This past weekend I had the great privilege of participating in the 2013 Ms. Wheelchair Washington Pageant. It was a magical day full of opportunities to connect with amazing people! Not only was it an incredible day connecting and collaborating with like-minded people, but I was also crowned Ms. Wheelchair Washington!! This is a dream come true! As Ms. Wheelchair Washington my platform is “The Power of Words.” I will be taking the message of the anti-bullying campaign that I started called “The Power of Words” too the youth of Washington State. I started this campaign through my motivational speaking business, SHIFT. The “Power of Words” campaign is already in motion as I have already spoken at several schools this year. In my presentations I share my story and experience with bullying in school. I also share the healing experience of positive support from my friends and family. Through my story and inspirational admonishment, I empower students with the message that they too can built each other up through positive words and actions. The Ms. Wheelchair Washington Title opens up so many new doors of opportunity to take “The Power of Words” to the greater area of Washington State!!! I also have a passion for the arts; singing, dancing, and acting. When I was in school I had many opportunities to be part of the arts through school stage productions, but when I entered the adult world my disability impeded me from being included in mainstream theaters’ productions. Fortunately, I recently got involved with an integrated dance group called Light in Motion, in Seattle, which is an inclusive group, incorporating able bodied and disabled persons in art of dance. Being part of this group has been empowering as I have had the chance to be part of the arts again! As Ms. Wheelchair Washington my vision is to start an inclusive arts program in Tacoma, where people of all abilities can dance, sing, act and SHINE! I am so honored to carry the platform of “The Power of Words” as Ms. Wheelchair Washington, for the State of Washington!!!
