A Conversation with Ms. Wheelchair America 2009
Michelle Colvard Answers A Few Questions About Her Experiencs
On July 26, 2008, Michelle Colvard, a native of Houston, TX, was chosen from a group of diverse and talented women as Ms. Wheelchair America 2009.
Michelle was gracious enough to answer some questions for Suite and tell us about her reign so far and things yet to come. In the first of two articles, Michelle tells us what motivated her to enter the pageant and describes her experiences at the pageant.
What is your disability and how long have you lived with it/been affected by it?
I was born with spina bifida, and I have used a wheelchair since childhood.
What is your occupation?
I am manager of research administration for a large and well-respected cancer center here in Texas.
What first made you first decide to try for Ms. Wheelchair Texas and how did you apply/win?
I was motivated to enter the Ms. Wheelchair Texas pageant after the Executive Director of the Ms. Wheelchair Texas Foundation approached me and told me about the organization and encouraged me to enter. She is a former Ms. Wheelchair Texas titleholder herself, and I was so impressed by her and the mission of the organization and I felt that it would be another way to advocate on behalf of the disability community.
I submitted an application with a pretty extensive questionnaire that basically detailed my work and volunteer history. The Ms. Wheelchair Texas pageant was an entire weekend, during which contestants were interviewed by judges and further questioned about our experience with disability advocacy, our professional development goals, and current issues. The event culminated with the actual pageant and crowning ceremony, during which each of us had to deliver our platform speech in turn, and then answer impromptu questions from the judges while up on stage.
The best part of the entire experience was meeting other Texas women who are absolutely phenomenal and inspirational, and learning from them. After I was crowned, I had the opportunity to travel across Texas and educate the public about issues important to us and the disability community. In July, I traveled to Washington, D.C. for the Ms. Wheelchair America pageant, along with contestants from other states around the nation. I didn’t expect to win!
What was your platform and why did you choose it?
I chose health and wellness as my platform because I have a master’s degree in public health and had done my thesis on issues related to physical activity for women with physical limitations. This topic is one of my passions and I hope to see an increased awareness around the nation of the benefits and importance of staying as physically and socially active as possible, as well as engaging in other healthy behaviors.
What was involved in the pageant week and what was it like for you?
The Ms. Wheelchair America pageant week was similar to what I experienced during the Ms. Wheelchair Texas pageant, but more extensive and intense. Each contestant went through not one but three panel judging interviews that made us all a little nervous. Of course, I think that all interviews are good opportunities to practice our speaking skills and improve ourselves personally professionally. We each delivered our platform speech on Friday night, the night before the crowning ceremony. Your ability to deliver a speech with a focused message and polished style within the allotted time was judged. During the crowning ceremony on Saturday night, the top five contestants were announced based upon scores throughout the entire week. Each of the five contestants had to answer questions given by judges chose at random. Then, the judges deliberated, and returned with their choices. There were a variety of other activities throughout the week, and a Queen’s Breakfast on that Sunday morning.
For me, the social aspect of the pageant week was extremely powerful, as the contestants got to know each other while we spent that week together. Contrary to most people’s perceptions of pageants, we all rooted for each other and supported each other – and still do! The titleholder is chosen based upon how well she can represent herself and articulate issues of importance to the disability community, her self-perception, and her poise. I don’t envy the judges in having to make their decision because all of the contestants are amazing ladies and inspirations to me. These women are inspirational to me not because of what they've accomplished despite having a disability. They are inspirational because of who they are and what they've accomplished, their positive energy and vivaciousness. They just happen to use a wheelchair!
What did you feel when you heard your name announced as the new Ms. Wheelchair America?
I was stunned and thrilled – completely overwhelmed. I also felt very grateful and honored for the opportunity.
To learn more about the program, visit Ms. Wheelchair America.
Michelle Colvard, Ms. Wheelchair America 2009
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