When the Ms. Wheelchair American (MWA) organization began in 1972 by physician in Ohio, it was under the hope that disabled women could become empowered. But little did 2010 Ms. Wheelchair California and Long Beach resident Jennifer Kumiyama know that the organization would not only become one of the most respected organizations that caters to the disabled community in the nation, but that it would use her hometown as its host city for the 43rd Annual Ms. Wheelchair America pageant.

The nonprofit program which consists of the State Coordinators and State Titleholders has grown to include programs in more than 30 states and the District of Columbia. The state programs are “staffed and coordinated by volunteers dedicated to increasing public awareness so that all citizens will be afforded the opportunities to lead productive and meaningful lives,” according to Kumiyamam, who also acts as Vice President for MWA.

“Each year, every official state involved will hold a pageant for women 21 to 60 years of age who use wheelchairs,” Kumiyama said. “The winner of each state pageant will then continue on to compete in MWA for the national title. The reason MWA is so different from pageants similar to it is, you can only compete for an MWA title after you’ve won a state title, and you can only compete once.”

Russ Marchand will act as emcee for the event, while the keynote will be given by current Ms. Wheelchair America Jennifer Lynn of Washington. Joining Lynn will be current Ms. Wheelchair California Theresa de Vera of Los Angeles, who won her title here in Long Beach this past February during the statewide competition.

The Ms. Wheelchair America Leadership Forum and Pageant will take place at the Hilton Long Beach, located at 701 W Ocean Blvd, from August 4 to 6. For more information about the organization, please visit www.mswheelchairamerica.org and for information about the event and contestants please visit www.mwa2015.com.