‘You have to take the first step’: Felicia Bulmaga on her superpower to inspire people with special needs
Felicia Bulmaga’s life story is an example of how optimism and determination to overcome obstacles can open up new opportunities. Despite her limited mobility, Felicia has turned her passion for photography into a career. She actively participates in various courses that help her engage in social life. Felicia inspires other people with special needs to believe in themselves and achieve their goals.
Felicia was born with cerebral palsy and was abandoned by her parents. She spent the first 28 years of her life in a shelter in Hîncești, Moldova. In 2020, she moved with four other young women with disabilities into a house in Ialoveni provided through the social service of protected housing. “When we moved, I couldn’t find my place and cried a lot. I was even afraid to go outside. I only started doing so three years later.”
‘I never even dreamed of it’
She first came out into the street thanks to her passion for photography. After receiving a camera as a gift, Felicia forgot her fear and went into town to capture the world around her. At this moment she became independent – she entered a life full of opportunities for personal and professional development.
“One evening, while walking in the park, I heard music. And since I love music, I went to see what was happening and take some photos. It was an event organised by the Chișinău City Council called ‘Dialogue between Generations’. There I met a woman I had known for a long time. She said she would help me with a new wheelchair and that she needed to talk to someone who could help me.”
Felicia didn’t receive a new wheelchair in the end, but she did get the chance to earn money by getting a job as a photographer at the city hall: “At first, I couldn’t believe it because I had never even dreamed of such a thing. I knew that people with special needs have little chance to get a job.”
With her first salary, she bought gifts for the girls she lived with to show her gratitude and support. With her second salary, she allowed herself to buy a bracelet she had been dreaming of.
“Some time ago, someone gave us a puppy. Actually, the gift was for all of us, but the puppy chose me as his owner. Now he is my best friend, I take him with me everywhere, even to work. That’s why I put a charm on my bracelet with the inscription: ‘You put your paw on my heart’.”
In 2025, Felicia celebrated three years of photographing events in the Moldovan capital. She not only takes photos, but also edits them. What she likes most in her work is the flexible schedule, which fits her lifestyle perfectly. “I don’t attend many events, about five or six a month, and I’m usually told in advance where and when I need to be,” Felicia says.
‘I don’t want to stop’
Felicia loves capturing people’s genuine emotions. To develop her skills, she even took a photography course to achieve a greater degree of professionalism.
“As a child, I didn’t have the opportunity to study. I only finished three years of school. So I decided that I would invest all the money I earned in my health and learning new things. I want to grow, I don’t want to stop, even if someone says it’s too late for me. But I think it’s never too late to learn something new.”
The next course that Felicia plans to take is on creating reels. She wants to become active on social media, and to do that, she needs to better understand how digital platforms work and how to create engaging content. “If I want people to learn about me and my work, I need to post more on social media,” says Felicia.
After completing the course on reels, Felicia plans to start learning English. She has already found a school that is accessible to people with limited mobility.
‘The training gave me confidence’
In addition to courses, Felicia often participates in training sessions aimed at empowering women. The training sessions focus on vulnerable groups, their rights and the prevention of gender-based violence. Felicia even participated in a series of classes organised by the Motivation NGO as part of the ‘EU4GenderEquality: Together Against Gender Stereotypes and Gender-Based Violence’ programme, a joint initiative of UN Women and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), funded by the European Union.
“The first training sessions took place before I started my photo journey. They motivated me greatly and made me much more confident. I still remember the names of our trainers. They became an example for me, saying that I would work hard and achieve success. I didn’t believe it then, but a miracle happened.”
In addition to confidence, these training sessions taught Felicia a life lesson. She realised that she needed actively to participate in society and not wait for help from others. She understood that she needed to motivate those around her. “For several years now, my friends and I have been helping homeless animals – we feed them, surround them with love and care, and, if necessary, take them to veterinary clinics for treatment or special attention,” Felicia says.
‘It’s impossible without help’
Felicia managed to overcome her self-doubt. However, it is much more difficult to overcome the numerous obstacles on the street. The steps, kerbs and steep ramps make it very difficult to get around the city, practically impossible without someone’s help.
“I go to work with a friend. I have a motorised wheelchair, but I still need help to get up or down. And that’s considering that, in my opinion, Chișinău is the most accessible city in the whole of Moldova.”
Felicia believes that cultural institutions, shopping centres and public spaces should provide clearly marked routes and areas for people with disabilities, so that they can move around safely and actively participate in community life. In her opinion, these measures will not only make the city’s infrastructure more accessible, but also reduce the feeling of abandonment, isolation, and discomfort experienced by people like her.
‘You have to believe in yourself’
Felicia’s advice to people with special needs is to believe in yourself and step outside your comfort zone. “I know how hard it is. After I left the shelter, it took me three years to decide to leave the protected housing. I understand perfectly well those who have no support, people who could cheer them up. But in that case, you need to find the courage to take the first step yourself. To develop, you need to communicate and knock on doors that will definitely open,” Felicia concludes.
What is your superpower?
Felicia Bulmaga proves that superpowers do exist: the willpower to overcome limitations, the determination to learn, and the ability to inspire and support those around us. It is important to believe in yourself, not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, and turn every challenge into an opportunity for growth.
Have you ever thought about what your superpower might be?
Author: Cristina Platas
