Charlottesville native crowned at Ms. Wheelchair Virginia pageant
Williams hopes to provide inspiration, open doors for others

Staunton News Leader
April 13, 2008
By Christina M. Mitchell/staff FISHERSVILLE —A Charlottesville native was named Ms. Wheelchair Virginia in the pageant's finale Saturday night.

Rose Williams is a published writer and motivational speaker whose platform included promoting art opportunities as well as accessibility and safety in public places. She will spend the next year traveling to promote her platform and awareness of people with disabilities.

Williams was one of nine contestants to compete in the on-stage portion of the competition Saturday at the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center. The earlier portion of the competition included private interviews with the judges, as well as a table display on each contestant's life and accomplishments. Contestants were judged on their advocacy and accomplishments, as well as self-confidence and speaking ability.

Runners-up in the competition included India Sims of Waynesboro and Emily McGrail of Pulaski County. Devon Nicole "Nikki" Swann received the H. Wayne Sale Scholarship. Williams also received the Ms. Congeniality title.

Earlier in the competition, Williams spoke of her father's influence on her life, specifically talking of his fight for her to be allowed in a mainstream classroom as a child. Williams was born with cerebral palsy.

"I was so inspired by my father that I have dedicated most of my life opening doors for others," she said.

"As Ms. Wheelchair Virginia, I will be a living, breathing automatic door for those that are disabled to live an independent life and to pursue their dreams," she added.

Later, in the question-and-answer portion of the competition, Williams had to name the top three people she'd like to invite to dinner. Her choices included Martin Luther King Jr., her grandmother and her father.

"Martin Luther King, because I was so inspired by his advocacy and what he stood for ... my grandmother, if she was here I would thank her for everything that she taught me as a Christian and as a person, and my father, who's my inspiration," she said. Williams will succeed Buddy Hayes of Chesapeake as this year's Ms. Wheelchair Virginia.

Celebration of Life

April 14, 2008

Rose Williams of Charlottesville, Virginia

Crowned New Ms. Wheelchair Virginia 2008-2009

Rose Williams, a Charlottesville native, is a published poet/essayist and motivational speaker, and can be found frequently presenting poetry workshops and speeches to various special needs programs.  Born with cerebral palsy, Rose lives life to the fullest, and Co-Chair’s the VSA Arts committee. Recently, the Virginia Board of People with Disabilities honored Rose as the 2007 recipient of the prestigious Jackie Crews Award for her advocacy for the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities.  Rose’s platform for advocacy is “Art opportunities and accessibility & safety in public places”.  Her Motto of Inspiration is “Find your passion and make it happen”. With her deep faith, positive spirit and continuous smile, Rose is dedicated to advocating for the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities on a local and state level.

This year’s Ms. Wheelchair Virginia program was hosted at the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center, April 12^th, in Fishersville, VA.  It was a full weekend of activity and competition followed up by an enchanting evening of excitement as 9 contestants from across the Commonwealth came to vie for the title of Ms. Wheelchair Virginia. Emily McGrail of Radford was 1^st runner up, India Sims of Waynesboro was 2^nd runner up, and Niki Swann from Northern VA won the Scholarship award, and in addition to being crowned Ms. Wheelchair Virginia, Rose Williams was voted Ms. Congeniality by her fellow contestants.  To have Ms. Wheelchair Virginia at your next engagement, become a contestant, to be a sponsor, or more information please visit www.mswheelchairva.com .

Rose will be competing in the National Ms. Wheelchair America Program July 21-27, 2008 in Rockville, Maryland.

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Ms. Wheelchair Virginia is an AmeriCorps organization and is a 501(c)(3) organization that focuses on the accomplishments of Virginians with disabilities. Our mission is to educate, advocate and raise awareness of the abilities and needs of the disability community; but more importantly, to inspire and motivate Virginians as role models of courage and hope. To learn more about the program, and check out the all the upcoming highlights and photos from this year’s event, please visit our website at www.mswheelchairva.com

Ms. Wheelchair Virginia, Inc.
P.O. Box 1500, W-513
Fishersville, VA 22939-1500
800-345-WWRC (Ext. 7905)  or  540-332-7905

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