Tatianna Davis, an alumnus of Winthrop and previous Editor-in-Chief of the Roddey McMillan Record, recently competed in the Ms. Wheelchair America competition in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
“I want to break the stigma that people with disabilities cannot work,” Davis said. “We can only work if we are given the chance to, and I want to create more opportunities for us.”
Davis advanced to the national Ms. Wheelchair competition after successfully running for Ms. Wheelchair South Carolina in February 2022. She now represents the Palmetto State on the national stage.
For the state competition, Davis had to submit an application and essay, interview and give her platform speech. Her platform as Ms. Wheelchair South Carolina is “YES WE CAN and YES WE WILL!”, with a focus on “enrolling people with disabilities into trade programs to help get them into the workforce” Davis said.
To prepare for the national competition, Davis had to submit an application telling the judges about herself and her previous advocacy efforts. Additionally, she had to prepare a 2-minute platform speech in front of judges.
“The criteria of the speech included my platform, what I had done as a state title holder and what I will do as Ms. Wheelchair America,” Davis said.
Davis was also required to participate in two mock job interviews that were scored by judges.
“Aside from technical work, I had to prepare my outfits,” Davis said. “I definitely believe in the saying ‘when you look good, you feel good,’ so I definitely wanted to showcase my personality through my outfits every day.”
Each day of the national competition has included a day full of events such as workshops, judging sessions and getting to know the other state title holders.
“Friday night was speech night, and I was excited to finally get dressed up and showcase everything I prepared for”, Davis said. “I spent the majority of the day rehearsing my speech over and over.”
The following Saturday was crowning night for Ms. Wheelchair America where Davis was chosen to be a part of the top five and was prompted to answer two questions from the judges.
“I was nervous for the results and grateful to be called in the top five and blessed to meet other women,” Davis said.
At the end of the event Davis received 2nd runner up and the best speech award.
“I felt the most accomplished I’ve ever felt,” Davis said. “I felt as though I had reached my purpose to reach many people with this platform. With this competition over, I’ve received many opportunities.
Now that the competition is over, Davis is planning to visit and collaborate with the other state title holders as many of their platform goals overlap.
“In the future I plan to continue advocating for those who cannot advocate for themselves,” Davis said. “I plan to work with companies in the states of South Carolina to establish the first career fair hiring those specifically with disabilities.”