Teresa Motz’s life was grounded in purpose, joy and connection. Hardworking, courageous and joyfully unconventional, Teresa believed deeply in loving people, treating every person with dignity and respect, and having faith in their potential.
After a distinguished career as an optical engineer whose innovations advanced technologies used in health care, air travel and everyday life, Teresa’s own experience with serious accidents and inadequate recovery resources reshaped her path. From that lived experience emerged a new mission rooted in trauma awareness, recovery and hope. She became a passionate advocate for integrated, person-centered support that connects body, mind and spirit, as well as for language that affirms dignity rather than limitation. She even coined the term “diff-abled” to reframe disability as difference rather than deficit.
By establishing this fund through a legacy gift, Teresa ensured her compassion and creativity would continue to uplift others for generations. The fund supports organizations in the Cayuga Community, with preference given to those serving individuals facing physical or psychological challenges as they recover from traumatic life events. Through grantmaking, the fund advances Teresa’s belief that small, practical acts and strong community connections can preserve dignity, foster resilience and bring hope and healing to those who need it most.
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