GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Nineteen women from across the country spent the week in Grand Rapids competing for the title of Ms. Wheelchair America, including Michigan’s titleholder Madison Reid.
The competition rewards leadership and advocacy. Throughout the week, the women took part in leadership trainings, advocacy workshops, and mentoring events — all while being scored by judges.
Ms. Wheelchair America candidates advocate for disability community
Reid, a Detroit native, didn’t take home the national crown Saturday night, however she was presented with two awards at the final ceremony recognizing her advocacy work and her story of resilience.
“My platform is ‘hope after harm,'” Reid said. She began her advocacy journey in 2024 after ex-boyfriend shot her, paralyzing her. “Advocating for a brighter future for our youth… I felt like it was more so on a misguided type of things, not having communication skills, not knowing how to resolve conflict without it leading to violence. So, I feel like it was a huge thing for me to advocate for.”…