Past Titleholders
Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2023
Daija Coleman
Atchison, KS
Daija Coleman, 23, has been a teacher in many different aspects of her life. She has been educating others about disability, perseverance, and advocacy from the day that she was born! Today, Daija is a real-life teacher who lives in Atchison and has Cerebral Palsy. Daija holds a Bachelor of Science Education degree from Washburn University that she obtained in 2022. She currently works as a fifth-grade teacher at Atchison Elementary. Daija previously worked as a 1st grade teacher at Jardine Elementary in Topeka and served as a substitute teacher and a peer educator at Washburn. She loves educating students about reading and writing, but also about perseverance and their abilities to succeed no matter the barriers. Daija has been breaking barriers and dispelling stereotypes for a long time. While at Washburn, she was involved in the LinC Bonner Scholars Program where she volunteered over 1000 hours and received the LinC Bonner Scholar Community Service Medal for her efforts. She was also the Philanthropy Director of Zeta Tau Alpha and the Vice President and Treasurer of Washburn Next Generation Educators. Daija has also served as the Historian and Blood Drive Coordinator of the National Honor Society, was a Communities in Schools volunteer, is a graduate of the Kansas Youth Leadership Forum, and has had various leadership positions within 4-H over the years. Daija received various awards from Washburn including the Commitment to Student Diversity Award; Outstanding Program for Campus Enrichment; the Student Life Enrich, Educate, and Engage Coin; and the Bonner Scholar Capstone Completion Medal. She describes herself as determined, humorous, compassionate, resourceful, and a learner. Daija believes that nothing is impossible. She wants to educate others that they have the power and skills to change the world through advocacy!
Platform:
"Why Not Us? Why Not Now? Be An Advocate in Your Community"
Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2022
Marci Clare
Abilene, KS
Marci Clare, 43, encourages people to always keep moving forward! She has done this with her own life, and feels that, if sharing her story can help at least one person, then she has succeeded. Marci has shown much perseverance in her life. She sustained a spinal cord injury in 2016. Since then, she has been determined to push forward and adjust to a new way of living. Marci currently lives in Abilene and is a single mother to four children. She currently is a stay-at-home mom that enjoys helping her kids with their extracurricular activities. Before her injury, Marci was a Licensed Practical Nurse. She obtained her nursing degree from Manhattan Technical College in 2002. She then worked in the medical field as an LPN for 15 years. She also used to own her own business called Kansas Daisy Hoops. This business taught kid’s groups, adult fitness classes, and hoop dancing. Even now, Marci continues to make hula hoops in her free time. In addition to being a stay-at-home mom, Marci is actively involved in her church, frequently sharing her life testimony. She also is a member of the FFA Alumni. Marci describes herself as driven/motivated, compassionate, optimistic, upbeat, and nonjudgmental. She has many goals for the future, including going back to school to get her Associate’s Degree and become a Registered Nurse. She also wants to work on getting her driver’s license and being able to ride on a horse again! She feels that it is never too late to get back in the saddle. Marci is very passionate about advocating for accessible housing. She wants to work alongside her “wheelchair sisters” to raise awareness about the needs of the disability community!
Platform:
"There’s No Place Like Home"
Ms. Wheelchair Kansas '20-'21
Hilary Garrett
Westmoreland, KS
Hilary Garrett, 28, uses her voice to educate and wants to encourage others to do the same! Hilary, who has Cerebral Palsy, knows that she has a unique perspective on life, and she works to inform the community about people with disabilities and about Cerebral Palsy. Hilary currently lives in Westmoreland and attends Kansas State University. She is working towards her Bachelor of Arts in Social Science. Hilary also holds an Associate’s Degree in General Studies from Cloud County Community College, which she obtained in 2017. She worked as a Community Assistant for Kansas State University from May 2018 to the spring of 2019. She has also served on the Multi-Cultural Action Committee and spoke at the 2019 Diversity Summit. Hilary is a visionary thinker who acknowledges, but doesn’t accept barriers. She consistently has worked to accomplish her goals and continues to do so. Hilary currently has many goals, including completing her Bachelor’s Degree, getting a good job in the public relations or social science field, and starting her own foundation. She already uses her public relations skills by hosting a blog online. Hilary posts videos on her blog about her life and also uses this medium to advocate and show others that they can advocate too. Hilary describes herself as sedulous, passionate, thoughtful, determined, and inspirational. She believes that, no matter what, all people with disabilities should have the right to be comfortable in their own skin and have their voices heard!
Platform:
"Find Your Voice: The Power of Advocating for Yourself and Others"
Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2019
Andrea Romero
Wichita, KS
Andrea Romero, 51, believes that you gain more out of life by serving others. She has spent much of her life serving the community through her work and volunteer experiences. Andrea obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from Wichita State University in 2013. She currently lives in Wichita and works two jobs. Andrea is a Transitional Living Specialist for people with traumatic brain injuries at Mercy Homecare Inc. She has worked there since 2015. She also has worked for Children First Inc. since 2017 as a Social Worker. Andrea previously worked for the Independent Living Resource Center from 1999 to 2006 as a Consumer Advocate. She also volunteered as a tutor for St. Margaret Mary from 1997 to 1998 and for the Kansel Adult Learning Center from 1998 to 1999. She has also worked with young latino professionals at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Andrea, who was born with Cerebral Palsy, especially wants to help people with disabilities maintain and improve their quality of life. Because of her commitment to the disability community, she was once nominated by Children First for the John Peter Loux Award through the Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation. She believes that a good quality of life requires appropriate policies and programs for people with disabilities in our state, and she is passionate about advocating for this. Andrea describes herself as kind, outgoing, caring, loving, and God-fearing. She has a strong faith and believes that life is not about what you gain for yourself, but about what you are doing for others.
Platform:
"Caring for the Caregiver"
Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2018
Allison Merriam
Kansas City, KS
Allison Merriam, 28, does not see limits! As a woman with quadriplegia, she has not let her disability hold her back from living a full life and achieving her goals. Allison experienced her spinal cord injury over five years ago, but, since then, she has achieved two college degrees, serves on multiple committees within her job, serves as an advocate in the community, and recently became a wife! Allison obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Finance from Kansas State University in 2014. She also obtained a Certificate in International Business. In 2015, she went on to achieve a Master of Accountancy degree from Kansas State University. While in college, Allison was awarded an Extraordinary Student Award. She currently lives in Kansas City, KS and works as the Lead Tax Senior Associate for RSM US LLP. Allison has a passion for breaking stereotypes and challenging perceptions against people with disabilities. She expresses this passion in her current job. Allison works to promote awareness about the disability community by serving on the Central Region Steering Committee for the Ability Employee Network Group. She is the lead for the Kansas City Ability Employee Network Group and is the co-lead of the Mobility Committee. Allison has a goal to continue to be successful in her career, but also balance this with family life and friend time. She credits her family and husband as being her constant support and source of strength. Allison describes herself as pragmatic, determined, stubborn, committed, and conscientious. One thing is for sure… she is determined to succeed and show other people with disabilities that they too can be independent and accomplish anything!
Platform:
"Transformation of the Perception of Disability"
Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2017
Deb Young
Lawrence, KS
Mrs. Deborah Young, 59, is a survivor and an educator! Deb has been through some challenging times in her life, but has not let that stop her from being independent and achieving her goals. Deb is a breast cancer survivor and was also in an accident in October of 2013 that caused her disability. Because of the accident, Deb is an amputee and also has nerve damage in her hand. She has not let these challenges hold her back. Prior to her accident, Deb obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education/Early Childhood from Truman State, a Master’s degree in Special Education- Behavior Disorders from Emporia State, a Master’s degree in Special Education- Transition from the University of Kansas, and an EdS degree in Educational Leadership from Pittsburg State. She previously worked as an elementary teacher in USD 497; a director at a center based middle school in the Blue Valley district; and as a Special Education teacher, Assistant Special Education director, and principal for psychiatric facilities while employed with Greenbush for nine years. Deb currently lives in Lawrence and volunteers in several elementary schools in USD 497. She is a member of the Special Education Advisory Council and even won a Service Award from this group. Deb also serves on the Board of Directors for Independence, Inc. She is married, has two children, and describes herself as family-oriented. Deb is also a Jayhawk fan and describes herself as determined, organized, resilient, patient, and loving/nurturing. She is passionate about independence and says that her personal goal is to become as independent as possible. Not only that, but she strives to educate others that a disability does not take away from a person’s independence.
Platform:
"Disability Does Not Promote Dependence"
Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2016
Tiffany Walter
Olathe, KS
Miss. Tiffany Walter, 30, is a woman of faith who sees her disability as a gift from God. She uses this gift to show people that adversity can be overcome and that anything is possible. Tiffany, who has Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy, knows that anything is possible, even when living with a disability. She attended Johnson County Community College where she received her Associates of Liberal Arts in 2007 and Emporia State University where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Business with an emphasis in Accounting in 2011. Tiffany currently lives in Olathe and has worked as an accountant for her father’s business, Steve’s Handyman Services, for the past six and a half years. When not working, Tiffany is very involved in her church where she serves on the Missions Committee, helps plan women’s ministries, teaches a Bible Study, and does other volunteer duties. In the past, Tiffany has participated in Sunflower Girl’s State and is a graduate of the 2003 Kansas Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities. She was also in the top 10 percent of her high school graduating class and received the President’s Award. Tiffany describes herself as forgiven, a child of God, motivated, an overcomer, and free. She credits much of her success to God, but she also is thankful for her great support system—her family, friends, and church family! Tiffany is passionate about empowering others with disabilities to not let their disability define them, but rather celebrate it as a unique part of who they are!
Platform:
"Never Give Up: There's Always A Way"
Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2015
Carrie Sunday
Overbrook, KS
Mrs. Carrie Sunday, 29, uses the following by-line on her blog, “I don’t leave footprints. I leave tire tracks.” This motto demonstrates Carrie’s desire to make a mark on this world and encourage people with disabilities to live life to the fullest. Carrie, who obtained a spinal cord injury in 2003, has definitely been living her life to the fullest. She is a wife and mother of a toddler. Carrie is also a speaker, volunteer, employee, artist, and advocate. She currently lives in Overbrook and works as the Quality and Complaints Coordinator for Innovia Films, Inc. She is also in the beginning stages of opening her own photography business. Carrie is dedicated to making her community a supportive place for all members. She has been a volunteer with the Silverbackks group for two years and also regularly speaks with newly injured patients at Craig Hospital in Colorado each year. Carrie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Media from Washburn University with an emphasis in writing and publishing. She uses her mass media skills when blogging and has even won two Kansas Associated Collegiate Press Awards. Carrie describes herself as kind, energetic, loyal, motivated, and hard working. She loves to read, is learning to snowboard, and enjoys riding her UTV with her husband. Carrie’s ultimate goal is to be an example for her daughter that anything is possible. She also wants to encourage people with disabilities to take every opportunity to be happy and live life on their own terms.
Platform:
"Changing the Definition of Disabled"
Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2014
Bridgid Schwilling
Leavenworth, KS
Miss. Bridgid Schwilling, 43, wants to encourage people with disabilities to find their purpose. Bridgid was born with Cerebral Palsy, but that has not stopped her from obtaining a master’s degree and working as a mental health and substance abuse therapist. Bridgid holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Kansas and a Master of Social Work degree from Washburn University. She previously worked as an outpatient therapist at the Guidance Center in Leavenworth. Bridgid’s goal is to have her own private practice someday, which she is currently working on. When not working on this, Bridgid volunteers at the Medical Lodge where she and her retired service dog meet with patients, as well as at the Club M nursery, a mentor club for moms at the Church of the Open Door. She cites her mom as her hero. She describes herself as persistent, overcomer, loyal, loving, and trustworthy. Bridgid has a clear mission in the coming year. She wants to, “Encourage people with disabilities that they have a purpose, educate all people about living with disabilities, and work with city and state government to change and develop laws to improve the lives of people with disabilities.”
Platform:
"Finding a Purpose through Adversity"
Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2013
Angel Shaver
WaKeeney, KS
Mrs. Angel Shaver, 38, does not let her disability define who she is and what she can do. Although she has been through many challenges in life, including receiving nerve damage and a traumatic brain injury in 2004, Angel has not let this stop her from living a full life. She is a wife, mother of two children, and proudly owns the label of “domestic engineer,” also known as a stay at home mom. Angel, who lives in Wakeeney, is not just a stay at home mom, though. She currently works as the Secretary at the WaKeeney Church of God. She is also a bookkeeper and piano teacher. Angel also volunteers as a LeadHer Coordinator, Mom’s in Prayer Leader, and a member of the PTO. She has also been an America Heritage Girls Trailblazer Troop Leader, taught Sunday school and a children’s program at her church, and helped with the music program at her church. Angel was also a Ms. Wheelchair Kansas contestant in 2006 and 2007. When not taking care of her family, working, or volunteering, Angel actively maintains two internet blogs: one about living her life as a person with a disability and the other about her faith journey. Angel holds a Master of Science degree in Family Therapy from Friends University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Behavioral Science and Bible/Theology from Mid-America Bible College in Oklahoma. She is an avid reader, loves to travel, and has a goal to, one day, visit all 50 states (she has already visited 35!). Angel describes herself as a Christian, wife, mom, smart, and determined. She hopes to empower and support other women, as well as serve as a role model, encouraging people to not let challenges prevent them from reaching their goals and accomplishing much in life!
Platform:
"Maintaining an Attitude of Gratitude"
Ms. Wheelchair America Mind, Body, and Spirit Award Winner
Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2012
Emily Evans
Bucklin, KS
Miss. Emily Evans, 25, has a goal to live each day to the fullest, with no regrets, ultimately making an impact on the world. She has already made a great impact in her own community. Emily currently lives in her hometown of Bucklin, where she works as the Human Resources Director of Bucklin Tractor and Implement. She has worked for this company for the past eight years, but is also involved in her local community in other ways. Emily loves sports, and uses this passion to impact the community of Bucklin by serving as a volunteer assistant volleyball coach at the high school. She also serves as a board member at the Bucklin Community Teen Center. Emily, who became quadriplegic in 2006, has not let her disability stop her from leading a full life. She earned an Associates of Accounting from Pratt Community College in 2006, as well as a Bachelors of Management from Fort Hays State University in 2009. She is also the recipient of the 2010 Mike Utley Scholarship. In addition to her job and coaching position, Emily enjoys a variety of other activities. She loves spending time with her friends and family, and even credits her family as her biggest support system. Emily also enjoys reading, listening to music, and spending time outdoors. She loves to travel, where she can see new places, eat new food, and sightsee. Emily describes herself as strong, intelligent, caring, courageous, and blessed. She strives to be a role model for youth by encouraging them to be their own self and live the life that they want despite any circumstances. Each day, Emily lives by her favorite quote, "With God, all things are possible."
Platform:
"Definitions: Empowering Youth to Define Themselves"
Ms. Wheelchair America Nicki Ard Achievement Award Winner
Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2011
Jennifer Kreutzer
Wichita, KS
Mrs. Jennifer Kreutzer, 31, has achieved much in her life, but one of her greatest accomplishments is her role as a wife and mother. Jenny, who lives in Wichita, married her high school sweetheart, and they are the proud parents of two girls, Kelsie, 8, and Karlie, 5. In addition to her family duties, Jenny has worked for Koch Industries, Inc. for the past 11 years. She is currently the HR Compliance Specialist and recently accomplished her goal of becoming a Senior Professional in Human Resources. Jenny sustained a spinal cord injury in 1996 when she was still in high school. She then attended Fort Hays State University and graduated in 2000 with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Leadership Studies. Jenny describes herself as driven, hard working, passionate, caring, and dedicated. One of Jenny's biggest goals is to be a good role model for the disability community. She feels that, by being active in her community, she is showing all people that having a disability does not have to limit a person. Jenny is very active in her local community. One of her most important roles is that of a Girl Scout Troop Leader, of which she has served for the past four years. Jenny is also very active with Wheelchair Sports, Inc., and enjoys participating in activities such as wheelchair tennis and skiing. She has also been involved with Challenge Aspen, the Sunrise Rotary Club, Independent Living Resource Center, and Big Brothers Big Sisters in Wichita. Jenny has been the recipient of the Peter John Loux Award and the Outstanding Girl Scout Leader Award. She plans to stay active in the future and continue to live life to the fullest!
Platform:
"Leading by Example- Mom on a Mission"
Ms. Wheelchair America 2nd Runner-Up and Nicki Ard Achievement Award Winner
Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2010
Tiffany Nickel
Wichita, KS
Miss. Tiffany Nickel, 36, has a passion for educating others about the abilities of people with disabilities. She does this by demonstrating her own abilities through her job and volunteer activities. Tiffany obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Emporia State University in 1995. She currently lives in Wichita and is an inter-related intermediate special education teacher in Wichita Public Schools, where she has taught for the past ten years. She is also the Executive Director of the Kansas Disability Coalition, Inc. Tiffany has a large interest in wheelchair sports and was the President of Wheelchair Sports, Inc. for four years. She currently serves as a board member. She loves experiencing a variety of sports including snow skiing, water skiing, and horseback riding. In her free time, Tiffany is also a recycling coordinator, Circle of Friends coordinator, and serves on the Wichita/Sedgwick County Access Advisory Board, as well as a variety of spinal cord injury support groups. Tiffany became quadriplegic from a spinal cord injury in 1996. She feels that she has been on a life journey since then, and her determination has been recognized in the community. Tiffany has been the recipient of a variety of awards including the REACH Award, "Can Do" Volunteer Spirit Award, Excellence in Public Service Award, and many more. She describes herself as caring, honest, generous, fun, and assertive. Tiffany is an advocate for equality of all people. She believes that anything is possible as long as you have a support system, as well as a great set of tires and a charged battery!
Platform: "Capabilities of Those with Disabilities and Their Right to Unconditional Access"
Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2009
Marie Clement
Mayetta, KS
Mrs. Marie Clement, 49, has dedicated most of her life to giving back to other people. She cites family and friend recognitions as some of her greatest accomplishments. Marie is married and has three children. She currently spends her time taking care of her 12 year old son, as well as her infant grand nephew. Marie has a love for children and enjoys cooking and cleaning for her family. She has lived in the state of Kansas for the past six years and currently resides in Mayetta, where she and her family are members of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. Marie, who is quadriplegic, has a passion for increasing public accessibility. She enjoys trying out new restaurants and specialty shops, but has found barriers to accessibility, especially in rural areas. Her goal is to educate others about improving the lives of people with disabilities. She would like to help other people with disabilities broaden their horizons and not feel limited by barriers. In the long term, she would like to develop a tool to review accessibility of local stores and restaurants. Outside of taking care of her family, Marie loves gardening and planting flowers. She is also an artist and works on projects such as beading, crocheting, creating stained glass art, decoupage, and more. Marie describes herself as funny, honest, loving, trustworthy, and challenge-ready.
MWKS '09 Platform: "Greater Mobility through Accessibility."
Ms. Wheelchair America Best Platform Award
Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2008
Amanda Steiner
Lawrence, KS
Miss. Amanda Steiner, 23, enjoys living life to the fullest. Amanda became a quadriplegic in February of 1999, but has not let that stop her from taking full advantage of what life has to offer. She attended the University of Kansas and obtained her Bachelor of General Studies in Psychology. She is currently working on her Master's degree in Industrial Psychology at Emporia State University. Over the years, she has had a strong involvement in the community. Amanda participated in the Key Club, Youth Mentoring, Youth Court, the Youth Team, and was active in Forensics, which gave her experience in public speaking. She has been a Vacation Bible School volunteer and a Girl Scout Day Camp volunteer. Amanda was also selected to attend the 2002 Kansas Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities. She has received academic awards and a Lion’s Club Community Service Award, as well as many scholarships. Amanda is originally from Marion, KS, but currently lives in Lawrence. Her current goal is to work toward complete independence. She hopes to, someday, be doing a job that she loves and that makes her happy. For right now, she is taking full advantage of opportunities that come her way. Amanda enjoys being a very active person and trying new adventures. She loves to travel to new places. She also began scuba diving last year and loves how peaceful it is underwater. Amanda is the oldest of three children. Her family is very important to her. Amanda describes herself as honest, shy, loud, talkative, and caring.
MWKS '08 Platform: "Taking Away Independence: The Trouble with Accessible Parking."
Ms. Wheelchair America Bouquet Award
Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2007
Lorraine Cannistra
Lawrence, KS
Ms. Lorraine Cannistra, 38, has aspirations to empower people with disabilities from all walks of life. Lorraine, who has had Cerebral Palsy since birth, puts her empowerment in action by leading various seminars on topics ranging from “Living with a Disability: From a Patient’s Perspective” given to hospital staff to “Multilevel Accessibility: A Ramp Isn’t Always Enough” to staff at domestic violence shelters. She also has given seminars about ways to empower people with disabilities to various other audiences. She considers herself to be an advocate on many levels and has had experience with giving testimony at the Capital and meeting with legislators concerning various issues. Lorraine holds a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and a Bachelor’s degree in English, both from Emporia State University. She also has certification in core mediation from the Kansas Supreme Court and serves as a volunteer mediator at the Johnson County Courthouse. Lorraine has previously worked as an Advocate and Independent Living Skills Trainer at Independence, Inc. in Lawrence, where she currently resides. She has been a volunteer peer counselor and Access Task Force member at Independence, Inc., and is also a part of the Working Healthy Advisory Council. Lorraine sees herself as funny, determined, creative, compassionate, and insightful. She is involved with her church and has entered some poem contests for Christian writers. She has also participated in sports and was even a member of national team selected to represent the US in the International Games for the Disabled held in Belgium in 1986. Lorraine recently had to let go of her service dog, Marshall, whom she had for eight years, but says that he challenged her and helped her to grow into the person that she is today.
MWKS '07 Platform: "Use Your Power!"
Ms. Wheelchair America 2nd Runner-Up
Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2006
Ranita Wilks
Lawrence, KS
Ms. Ranita Wilks, 38, has a passion for promoting career development among all people with disabilities of all ages. Ranita currently works for Independence, Inc. in Lawrence as an Independent Living Skills and Peer Counseling Specialist. She serves as the coordinator for Disability Mentoring Day in Lawrence and has been on the state organizing committee for National Disability Mentoring Day in Kansas since 2002. Ranita is currently a commissioner to the Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns, serves as an agency representative to the Transition Council of Douglas and Jefferson Counties, and is a member of the Access Task Force, a community disability rights advocacy group. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from the University of Kansas. While at KU, Ranita participated in the LeaderShape Institute for Student Leaders, was awarded the Journalism Media Management Award for Outstanding Senior in Broadcast Media Management, and won the Kansas Most Inspirational Student Award. Ranita, who sustained a spinal cord injury at the age of four, currently serves as a volunteer peer counselor for people with disabilities at Independence, Inc. and also serves as a volunteer youth mentor and reading buddy at Kennedy Elementary in Lawrence. She describes herself as positive, a progressive thinker, independent, determined, and responsible. Ranita is a huge fan of the artist, Prince, and collects anything associated with the artist. Her philosophy is, “If you never try, you’ll never know what could have been.”
MWKS '06 Platform: "Career Development Opportunities for People with Disabilities "
Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2005
JoAnne Fluke
Ottawa, KS
Ms. JoAnne Fluke, 29, has a dream to encourage others to go and find their purpose in life. She shares this dream with others through her platform and ministry of "Reaching Up, Reaching Out," which will motivate and help equip people to reach their fullest potential through spiritual growth and higher self-esteem. JoAnne, who has had Caudal Regression since birth, has found her purpose in life by speaking to schools and churches throughout Kansas. Upon receiving her title of Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2005, JoAnne was able to expand her advocacy and awareness efforts of the disability community in the state. She spread her passion for life while attending various events including advocacy rallies and community events, as well as visiting local churches, schools, and hospitals. She also has participated in mission trips, including two to Ghana, Africa through a program called Joni and Friends "Wh! eels for the World" and "Mephibosheth." JoAnne attended Baker University from 1994 to 2000 where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion with two emphases in Sociology and Music. JoAnne currently lives in Ottawa, KS and works as a customer service representative at Christian Book and Gift in Olathe. She also recently became a Mary Kay consultant. She enjoys singing and dancing, and has even sung the National Anthem at a Chief's football game. JoAnne describes herself as caring, optimistic, compassionate, energetic, and ambitious.
MWKS '05 Platform: "Reaching Up, Reaching Out"
Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2004
Carrie Greenwood
Topeka, KS
Ms. Carrie Greenwood started the Ms. Wheelchair Kansas program in 2004. She served as the titleholder in 2004; attended the national competition in Richmond, VA; and is currently state coordinator of the Ms. Wheelchair Kansas program. Carrie is a graduate of Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas where she received her Associates Degree in Design Technology in December of 2003. She currently works for the Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy in Topeka, KS, which is a new non-profit organization that focuses on empowerment programs for youth with disabilities in Kansas. She serves as the Outreach Coordinator, where her duties include conducting community presentations on various topics, networking with other organizations, and creating the graphic design materials for the organization. She also helps to coordinate the programs within KYEA, including the Youth Leadership Forum. Since attending the KSYLF in 2001 as a delegate, Carrie has emerged as a youth leader and voice in the disability community of Kansas. She has had the opportunity to attend national and local conferences and speak to over 50 groups about disability awareness and youth empowerment. Carrie enjoys sharing her story and has a passion for promoting diversity, empowerment, and education amongst ALL people, especially youth and women with disabilities.
Carrie states, "I consider myself to be a very motivated, optimistic, determined person despite of, and because of, my disability. I have had a physical disability, called Arthrogryposis, since birth. Over the years, I have come to see my disability as a positive aspect of who I am. I would not be me without my disability. I want to show the world that my disability is just an aspect of who I am. It does not define me. I happen to be disabled, but I also happen to love contemporary Christian music, going shopping, reading a good book, watching KU basketball, oil painting, and collecting angels."
MWKS '04 Platform: Empowerment of Youth with Disabilities