(Byron Center, MI) – The 53rd annual Ms. Wheelchair America National Competition will be held in Grand Rapids, MI, August 19 – 25, 2024, at the Amway Grand Hotel. Throughout the week women, representing states across the country, will be judged based on their ability to make a difference for the more than 56 million Americans living with disabilities.
The competition will culminate with a Crowning Gala on August 24, where Ms. Wheelchair America 2025 will be crowned. Make sure to like Ms. Wheelchair America, Inc. Facebook Page. On this page, you’ll be able to tune in to the live stream of the competition on August 23 to hear the titleholders’ platforms. Then, on the 24, you can join to find out who will be crowned Ms. Wheelchair America 2025!
Ms. Wheelchair America has built a unique tradition of focusing on women’s accomplishments and advocacy since 1972. It is not a beauty competition.
Representing the state of Wyoming in the Ms. Wheelchair America Competition will be Harlee Speyer. Speyer uses a wheelchair for mobility because she has a Spinal Cord Injury. However, she does not let the circumstances stop her. She lives life to the fullest and aims to shine a positive light on disabilities. Through advocacy and education, she sets an example for other individuals who also use wheelchairs for mobility.
Currently, Speyer lives in Riverton, Wyoming, and holds the title of Ms. Wheelchair Wyoming 2024. Harlee works at Jackson Elementary school and volunteers with Special Olympics. She received an Associate of Science in Social Science at Central Wyoming College. Throughout her reign as Ms. Wheelchair Wyoming 2024, Harlee will raise awareness about her platform, which focuses on Accessibility for all. In her spare time, she enjoys concerts, farmers markets, and is a DJ in her free time.
Preceding the Crowning Gala, Speyer and 20 other contestants will spend one week participating in a “Leadership Conference” composed of a rigorous schedule of mentoring, workshops, and private and public presentations, including their platform speech presentation and on-stage questions. These activities will provide each contestant with resources to become stronger disability advocates. It will also allow each contestant the opportunity to demonstrate how they have advocated, influenced policies, or in some way made their voice be heard on issues impacting people with disabilities.
This year, the national competition also includes a People’s Choice Award. For $1.00 per vote, you can choose your favorite contestant!! To vote for Speyer, click here.
Ms. Wheelchair America, Inc. is a non-profit organization that relies solely on the dedication and hard work of volunteers from across the country, fundraising by contestants, and the help of local sponsors. For more information about the Ms.Wheelchair America National Competition, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Shelly Loose, Ms. Wheelchair America President by phone at 616-540-3774 or email president@mswheelchairamerica.org. More information can be found at www.mswheelchairamerica.org.