Competitions – Ms. Wheelchair Ohio Organization

Crowning Events

Two contestants, Gabrielle (Gabby) Kozinski and Latisha Martin, arrived at the Mount Vernon Grand Hotel on Saturday, 3/2/2024. The women attended three workshops, exploring the origin of our organization, disability studies in advocacy, and Former Ms. Wheelchair Ohio 2023 Allison Boot‘s reign. On Sunday, 3/3/2024, Gabby and Martin were interviewed by three judges before the public crowning gala emceed by WMFD TV’s, “Sittin’ Down with Kelby King,” talk show host and Mix 106.1’s radio personality, Kelby King. During the gala, the contestants presented their platform speeches and answered two onstage questions, then Allison bid farewell to her title and crowned her successor. Judge deliberations resulted in sashing Latisha as a program ambassador and crowning Gabby as Ms. Wheelchair Ohio 2024.

The Ms. Wheelchair Ohio Organization is extremely proud of their courage to participate and of their passions to improve the lives of people with disabilities. Please follow their advocacy journeys to see the differences they will make in our community.

Former Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania 2018 – Barb Zablotney

[Image description: Barb sitting in front of a screen projecting, "the legal definition of disability."]

Former Ms. Wheelchair Ohio 2023 – Allison Boot

[Image description: Allison with her caregiver, presenting certificates Allison earned during her reign.]

Former Ms. Wheelchair Ohio 2020/2021 – Laura Sykes

[Image description: A photo of the first Ms. Wheelchair Ohio in 1972, Julie Cochran Rogers, and her early biography are projected on a screen. Out of focus is Allison wearing her crown and sash.]

Judging

The goal of this competition is to select the most articulate and accomplished contestant who will educate and inspire others. To determine who would earn which role, the women were judged on their accomplishments, communication skills, self-perception, decorum, presentation, thought, and effort during their private interviews with the judging panel, speeches, and two on-stage questions.

[Image description: The three judges (Former Ms. Wheelchair Ohio 2011-Margaret Long, Sara Schiffbauer, and Former Ms. Wheelchair Ohio 2012-Angela Hunter) intently listening to the contestants' platform speeches.] — Former Ms. Wheelchair Ohio 2011 – Margaret Long, Sarah Schiffbauer, and Former Ms. Wheelchair Ohio 2012 – Angela Hunter

[Image description: The three judges intently listening to the contestants' platform speeches.] — Former Ms. Wheelchair Ohio 2011 – Margaret Long, Sarah Schiffbauer, and Former Ms. Wheelchair Ohio 2012 – Angela Hunter

The Ambassador Program

The Ms. Wheelchair Ohio Organization has created an ambassador program to continue and improve the advocacy efforts of the women who compete but do not receive the state titleholder position. To do so, ambassadors will attend monthly virtual events headed by Ms. Wheelchair Ohio board member and Former Ms. Wheelchair Kentucky 2012 – Heidi McKenzie. Latisha will represent the Ms. Wheelchair Ohio Organization and have the opportunity to participate in future state competitions.

[Image description: Latisha is a Black woman with shoulder-length, black hair. She sits in her powerchair, wearing a tan dress with sparkly, silver accents and her Ms. wheelchair Ohio Ambassador sash.] — 2024 Ms. Wheelchair Ohio Ambassador – Latisha Martin