July 30th, California Youth Leadership Forum

Left: YLF delegates
Right: Anthony P. Sauer, Director of Department of Rehabilitation


Left: Senator Darrell Steinberg
Right: Mentors Luncheon

The next day, I spoke to the YLF delegates at the State Capitol about the importance of youth leadership. Then, we went to Senator Darrell Steinberg's office where the delegates got to address issues concerning youth with disabilities. Later, we headed to the convention center for the Mentors Luncheon. It was great to see youth with disabilities taking on leadership roles in the community.

July 29th, Assistive Technology and Resource Fair for the Youth Leadership Forum

Left: Speaking to delegates
Right: Signing autographs

After spending an intense week at the pageant, it was nice to share with 55 delegates from the California Youth Leadership Forum about traveling abroad for people with disabilities and my experience being Ms Wheelchair California 2008 and 1st Runner Up for Ms Wheelchair America 2009. This sparked a lot of interest from the female delegates. I hope to see them in future pageants.

July 21st, Peace Corps Headquarters

While I was in Maryland for the competition, I spent a few hours at Peace Corps Headquarters in DC. I caught up with Karen Chaput, Peace Corps Videographer, who filmed my experience in Paraguay and met with several staff members. I also had the honor of meeting Peace Corps Director Tschetter, who was a volunteer in India. Great news: Peace Corps has a new initiative to recruit people with disabilities to volunteer in Kenya and other countries.

1st Runner Up Ms Wheelchair America 2009

Top: Fun day group photo

Top left: State display trifold

Top right: 1st Runner Up

Mid left: Around the World theme

Mid right: 50's theme night

Bottom left: Comedy night

Bottom right: Crowning night

I want to express a special thank you to everyone for all your love, votes, and support over the last week while I was at the Ms Wheelchair America Pageant. The pageant was a meeting of 25 state representatives and DC, a wonderful and inspiring group of advocates and individuals, all of whom have so much to give and to share. I’ve been blessed by all the other contestants and look forward to working with many of them in the future. After an intensive week of interviews, speeches, workshops, and activities, it was an honor to receive the title First Runner Up for Ms Wheelchair America 2009. I’ve posted a few highlights from my experience at the pageant. I look forward to all the adventures that lie ahead as we continue to empower individuals with disabilities. As Ms Wheelchair California 2008 and First Runner Up for Ms Wheelchair America 2009, I will continue to promote higher education and to develop leadership vision for women with disabilities. Be sure to view my platform speech on this topic below. Finally, I wish to congratulate Michelle Colvard on her new title as Ms Wheelchair America 2009. I look forward to supporting her and all the other state titleholders in all their endeavors.

Ms. Wheelchair America Platform Speech

My Speech (1st Runner Up)







Michelle Colvard's Speech (Congrats to our new title-holder!)







Award Ceremony

Ms Wheelchair America Pageant 2009

From July 21st - 27th, I will be in Rockville, Maryland for the Ms Wheelchair America Pageant 2009. I feel both excited and nervous that I will be going to nationals to represent California. I also look forward to meeting the other Ms Wheelchair state titleholders at the event. Thank you everyone for all your encouragements! By the way, you can also support me by voting for the People's Choice Award on the Ms Wheelchair America website below: http://www.mswheelchairamerica.org/contestants/california2008/

More exciting news--New Mobility magazine published an article I wrote about my Peace Corps experience in Paraguay on the July 2008 issue. Please click on the link below: http://newmobility.com/articleViewIE.cfm?id=11207

Media:

This morning KDRT interviewed me for, "How She Really Does It." I'll post the link when the podcast is available so check back soon.

Also see me on the news - See youtube clip here:

July 15st-16th, Association on Higher Education And Disability 2009 Conference

At the 31st AHEAD Annual Conference in Reno, Nevada, Olivia Emilia (Mobility International, USA), Jim Kessler (Director of Disability Services at UNC Chapel Hill and Past-President of AHEAD), and I gave a presentation on "Tools and Strategies to Adapt to Change in Support During Overseas Study." During the conference, I met Fran Edelen who is the Diversity Outreach Program Manager for the Central Intelligence Agency.

March 29th, 2nd Annual Community Wheelchair Basketball Challenge

Sonoma County Blazers Vs. Napa Police Department and City of Napa Fire Department

Susan Rotchy, Ms Wheelchair California 2007, and I made an appearance at the wheelchair basketball tournament in Napa. We watched the athletes played a tough game. But in the end, the Sonoma County Blazers triumphed. For those who are interested in wheelchair basketball, the Blazers are always recruiting for their team. Please contact Jason Foell at jason@kochconstruction.net. After the game, I drew out the winning ticket number for the raffle prize. All the proceeds benefited the Napa Spinal Cord Injury Network.

Morgan Hill July 4th Parade

Morgan Hill had its annual 4th of July parade to celebrate our country's independence. The day was full of cheers and festivities as 44,000 people watched floats, bands, and other performances go by in downtown. The crowd and I were buzzing with energy as we greeted each other with "Happy 4th of July!"

July 2nd, City of Davis ADA Standing Subcommittee

Subcomittee Members: George Moore (Chairperson), Lena Contreras, Shula Shoup, Cecilia Von Beroldington

Staff: Elvia Garcia-Ayala, Teri Spiritosanto, Cameron Gibbs

The City of Davis ADA Standing Subcommittee meets every odd month to address issues of accessibility in Davis. It was an honor to be invited by Council Member Lamar Heystek and Chairperson George Moore to be part of the Subcommitte. However, since I will be moving to Monterey to start my graduate program in August, I will not be able to join this great group of advocates. They have many exciting projects coming up, please join them in their efforts to make Davis a disability-friendly environment.