My name is Kristina Shepard and I am the current Ms. Wheelchair California. I was crowned in February. I fly to Albany, New York, in July to represent California in the National Ms. Wheelchair Pageant. I am honored to be in this position. I have attended Rallies at the State Capital regarding bills affecting the disabled community, met with Senators and Assembly Members, attended conferences and other meetings regarding disability issues, and made appearances at Shriners Hospital for Children. I have also been in local newspapers and been a guest on a few radio shows. So far this has been an absolutely wonderful experience. I have already met so many amazing people and learned so much about the advocacy of disabled people and women in my state and country. I look forward to elevating the status of women with disabilities and breaking down unnecessary barriers that continue to stand in our way today.

Kristina Shepard

I am 21 years old and currently live in Rocklin, California with my amazing boyfriend and two best friends that I grew up with. I was injured when I was 10 months old in an auto accident. My mom, who has been the main motivation and inspiration in my life, taught me at a young age that there is nothing that could stand in my way. She never let me forget for a minute how special I was. The rest of my great family, including my Dad, Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents and cousins have always been a major source of support and encouragement. I consider myself probably the luckiest girl in the world to have all these people who loved me so much in my life. I wouldn't be who I am without them. And who I am is a proud, independent, happy girl and I know that I was chosen to sit in this wheelchair and educate and inspire everyone I meet.