Ms. Wheelchair America 2024

Jenn Ochs is Ms. Wheelchair Colorado 2023! The Ms. Wheelchair competition is based on advocacy, not beauty.

The Ms. Wheelchair America organization was started by Dr. Phillip K Wood. Dr. Wood worked with people with physical impairments and wanted to give them a platform where they could share their stories and accomplishments. He wanted the general public to know what these women were doing. Dr. Wood saw that these women were accomplishing great things despite challenges they faced daily.

50 years later, the competition continues to advocate for women who are wheelchair users.

Jenn found out about the Ms. Wheelchair America competition through a Colorado Cross Disability Coalition, CCDC, member email. Jenn applied online, submitted references, two letters of recommendation and submitted the $150 application fee. After a zoom interview with board members from Ms. Wheelchair America organization, she was selected as Ms. Wheelchair Colorado 2023.

In late August, Jenn and her mother will travel to Grand Rapids, Michigan to compete in nationals for the title of Ms. Wheelchair America 2024. This is where you come in. The entrance fee for nationals is $2000. Plus, Jenn and her Mom have to travel from Colorado to Grand Rapids. The competition will last a week and Jenn will need to write an essay, give a speech, show her advocacy accomplishments and have two interviews with the competition judges.

If Jenn wins the title of Ms. Wheelchair America 2024, she will get to travel the country representing the organization while advocating and empowering women in wheelchairs!

Please help Jenn Ochs raise $4,000 to cover the admission fees, travel and wardrobe requirements.