Public Speaking & Media

I am available to book for public speaking on a variety of topics. Scroll down for media mentions, videos, and more about me.

Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome is a genetic disorder caused when abnormal cell division results in extra genetic material from chromosome 21. There is no cure however treatments include self-care, therapists, and devices.

Life With Down Syndrome

I was born with Down Syndrome. I grew up going to therapy. I had speech, occupational, and physical therapy. They all helped me to have an amazing life as well as a supportive family and friends.

Self Advocacy

I am a self-advocate for Down Syndrome. I have lobbied in Washington DC and often speak to my senators and congressmen. I want to speak for other people who can't speak for themselves.

Fitness

Exercise is a good thing for you. it can help your mind and body. You feel so good when you work out, it's an amazing feeling to have. Working out can help you feel good about yourself and live a happier and healthier life.

Healthy Lifestyle

I have been swimming and dancing my whole life. I have built good friendships and teamwork skills, as well as self confidence. Be with your family and friends and have fun in your lives.

Just Like You

I have Down Syndrome but I am much more than just that. I am a person just like you. I am like everyone else, an extra chromosome just makes me a little bit different than other people.

Fayetteville swimmer with Down Syndrome heads to world competition

A Fayetteville swimmer is getting ready to represent the USA at an international competition for people with Down Syndrome.

Fayetteville gold medalist to compete at Down Syndrome Swimming World Championships

Fayetteville’s Mary Borman will help represent the United States at the Down Syndrome Swimming World Championships.

Arkansas Special Olympic athletes return home

KNWA & FOX24: Mary Borman from Fayetteville is returning home from Orlando after winning gold in stand up paddleboard in the Special Olympics.

President Elect Joe Biden & Vice President Elect Kamala Harris America The Beautiful

I was proud to have been included in this wonderful message about the heart and soul of America and what makes America great - our diverse and wonderful people.

University of Arkansas

The EMPOWER program helps young adults with mild intellectual disabilities build the knowledge and skills they need for a bright and successful future.

Featuring Mary Borman

US Senate

Sen. Cotton Recognizes Arkansan of the Week Mary Borman

Arkansas Department of Human Services

DHS wants to celebrate Mary Borman, a sophomore communication major at UA Fayetteville, and one of our Famous Arkansans, as she embarks on a trip to the Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle with 71 other Arkansas athletes during the first week of July.

My Life With Down Syndrome

A speech about my life with Down Syndrome 

University of Arkansas
Psychology Class 2020

Fashion Forward Film Trailer

This is a story about how the fashion industry has, over centuries, shaped how people think they need to look and in today’s time.

Models include Mary Borman, a 21-year-old woman with Down syndrome.

Flush

A fun little video about missing your best furry friend. Be sure to turn the sound up.

U of Arkansas Empower Program

Mary Borman is a three-time Rockin’ Recipient headed into her junior year at the University of Arkansas, where she loves being a part of the campus community. She has learned so much in her time there, and especially enjoyed her acting classes. She loves swimming for Special Olympics Arkansas and for the International Down Syndrome Swimming Organization Team USA. She also completed an internship with U.S. Representative Steve Womack.

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NPR: Students with Intellectual and Cognitive Disabilities Empowered at University of Arkansas

Three students are enrolled in a new University of Arkansas lifestyle and career training pilot program, titled EMPOWER. The four-year certificate college course is geared towards individuals with intellectual disabilities. We meet up with the three pioneers, project founder and program director on campus.

Listen to Broadcast

Mary Borman Bound for Special Olympics USA Games!

When the news was official, Mary Borman qualified to swim in the upcoming USA Games, Mary described her feeling as, “triumphant.” Clear about her aspirations, Mary shares, “I want to be like Katie Ledecky.”

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Senator Tom Cotton Recognizes First Arkansan of the Week: Mary Lorraine Wood Borman

Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) this week recognized Mary Lorraine Wood Borman, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, as the first "Arkansan of the Week". Mary is one of Arkansas's Self-Advocate Ambassadors for the National Down Syndrome Society.

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Channel 5 News: University Of Arkansas To Start New Program

The college experience is opening up to some who wouldn't normally have the opportunity. "I'm really excited to go because I just want to get a better education, so I know who I want to be who I am,” Mary Borman said.

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UofA Creates Program for Students with Intellectual Disabilities

The first 4-year, non-credit program for intellectually disabled students in Arkansas will begin this fall at the UofA. EMPOWER is a college experience non-degree program for students with mild intellectual disabilities like Down Syndrome or autism, Program Director Ashley Bradley said. EMPOWER stands for Educate, Motivate, Prepare, Opportunity, Workplace Readiness, Employment and Responsibility.

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Diversity And Inclusion: Fashion Week shows 'everyone wears clothes'

Q: How did you get involved in NWA Fashion Week? A: I tried out last spring for Fashion Week, and I was chosen to model but I couldn't attend because I had a prior commitment. Now I'm ready to try it again. My friend Ashley Little told me about it and, by the way, my boyfriend is a model.

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Fashion Forward Film

Mary Borman is a 21-year-old woman with Down syndrome. The first person with Down syndrome to attend the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, she is also the first person with Down syndrome to model in NWA Fashion Week.

View the trailer for this movie here.

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USA Down Syndrome Swim Team

Competed in the 2018 National Special Olympics Championships, representing Arkansas.

Competed in 2018 DSISO World Championship in Truro, Canada where she earned a Bronze Medal as part of the 4x200 Freestyle Relay

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