from special guests, such as the science accessibility expert working towards making space exploration accessible for all and a Drag performer who discuss the discrimination and harassment their community must face simply to share their art with the world.Everyone has something holding them back in life, but through these personal reflections you’ll leave inspired to advocate for yourself, believe in your abilities, test your boundaries, and never again waste a single second.This program is free, thanks to the generosity of the Lowell Institute. Featuring Image Emily Falcon Emily Falcon lives in Massachusetts. At seven weeks old, she had a heart attack and was diagnosed with anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA). This led to two open-heart surgeries, one at age six and another at age thirty-five. She loves travel and animals, both of which have helped her get through difficult times. While living a constrained life, Emily has sought out adventures whenever she can, such as trekking up volcanoes to observe mountain gorillas in Uganda, volunteering with cheetahs and baboons in Namibia, playing with wolves at the Arctic Circle, and eating with orangutans in Singapore. She is now an athlete who participates in a weekly run club and runs in 5K races throughout the year. She hopes to inspire others who have health limitations to never waste a moment and not let life pass them by.Website: https://www.babyheartspress.com/emily-falconInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/from_sidelines_to_finish_lineFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091344267879 Image Candace Nguyen Candace Nguyen is one of the executive assistants to the Environment, Energy and Open Space cabinet. Candace has been deeply involved in queer advocacy through organizations like MAP for Health, BAGLY, Fenway Health, Massachusetts General Hospital — supporting trans and non-binary individuals in accessing gender-affirming care.Candace was formerly a Community Relations specialist with the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQIA2S+ Advancement where she championed brave, inclusive spaces throughout the city she loves. This includes being a part of the core team that removed the requirement for couples to disclose their gender identity when applying for a marriage certificate.Candace is widely known for her drag persona, Candace Persuasian. She has received the 2022 Trans Excellence Award from the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition and was also featured in Beyoncé’s Renaissance Film after a viral moment holding a “Trans is Beautiful” sign garnering international attention from PinkNews, Billboard, and Gaytimes. Image Anna Voelker Anna Voelker (they/them) is a science accessibility specialist recently named to the 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 List for their work in Social Impact. Anna is the founder and Executive Director of the SciAccess, Inc., an international nonprofit that promotes disability inclusion in STEM education, outreach, and research. SciAccess is a recipient of the 2024 NASA Space Tech Catalyst Prize, honoring contributions to the growth of diverse innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs in space technology. Through SciAccess, Anna leads numerous STEM accessibility programs, including AstroAccess, which Anna co-founded with U.S. Congressman George Whitesides to advance disability inclusion in human space exploration. Anna is a two-time TEDx speaker and has given over 60 presentations on science accessibility across 4 continents, including invitations to speak with the White House, United Nations, Library of Congress, NASA, and MIT.
