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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE      (August 14, 2006)

MS. WHEELCHAIR KANSAS NAMED 2ND RUNNER-UP IN NATIONAL COMPETITION

TOPEKA, Kan. – The 2006 Ms. Wheelchair Kansas (MWKS) was recently named the 2nd Runner-Up in the national Ms. Wheelchair America competition. Ranita Wilks joined with 27 other “Women of Strength” vying for the opportunity to represent women who are wheelchair mobile in the United States. This annual event was hosted in Little Rock, Arkansas and was held July 31 – August 6 at the Peabody Hotel. After an intense week of competition, networking, and empowerment, Wilks came away with great memories and the title of 2nd Runner-Up in the nation.

Wilks is the third woman to represent the state of Kansas at the national competition since the creation of the Ms. Wheelchair Kansas program in 2004. While in Little Rock, Wilks participated in two personal interview sessions where she was scored based on her accomplishments, self-perception, communication, and projection skills. She also gave a speech on her chosen platform, “Career Development Opportunities for People with Disabilities,” and heard from community speakers on a variety of topics. Wilks was able to enjoy some fun activities as well. All 27 titleholders were able to visit the Arkansas Historical Museum. They also attended a trade show and participated in a state gift exchange, as well as themed dinner nights, followed by social time and dancing. All activities followed the overall theme of “Women of Strength.” The week culminated in the crowning ceremony, which was held Saturday, August 5, where Autumn Grant of Massachusetts was named Ms. Wheelchair America 2007. The proceeding top four contestants were announced as follows: 1st Runner-Up- Rebecca Bierwolf of Utah; 2nd Runner-Up- Wilks of Kansas; 3rd Runner-Up- Emily DeBray of Alabama; and 4th Runner-Up- Phaedra Marriott of Missouri.

Wilks, of Lawrence, was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Kansas in March of 2006. Since receiving her title, she has worked to fulfill the MWKS mission, which is to educate, advocate, and empower all people on a state level. Wilks has attended many events and public appearances, as well as spoken to a variety of groups from elementary to college students, from the general public to community professionals. She has participated in variety of community fairs, two local parades, the Topeka Arthritis Walk, and has attended Independent Living Day at the Capital, the Big Tent Coalition Rally, the Youth Leadership Forum, the Lawrence ADA Celebration, and much more. Wilks is currently meeting with women across the state, that are wheelchair mobile, to obtain feedback on important issues and concerns in various areas. She has already held two “Tea with the Queen” brainstorming sessions and will continue these throughout the state in the coming months. 

Wilks will continue to fulfill the MWKS mission in the coming months and is available for speaking engagements and appearances. For more information, please contact Carrie Greenwood, State Coordinator, at (785) 267-5982 or via email at mswheelchairkansas@yahoo.com. More information can also be found on the Ms. Wheelchair Kansas web site at www.mswheelchairkansas.org.

The Ms. Wheelchair Kansas Program is affiliated with Three Rivers, Inc. and sponsored in part by the Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns, Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, and Payless Shoesource Foundation.

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