Ms. Wheelchair Mississippi Foundation 

Who We Are

The Ms. Wheelchair Mississippi Foundation is a proud affiliate of the Ms. Wheelchair America Organization, founded in 1972 by visionary physician Dr. Philip K. Wood. Built on advocacy, leadership, and service, our volunteer-led foundation is dedicated to amplifying the voices and celebrating the achievements of women with disabilities across Mississippi.

We believe disability does not limit potential—it strengthens perspective. Through empowerment, education, and opportunity, we cultivate confident leaders who create meaningful change in their communities and beyond.

Our Impact

Each year, the Ms. Wheelchair Mississippi State Competition serves as a powerful platform for women who use wheelchairs to step into leadership, advocacy, and visibility. This transformative experience opens the door to the prestigious Ms. Wheelchair America Competition while fostering lifelong confidence and purpose.

Our titleholders have:

  • Earned the national Ms. Wheelchair America title

  • Placed multiple times in the Top 5 nationally

  • Served on the Ms. Wheelchair America National Board

  • Led impactful advocacy initiatives statewide and nationally

Their success is a testament to what happens when opportunity meets belief.

Dixie Lee Etheridge Turnbo

Crowned Ms. Wheelchair Mississippi 1975 and Ms. Wheelchair America 1976

 

Representing Mississippi, Dixie Etheridge was a pioneering advocate for people with disabilities whose impact extended to both the state and national levels. During her reign, she met with U.S. Presidents. She addressed Congress twice, using her platform to call for the elimination of architectural and attitudinal barriers and to highlight the achievements and capabilities of people with disabilities. Her advocacy included meetings with President and Mrs. Gerald Ford, an appearance on The Johnny Carson Show, and a commercial filmed with Bob Hope.

A dedicated scholar, Etheridge earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education and was pursuing a Master’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology at Delta State University at the time of her crowning, boldly challenging public perceptions of physical limitations through her own accomplishments. In recognition of her lasting contributions, she received Mississippi’s highest honor, Governor Bill Waller’s Outstanding Mississippian Award, and the City of Greenville proclaimed September 25, 1975, as Dixie Etheridge Day.