Tiffany Yu
Tiffany Yu is CEO & founder of Diversability, an entirely disabled-run and disabled-led social enterprise to elevate disability pride. She is the founder of the Awesome Foundation Disability Chapter, which awards monthly micro-grants to disability projects ($59.5k to 60 projects in 10 countries). She is a 3x TEDx speaker and has spoken at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Singularity, Harvard, Stanford, and more. She is author of the book, “The Anti-Ableist Manifesto: Smashing Stereotypes, Forging Change, and Building a Disability-Inclusive World.”
What NYC neighborhoods have you lived in?
I've lived in the Financial District and the Upper East Side, always within walking distance of wherever I was working at the time.
What do you like and dislike about New York?
I love the energy, ambition, and efficiency of New York. While I'm grateful to have spent the majority of my 20s there, I often felt like I was always in a rush or stressed about something. I joke that I have strong East Coast energy, and living in NYC intensified it. It really is the city that never sleeps, and I'm tired!
Can you share an "Only in New York" story that happened to you?
I once spent New Year’s Eve in Times Square. It was 2012, the year Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber performed. I wore every layer I owned and walked from the Upper East Side to join the crowds at 2 p.m. One of those "I'll do it once" moments!
If you were to come up with your own personal quote on what New York means to you or how it makes you feel - what would that be?
“New York is the place where ambition meets resilience.”
When did you move to LA? Why did you move to LA?
I moved to LA in 2022, originally for a relationship (RIP), but stayed for the lifestyle and to get involved with the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, where I got to advise on workforce development. As someone working in disability inclusion (shameless plug: I even wrote a book on it called The Anti-Ableist Manifesto), I can't imagine a more global platform for increasing visibility and respect for the disability community.
Where do you live in LA and how has life in LA been compared to New York City?
I live in Baldwin Hills. I like being close to the airport with easy access to Santa Monica, DTLA, and West Hollywood. I’ve managed to live in LA for over three years without a car (yay public transit!), but I definitely miss how walkable NYC is.
What do you like and dislike about LA compared to New York?
I often say that LA is my favorite playground. I enjoy the slower pace and how creativity flourishes here. That said, I miss the Broadway scene and live theater. I once even took a day trip to NYC just to see a musical!
Can you share any unique experiences, stories, events, people you've met in your time living in LA?
The star sightings never get old. I’ve been at intimate events with folks like Gary Vaynerchuk, Ronnie Chieng, Alyson Stoner, and Victoria Monét, complete with blurry selfies to capture the moment.
What are your favorite hidden gems in LA?
Highly Likely in West Adams and Destroyer in Culver City are my go-to spots for catching up with friends over coffee or brunch. For bookish finds (including mine), check out The Last Bookstore in DTLA (plus it’s disability-owned!).
