Chris Mielo and Chaz Kellem

Empowering others is their passion. They love life - and their positive energy is contagious!

I’ve seen Chris and Chaz engage a group of 800 youth, parents, teachers and agency staff. They had us laughing at obstacles, celebrating our dreams, planning for our goals, and supporting one another. No easy feat with such a large and diverse crowd!

Chaz and Chris have a deep capacity to genuinely listen and relate to people of all ages and circumstances. They don’t just put on a great show - they connect with people - because they care.

Get to know these young men who are changing the world for the better by empowering people to be the best they can be.

PA Youth Leadership Network (PYLN)

Chaz and Chris’s friendship grew through their involvement with PYLN. In turn, they’ve helped PYLN to grow. That’s what PYLN is all about!

This unique group of young people with disabilities teach, empower and network with one another so that everyone involved grows and thrives in their own unique ways.

PYLN is an active and effective voice for positive change in state, local, and even national systems of education, health, employment, and disability rights.

But always it’s about empowering individuals. Their presentations, toolkits and videos engage youth with disabilities to plan and take action toward their personal goals.

Visit the PYLN website here. Download PYLN Toolkits here.

Unbreakable Drive

Chris and Chaz continue to support PYLN’s work. But, well - they’ve “aged-out” from youth to adulthood. And they’re embracing new endeavors.

They both have their own careers. And, together, Chris and Chaz have joined forces to create Unbreakable Drive. Their goal is to “continue their passion for inspiring, motivating, and sharing their joy of life while continuing to create change.”

Organizations large and small from around the country request Chris and Chaz to speak and engage with youth and adults around diverse challenges. Everyone leaves Unbreakable Drive presentations energized and empowered.

Find testimonials here. Book Chaz and Chris to speak at your event here.

Get to know Chaz Kellem

Chaz exudes positive energy.

He loves to “work hard and play hard” - and he’s always on the go.

Chaz is Manager of Diversity Initiatives for the Pittsburgh Pirates, and he has been recognized as one of “40 under 40″ making an impact in his city.

He coaches and plays wheelchair sports, serves on numerous boards, speaks across the country, and loves to make a difference in people’s lives “through positive interactions and helpful messages”.

Learn more about Chaz here and here.

Get to know Chris Mielo

Chris’s heart for people and sports knows no bounds. And he’s a creative entrepreneur.

Chris avidly supports wheelchair sports and is a force to be reckoned with on the basketball court, but he’s up for physical challenges of all sorts.

The PYLN and Unbreakable Drive logos are his creations. Through his company Mielo Visual Productions, Chris meets the photography, videography, and graphic design needs of diverse clients.

Learn more about Chris here and here.

Life is Change

As Chris and Chaz like to say:

“Life is Change. Growth is Optional. Choose Wisely”

Their paths haven’t been easy.

Chaz has endured many dozens of broken bones due to a rare bone disorder. A car accident when he was a young child changed Chris’s life.

Not everyone in their lives has supported their vision and their efforts.

But nothing has stopped their Unbreakable Drive!

Chris Mielo and Chaz Kellem live life to the fullest - and urge us to do the same.

Pass it on!

Let’s follow Chris and Chaz’s example by living our own dreams and encouraging others!

Tell us in the comments how you and your child are living with “unbreakable drive”.

If you found this post helpful, please pass it on!

Thanks for helping to change the world by living your own life out loud!