D-F resident Smith crowned Ms. Wheelchair Maine 2021
BYRON CENTER, Michigan — Monique Smith of Dover-Foxcroft was named Ms. Wheelchair Maine 2021 on Feb. 28. Due to COVID-19 she was officially crowned Ms. Wheelchair Maine by her husband, Dan after a special dinner at home with her son and daughter-in-law in attendance.
Monique will serve as Maine’s state titleholder and Independent Delegate for one year. She will prepare to represent the state of Maine and compete in the Ms. Wheelchair America National Competition held virtually from Aug. 9-15.
Ms. Wheelchair Maine and Ms. Wheelchair America do not judge beauty. Instead, the two organizations focus on recognizing the advocacy efforts, abilities, and accomplishments of women who use wheelchairs.
Monique uses a wheelchair for mobility because of Transverse Myelitis and Multiple Sclerosis, which has caused paralysis. However, she does not let the circumstances stop her. She lives life to the fullest and aims to shine a positive light on disabilities through advocacy and education.
MS. WHEELCHAIR MAINE — Dover-Foxcroft resident Monique Smith has been named Ms. Wheelchair Maine 2021. Smith will serve as Maine’s state titleholder and independent delegate for one year and she plans to compete in the virtual Ms. Wheelchair America National Competition in August.
During her reign, Monique will serve as a spokeswoman throughout the state where she can discuss awareness, acceptance and the overall understanding of disabilities with the general public. She will have the opportunity to travel across the state, visit advocacy groups, make public appearances and is available to conduct interviews.
Monique will also use her year as Ms. Wheelchair Maine 2021 to share her platform, “Insurance Matters: How improvements in health coverage can help people with disabilities thrive.” Ultimately her platform focuses on improving and addressing barriers with insurance companies. During her reign, Monique hopes to raise awareness about how traditional health insurance does not often have flexibility to cover many of the medical necessities that would improve the lives of people with disabilities.
Monique remains active in her community and the surrounding areas in several different capacities. She is a bookkeeper for a local business, and she helps manage rentals and apartments in the community. She also demonstrates her passions while volunteering to raise during fundraising events for Piscataquis Regional YMCA. Her volunteer efforts help the PRYMCA offer free and low cost programs to families in need. In her spare time, she enjoys learning the ukulele, reading, going to concerts or outdoor festivals and selling things on eBay.
She has learned to embrace the challenges in her life and will use her new title as a way to continue to raise awareness about disabilities. She is excited about her reign and is available for appearances.