Pittsburgh woman, CMU grad crowned Ms. Wheelchair USA

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Interested contestants complete a written application that includes questions, a written statement about their platform and recommendation letters. Those chosen to participate raise funds and prepare for the competitionin Ohio.

This year, 10 women competed for the national title. In the preliminary round, contestants were judged on a private interview with a panel of judges, a round-robin style interview and a three-minute platform statement. Last Saturday, there was an evening wear competition and a round of questions from media representatives. After the top five were announced, the winner was narrowed down by an onstagequestion and a marketingpitch for their platform.

“She just shined and stood out,” Ms. Lockard said. “She’s incredibly intelligent and very well spoken on inclusion issues and awareness.”

Admitting it is cliche, Ms. Tomko said her favorite part of the experience was meeting the other women who competed and hearing their stories. Some of the contestants had genetic conditions, such as Ms. Tomko, but others were in a wheelchair because of spinal cord injuries. They all championed their platforms, which ranged from advocating for accessible sports to ensuring caregivers get the care they need.

“Even though we had all been in a wheelchair for different lengths of time, there were things that bonded us because of what we go through every day,” Ms. Tomko said.

Ms. Tomko also was the recipient of the Dr. Georgi Hudson-Smith Quest for Knowledge Award, given each year to a participant who shows an extraordinary interest and higher education both in the academic field and providing education to the world, and the Invacare People’s Choice Award.