Ms. Wheelchair America

10/12/2026

There is something extraordinary about powerful women who recognize the power in other women! 👑💖

True leadership isn’t measured solely by how far we rise, but by how many women we provide opportunities for and elevate along the way.

At Ms. Wheelchair America, we believe that empowered women empower women! We are committed to building a sisterhood where women celebrate each other’s victories, champion each other’s dreams, break down barriers, and intentionally create pathways to leadership, opportunity for other women.

We need to make sure that the women (and girls) coming behind us have every opportunity to shine!

Because when powerful women roll together, we don’t just change individual lives, we redefine what’s possible!

Be the woman who fixes another woman’s crown, celebrates her success, and reminds her that her power is limitless! 👑💖

Together, we rise. Together, we lead. Together, we are unstoppable!

10/11/2026

👑💜♿ Some things are worth waiting 30 years for!

A little piece of Ms. Wheelchair America history has received some much-deserved TLC! 💜

Elaine Stefanowicz, Ms. Wheelchair America 1997, recently shared that she finally had her MWA trophy personalized and refurbished!

And in Elaine’s own words, “It only took me 30 years to do it!” 😂👑

What a beautiful reminder that being Ms. Wheelchair America is so much more than a title held for one year. The memories, friendships, advocacy, and connection to the MWA sisterhood last a lifetime.

And Elaine’s involvement with MWA didn’t end with her reign! We were honored to have her return as a judge for the Ms. Wheelchair America 2026 National Competition, sharing her experience and helping recognize another generation of women who are making a difference through advocacy. 💜

Elaine, your beautifully restored trophy is a wonderful piece of MWA history! Thank you for continuing to be part of our organization and for sharing this special memory with us.

Once an MWA sister, always an MWA sister! 💜♿👑

10/10/2026

💚🧠 **WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY** 🧠💚

Today, on World Mental Health Day, Ms. Wheelchair America reminds everyone that **mental health matters, disability inclusion matters, and YOU matter!** 💜👑

Living with a disability can bring unique challenges, from navigating an inaccessible world to advocating for our needs and managing the expectations that others may place on us. It’s important to remember that we are more than our disabilities, our accomplishments, and the advocacy work we do.

💜 It’s okay to ask for help.
💜 It’s okay to rest and take a break.
💜 It’s okay to set boundaries.
💜 It’s okay to celebrate the little victories.
💜 It’s okay to prioritize your mental well-being.

Self-care looks different for everyone. It might mean connecting with a friend, enjoying a favorite hobby, listening to music, spending time in nature, or simply giving yourself permission to slow down.

Let’s continue building a world where people with disabilities feel seen, heard, supported, and empowered to care for their mental health without judgment. Remember, **asking for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.**

👑 To our Ms. Wheelchair America titleholders, state representatives, ambassadors, and the disability community: You spend so much time advocating for others. Today, we encourage you to show that same compassion to yourselves!

💬 **Question of the Day:** What is one thing you do to support your mental health or bring a little joy into your day? Share in the comments and inspire someone else!

💜♿👑

Image Description Square image with the text: Today is above World Mental Health Day in the upper middle of the graphic The Ms Wheelchair America in the center of the graphic and the text
Your mental health matters." Reach out, listen, and support one below the logo

10/10/2026

👑💜♿ The Ms. Wheelchair America Class of 2028 continues to grow!
Please help us welcome our newest member, Laura Power, Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania 2027! 💜👑
Laura’s platform is “Voter Outreach Takes Everyone,” focusing on voter rights and education, with an emphasis on empowering individuals with disabilities to exercise their right to vote. 🗳️ Through education, advocacy, and coalition outreach, Laura is working to promote accessible voting opportunities, encourage voters with disabilities to develop a voting plan, and ensure that every voice has the opportunity to be heard!
We are excited to welcome Laura to the Ms. Wheelchair America sisterhood and look forward to seeing the impact of her advocacy as she works to make voting more accessible and inclusive for everyone! 💜♿✨


Image Description: A promotional graphic for Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania 2027 featuring Laura Power seated in her wheelchair, wearing a teal dress and a sash, with a crown and bouquet of flowers. Her photo is surrounded by a circle of gold stars. The design features a purple, white, and silver color scheme with a purple banner displaying her name, “Laura Power.” The text highlights her platform, “Voter Outreach Takes Everyone,” which focuses on voter rights and education, empowering individuals with disabilities to exercise their right to vote, promoting accessible voting opportunities, and ensuring every voice is heard. The Ms. Wheelchair America logo appears in the bottom right corner.

10/09/2026

What is your current job? What is your dream job?

IMAGE DESCRIPTION:

A blue background with a geometric ribbon design on the left side. Text on the right side reads "NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH - OCTOBER IS" in a bold, modern font.

10/08/2026

🎙️💜♿ Another episode of Whit’s Grit featuring one of our MWA sisters!

We love seeing our MWA Titleholders continuing to share their stories and amplify one another’s voices!

Whitney Lavender, MWA 2027 1st Runner-Up, welcomes Ms. Wheelchair WI 2026 - Kristi Scheunemann , to her Whit’s Grit podcast! 👑

At Ms. Wheelchair America, we believe every woman has a story worth sharing, and we love seeing our sisterhood continue beyond Nationals through meaningful conversations, encouragement, and advocacy.

MWA friends and family, be sure to tune in and show Whitney and Kristi some love! 💜♿

🎥 Click below to watch the episode on YouTube⁠!

Kristi Scheunemann, Miss Wheelchair Wisconsin 2026, joins Whitney o...

10/07/2026

Today is Cerebral Palsy (CP) World Day. Did you wear green to celebrate? How did you celebrate?

IMAGE DESCRIPTION:
A green awareness ribbon is accompanied by the text "OCTOBER 6 WORLD CEREBRAL PALSY DAY" in orange and green font.

10/06/2026

👑💜♿ The Ms. Wheelchair America Class of 2028 continues to grow!

Please help us welcome our newest member, Samantha VanAlstyne, Ms. Wheelchair New York 2027! 🗽👑

Samantha’s platform is “Love Without Limits,” built around the powerful belief that no one should have to choose between love and the support they need to live.

We are so excited to welcome Samantha to the Ms. Wheelchair America sisterhood and cannot wait to see where her advocacy takes her! 💜♿

Image Description: A woman with glasses and light brown hair wearing a crown and a sash that reads "Ms. Wheelchair New York 2027 " smiles for the camera. She is in front of a blue backdrop, and the design includes a circular border made up of stars. The text mentions "Ms. Wheelchair New York 2027," her name, and her platform, "Love Without Limits," along with a supporting statement about love and support.

10/04/2026

🎙️💜♿ We love seeing our MWA sisters supporting and amplifying one another’s voices!

Whitney Lavender, MWA 2027 1st Runner-Up, recently welcomed Dr. Sue ElHessen, MWA 2027 3rd Runner-Up, to her Whit’s Grit podcast! 👑

We encourage our MWA friends and family to tune in and hear these two incredible women connect, share, and continue using their voices beyond the MWA stage. This is what the MWA sisterhood and advocacy in action are all about! 💜♿

Watch Whitney’s interview with Dr. Sue ElHessen⁠

Whit's Grit Episode 12 is live. 👑Dr. Sue ElHessen is an educator,...

10/02/2026

Ms. Wheelchair America (MWA) loves sharing opportunities that empower and connect the disability community!

The Spina Bifida Resource Network’s Adult Empowerment Retreat aligns beautifully with what Ms. Wheelchair America believes in—advocacy, leadership, self-empowerment, community, and learning from the lived experiences of people with disabilities. The retreat is peer-led and includes conversations around healthcare, relationships, advocacy, fitness, disability justice, and more.

We encourage our MWA family to check out this wonderful resource and learn more about the opportunities SBRN provides for adults with disabilities! 💜♿

Learn more about the Adult Empowerment Retreat⁠: https://thesbrn.org/events/retreat/