top of page

Crushed by a boulder in 2016, Schuyler’s life was forever changed—but her unstoppable smile, tenacity, and passion for making a difference in the world remain unshaken. Before the accident, Schuyler had already traveled to five of the seven continents, embodying her mission to positively impact the world. She truly lives up to her middle name, Sachi, meaning “happiness” in Japanese, as she continues to radiate joy and resilience in all she does.

 

As a self-proclaimed “Joy-rior,” Schuyler brings her special sparkle to every challenge, showing that unpredictability and change are no match for her spirit. She is deeply grateful to her family, including her “global family,” whose unwavering support has made her journey possible. With her contagious optimism and drive, Schuyler is determined to keep spreading her light and joy—one smile at a time—around the globe. Here are the words that I hear the most…. Energetic, hard-working, optimistic, in spiring and “infectiously joyous”

Ms. Wheelchair Florida 2025

Schuyler Arakawa

IMG_3074.jpg

Follow Ms Wheelchair Florida 2025 Schuyler Arakawa at:

Schuy is the Limit FB: https://www.facebook.com/schuyisthelimit

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meridith.grit.alexander

FB Ms Wheelchair FL 2025: https://www.facebook.com/mflw2025Schuyler 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meridith-alexander-skylimit/

Schuy LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schuylerarakawa/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meridithalexander/

Schuy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mswheelchairfl2025/ 

Youtube: @UnleashTheEpicYou

Youtube Biz: @EpicLeaders.EpicTeams.Meridith

TikTok 1: @meridithgrit

Meridith’s How to Choose to Live Podcast Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@HOWTOCHOOSETOLIVE 

 

Podcast with Meridith and Schuyler: https://healthinterruptedpodcast.com/meridith-alexander-schuyler-arakawa/ 

 

Prevention Magazine video of Meridith and Schuyler, the dynamic duo: https://vimeo.com/268043862 

 

https://myblurredopinion88.podbean.com/e/the-dynamic-duo/ 

 

SKY IS THE LIMIT BOOK LINK: https://bit.ly/OrderSkyStory 

100 Days of Epic Book link: https://amzn.to/3RNnNVt  

Overcoming Silent Disabilities by Empowering Voices, Inspiring Innovation 

 MWFL Gallery

The Mission of MWFL, Inc.

The mission of MWFL 2025, Schuyler Arakaw, Inc. is to provide an opportunity of achievement for women who use wheelchairs for their daily mobility to successfully educate and advocate for the more than 64 million Americans living with disabilities. Ms. Wheelchair Florida is not a competition to select the most attractive individual; it is instead a competition based on advocacy, achievement, communication, leadership and presentation to select the most accomplished and articulate spokeswoman for persons with disabilities.

 

Ms. Wheelchair Florida, Inc. focuses on the inner strengths and accomplishments of women with disabilities and provides an opportunity to advocate, collaborate and initiate communications that break down the architectural and attitudinal barriers often faced within the disability community. The selected representative must be able to communicate both the needs of people with disabilities and the accomplishments to the general public, the business
community and the legislature with a message of inclusion, acceptance and respect.

The History of MWFL

  • 1972 – Ms. Wheelchair America established

  • 1977– First Ms. Wheelchair Florida crowned as Ms. Wheelchair America1977

  • Shari Wilson crowned Ms. Wheelchair Florida 2008 (current State Coordinator)

  • 2012 – Ms. Wheelchair Florida becomes a 501(c)3 non-profit organization Ms. Wheelchair America History

Ms. Wheelchair America History

1972, Dr. Philip K. Wood of Columbus, Ohio, established Ms. Wheelchair America. He created a national forum to highlight the achievements, talents, and capabilities of women with disabilities. Ms. Wheelchair America was
created as a forum for the promotion of the achievements as well as the needs of women who use wheelchairs. He understood the importance of looking past differences and accepting each other as contributing members of society.

 
There are events currently held in approximately 25 states throughout the U.S. These non-profit programs are staffed and coordinated by volunteers throughout the country dedicated to increasing public awareness so that all of its citizens will be able to lead productive and meaningful lives. Ms. Wheelchair Florida, Inc. is an entity of the network of states that make up Ms. Wheelchair America, and is recognized as the official program for Florida in this national organization.

To learn more about Ms. Wheelchair America, visit www.mswheelchairamerica.org.

MWFL EVENTS

March 21-23, 2025 - Ms. Wheelchair Florida Empowerment Weekend – Embassy Suites -TampaCelebrating our 52 nd Empowerment Conference and Gala!!Empowerment Gala - Saturday, March 22, 2025.

 

April 22, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. – Invisible Impact Documentary Screening – Tampa Theatre –TampaPeople with disabilities face greater risks as global warming intensifies disasters throughoutcoastal South Asia. Invisible Impact; Disability on Climate Change’s Frontline reveals how theneeds of this community are often overlooked before, during and after an emergency.More info: https://tampatheatre.org/movie/invisible-impact/

 

May 4, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. – Everything is Possible – Camp Margaritaville – AuburndaleFeaturing Jen Bricker-BauerGuest Speaker – International Aerialist – AuthorMore info: https://stirringwaters.world/everything-is-possible/Jen Bricker-Bauer Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddDkMScm49c

 

June 13-15, 2025 – The Family Café – Hyatt Regency - OrlandoThe Family Café exists to provide individuals with disabilities and their families with anopportunity for collaboration, advocacy, friendship and empowerment by serving as a facilitatorof communication, a space for dialogue and a source of information.Register: https://familycafe.net/

 

July 19, 2025 – Stirring Waters Adaptive Waterski Clinic – Lake Aurora Camp – LakeWalesThe First Stirring Waters Adaptive Waterski Clinic for people living with disabilities will be held at the Lake Aurora Camp Facility. The Lake Aurora Camp is located in South Polk County at237 Golden Bough Rd, Lake Wales 33898. The Clinic will run from 10am to 3pm and Lunchwill be served at the camp cantina around 12 noon.Register: https://www.annsangelsawf.org/stirring-waters-clinic.html

 

October 17-19, 2025 – Abilities Expo – Broward County Convention Center - FortLauderdaleThree days. One roof. Endless access to the latest products, technologies and resources for thedisability community! Get ready for an accessible climbing wall, a ton of adaptive sports, info-packed workshops and more. It’s an epic day out and FREE, so register today.Register: https://www.abilities.com/ft-lauderdale

 

March 13-15, 2026 - Ms. Wheelchair Florida Empowerment Conference and Gala

Ms. Wheelchair Florida, Inc. would like to thank our sponsors for their continued support and generosity. Your partnership plays a vital role in helping us achieve our mission. We truly appreciate your commitment and support of people with disabilities across the state of Florida.

 

We Would Love to Have You As a Sponsor

 

 

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Ms. Wheelchair Florida, Inc., please  view our sponsor form by clicking here-->

Become a Sponser

MWFL Sponsors

Presented by 
RCI_RC_Logo_3PMS (1)_edited.jpg
Presented by 
Celebrity Cruises®_Blue.jpg
Silver Sponsors
mw.png
Silver Sponsors
HATB Long Logo slogan (1) (1).png
Silver Sponsors
1st reg.png
Silver Sponsors
Removing the Barriers.png
Platinum Sponsors
The Way Forward Foundation.jpg

Application Requirements

-Be a US citizen who is 21 years of age or older


- Utilize a wheelchair for 100% of daily community mobility


- Be a resident of Florida for at least the past 6 months - Marital status is not a consideration


- Have not held a title in another state Be willing to raise money and obtain sponsors for the state and national entry fees


- Be willing and able to travel throughout the state - this includes having access to reliable and easily obtained transportation


- Be ready and willing to successfully Advocate. Collaborate. Initiate for all persons with disabilities through various opportunities over the course of the year

Contact Us

Shari Wilson

Ms. Wheelchair Florida 2008 and State Coordinator

863-698-1138

  • Facebook
  • Instagram

Thanks for submitting!

 Ms. Wheelchair Florida, Inc. is a nonprofit 501 (c) 3 organization.

bottom of page