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.