Posted on November 1, 2023
Ms. Wheelchair Michigan Crowning: Championing Advocacy and Leadership
This weekend, a new winner will be crowned Ms. Wheelchair Michigan. Contestants will be competing for the state title in an event hosted and sponsored by Mary Free Bed.
Organizers are still accepting applications for the state competition that’s anything but a “beauty pageant.” Ms. Wheelchair Michigan is an advocacy-based competition that gives women opportunities to lead others, educate the community and champion their cause.
When:
Saturday, November 4, 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Crowning Gala at 4 p.m. and is open to the public
Where:
Mary Free Bed’s Professional Building
350 Lafayette
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Last year, Detroit resident Jamie Junior was crowned Ms. Michigan. Jamie works at Disability Network of Wayne County. She uses a wheelchair because she has cerebral palsy. Jamie’s advocacy platform was financial empowerment and stability for people with disabilities – focusing on the areas of housing and transportation.
“I felt validated as an advocate and as a woman,” said Jamie. “Thinking about the upcoming competition for new contestants, “You should do it, because it raises your confidence and lets you know what you are capable of.”
Who is eligible this year?
- Women who use a wheelchair or scooter for community mobility due to a disability.
- Marital status does not matter, but you do need to be 21 years old or older, a US citizen and a resident of Michigan.
- If you’ve participated before and didn’t win, you are still able to enter and compete again.
“This is such a unique opportunity for women who use a wheelchair,” said Ms. Wheelchair Michigan state coordinator, Shelly Loose. “Being with other women who can truly empathize with your personal struggles creates a transformative sense of community.”
The winner of Ms. Wheelchair Michigan will go on to compete on the national stage at Ms. Wheelchair America in August of 2024. The Mary Free Bed Guild is proud to support Ms. Wheelchair Michigan and host this year’s competition.
If you would like to apply for this weekend’s competition, contact Shelly loose, Ms. Wheelchair America president, at michigan@mswheelchairamerica.org or 616.540.3774.
