GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.– Twenty women are preparing to make their way to Grand Rapids, Michigan, to compete for the title of Ms. Wheelchair America 2027. The week-long competition brings state titleholders together for leadership training, advocacy workshops and mentorship opportunities.
Ms. Wheelchair America is not a beauty pageant but a competition based on advocacy, leadership and achievements.
When: August 17-23, 2026
Where: Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, 187 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI
Each year, state titleholders gather to learn, build relationships and crown a spokeswoman to represent the more than 70 million Americans living with disabilities.
“Beauty, strength and leadership come in many forms. Ms. Wheelchair America gives women a platform to use their unique perspectives to drive meaningful change. We are so excited to see how this year’s competitors will use their passions and experiences to influence people across the nation,” said Mary Zendejas, President of Ms. Wheelchair America.
This is the tenth year the competition will take place in Michigan, making it the most visited host state. Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation and the Mary Free Bed Guild have been involved with Ms. Wheelchair America since 2021 and are proud to support the event as the title sponsor for a fifth year.
“The Mary Free Bed Guild has a deep admiration for all the women involved in the Ms. Wheelchair America competition. Every year, this event showcases their joy, strength and leadership. Regardless of the outcome, every participant demonstrates a powerful commitment to making a difference in the lives of others,” said Mira Jourdan, president of the Mary Free Bed Guild.
In order to qualify for entry in the Ms. Wheelchair America competition, each woman has to earn their state crown. During their reign, titleholders stay busy working as advocates and sharing their platform with people in their state.
Highlights from the week include a scavenger hunt experience at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park and a decades-themed dance party. Starting this year, there will be two days of tours at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, giving every contestant an opportunity to explore the hospital, meet team members and learn about the rehabilitation system.
Current Ms. Wheelchair America titleholder, Latavia Sturdivant, will spend the week with this year’s competitors. She’ll crown the new winner at the end of the week.
A total of 29 women were crowned at the state level this year, but not all go on to compete nationally. The 20 states represented in the national competition this year include Arkansas, Arizona, California, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.
For 54 years, the Ms. Wheelchair America organization has helped women find their voice and facilitate positive change throughout the United States. To date, there have been more than 1,100 state titleholders who share the mission that all people with disabilities will have the opportunities to lead productive and meaningful lives.
The public is invited to attend speech night on Friday, August 21, when contestants share their personal journeys and passions. Public attendance is also encouraged for Saturday night’s crowning gala. Both events will take place in Amway Ambassador Ballroom at 7:15 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $15. Both events will be livestreamed on the Ms. Wheelchair America Facebook page and Mary Free Bed YouTube.
