On Tuesday, July 7, at 11:00 AM, San Mateo County Libraries celebrates Disability Pride Month with a talk from Nicole Adler, author of With Love as Her Compass.
Join us at San Carlos Library to hear about Nicole's journey as a self-advocate, change-maker and queer woman with Trisomy 21, commonly known as Down Syndrome.
Nicole will follow her presentation with a Q&A and book signing.
Living With Love, Purpose and Passion
Nicole Adler’s memoir, With Love as Her Compass, shows readers that labels don’t define us—love does.
Through heartfelt interviews, powerful third-person narrative and loving reflections from family members, friends and fellow advocates, With Love as her Compass offers a powerful reminder that self-advocacy, truth-telling and love can dismantle stigma and inspire collective change.
By simply chronicling her lived experiences as a queer woman with Down syndrome, Nicole makes visible the intersectionality of LGBTQ+ and disability identities rarely seen in books, media or leadership roles.
Join us to hear the inside story of this book that will uplift and inspire you, inviting readers to imagine a more inclusive future.
Meet Nicole Adler
Nicole Adler is a speaker, human rights advocate, author and host whose work centers on one core belief: every voice has the power to create change.
For more than a decade, Nicole has been a leading advocate for the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities. As a two-time Governor-appointed member of the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities, she has contributed to advancing policy, strengthening systems and elevating the voices of individuals and families across California and beyond.
In 2024, Nicole made history as the first person with Down syndrome to serve as a Grand Marshal for San Francisco Pride, bringing national attention to the importance of visibility, representation and belonging for people with disabilities.
She is also the founder and host of The No No Show, a popular YouTube series featuring conversations with leaders, advocates and change-makers who are working to create a kinder and more inclusive world. Through this platform, Nicole continues to elevate important conversations and inspire action.
As a speaker, Nicole brings authenticity, passion and a clear call to action to every audience. Her presentations focus on disability pride, advocacy and the power of using your voice, encouraging individuals and organizations to move beyond awareness and take meaningful steps toward inclusion.
Nicole speaks to audiences across education, corporate, nonprofit and government sectors, leaving them with a renewed sense of purpose and the tools to create real, lasting change.
Her children’s book “I Am Me” will be released on July 1, 2026.
To learn more about Nicole, visit nicoleforlove.com, opens a new window
Add a comment to: Meet Nicole Adler, Author of With Love as Her Compass