| 2005 NATIONAL PAGEANT |
| WOMEN MAKING HISTORY 33rd Ms. Wheelchair America Pageant July 19-24, 2005 Albany Marriott - Albany, NY. CONGRATULATIONS KRISTEN! Kristen Connors of Rhode Island was crowned Ms. Wheelchair America 2006 on July 23rd, 2005. Kristen Connors was born in Providence, Rhode Island and now resides in Cranston, Rhode Island. She graduated from East Greenwich High School and attended Rhode Island College where she studied political science. Kristen is currently a constituent caseworker for US Congressman James Langevin. As such, Kristen handles issues regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act, Veterans and Military concerns, and issues related to Education and Housing. In addition, she represents the Congressman on several boards and commissions, including PARI Independent Living Center, TechAccess, the Rhode Island Home Choice Coalition, Rhodes to Independence Housing Work Group, and the Youth Leadership Forum. She also represents the Congressman at special events when his Congressional duties keep him in Washington, D.C. Kristen was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a form of Muscular Dystrophy, at 15 months. She has used a wheelchair for mobility since elementary school. Her parents, Pat and Jerry, decided early on that they would not think about the things Kristen was unable to do, but rather concentrate on what she could do. Each year her parents would speak to her teachers and made it a point to instruct them that Kristen was not to be treated special because of her disability but should be treated like all the other children. Kristen's hobbies include watching movies, singing, and traveling. She recently began to bi-ski. She volunteers for the Muscular Dystrophy Association at fundraisers throughout the year and received the MDA Rhode Island State Personal Achievement Award for 2005. In addition, she is a member of the Young Democrats of Rhode Island and has served as a State Democratic Committee Member and a Rhode Island Democratic Convention Delegate. Kristen has volunteered on many local and state political campaigns. She also teaches confirmation classes at her church, Holy Apostles. Kristen enjoys spending time with her family, especially her two nephews Connor and Christopher, and her dog, Emmy. Kristen has combined her employment and leadership knowledge and her advocacy work to pursue her platform of "Breaking down altitudinal barriers for people with disabilities in the workforce". Individuals with disabilities face many barriers every day- from physical obstacles in buildings to systemic barriers in employment. Yet, often, the most difficult barriers to overcome are the negative attitudes that people with disabilities can encounter in the workplace. Kristen's philosophy is that we are the only ones who can set limits for ourselves and our potential; no one else can. Kristen's personal life in the workforce reflects this belief. She started working summer jobs when she was 14 and has never let barriers hold her back. In Kristen's own words, "If I had allowed other people to set limits for me, I wouldn't be where I am today. As far as I am concerned, there are no limits and I hope this holds true for you as well." Kristen, along with her twin sister Kelly Buonaccorsi, were recently awarded the Muscular Dystrophy Association National Personal Achievement Award for 2006. This award recognizes the accomplishments of adults throughout the United States who are affected by muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular disorders. The national award is presented annually to people who have shown excellence in areas such as community leadership, civic affairs, career accomplishment and personal goal attainment. Kristen and Kelly were also recipients of the Rhode Island State Personal Achievement Award. Kristen accepted her award during the annual MDA telethon, just hours before heading for Taipei, Taiwan to attend the 2nd Annual Miss Wheelchair and Love Without Borders Ambassador Contest, sponsored by the Eden Social Welfare Foundation. While in Taiwan Kristen will meet the finalists in the pageant, as well as local officials and dignitaries. WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU KRISTEN! |
| MWA 2006 CONTESTANTS |
| STATE |
CONTESTANT |
| Alabama |
Trisston Wright |
| Arizona |
Heather Urick |
| Arkansas |
Mare Simonar-Dykes |
| California |
Kristina Shepard |
| Colorado |
Chanda Hinton |
| Florida |
Rebecca Blitch |
| Georgia |
Diana Lynn Garms |
| Illinois |
Tammy Hall |
| Indiana |
Kelly Craig |
| Iowa |
Shonnae Lundy |
| Kansas |
JoAnne Fluke |
| Kentucky |
Michelle Bazeley |
| Louisiana |
Dawn Peterson |
| Maryland |
Joy Limo |
| Massachusetts |
Laurel E. Labdon |
| STATE |
CONTESTANT |
| Michigan |
Jocelyn Dettloff |
| Minnesota |
Katie Wornson |
| Missouri |
Aimee Wehmeier |
| Nebraska |
Penny Silvius |
| New York |
Melissa-Kaye Ortiz |
| North Carolina |
Debbie Myers |
| Ohio |
Melissa Milinovich |
| Rhode Island |
Kristen Ann Connors |
| South Dakota |
Sandie Jungers |
| Texas |
Sarah Whitlock |
| Utah |
Meg Hendleman |
| Virginia |
Angie Wilkerson |
| Washington |
Michelle Beardshear |
| Washington D.C. |
Florence Rainey |
| Wisconsin |
Kim Jerman |
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