Meet Our Executive Team

The Ms. Wheelchair Mississippi Foundation is run 100% by volunteers. Look below to learn more about the fabulous Ms. Wheelchair Mississippi Executive Team. Our Executive Team dedicates its time and energy to advancing the mission of the Ms. Wheelchair Mississippi Foundation. Their commitment ensures we can continue empowering women with disabilities across the state. Each member brings a unique skillset and a shared passion for positive change. Many of our Executive Team members are past Ms. Wheelchair Mississippi titleholders, bringing invaluable lived experience and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the disability community. They are dedicated to advocating for accessibility, inclusion, and empowerment for all. The Ms. Wheelchair Mississippi Executive Team is more than just a group of volunteers; we're a family united by a shared passion for making a difference. We are committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable Mississippi for women with disabilities. Join us in our mission!

Maggie Howard - President

Maggie has always been a caring supporter of the disability community, especially because her sister, Rebecca (MWMS State Coordinator), uses a wheelchair. Her sister inspired Maggie's passion for both Ms. Wheelchair Mississippi and Ms. Wheelchair America. After participating in both local and national competitions, Maggie's excitement for the MWMS sisterhood only grew stronger! She’s had the joy of volunteering as a manager at the state level and as an executive assistant during the national competition week.

Maggie says, her love for this sisterhood is incredibly meaningful to her because she loves seeing these exceptional women make such a positive impact. She also genuinely enjoy being an “honorary chair chick’ and being part of this inspiring community.

Mercetia Jenkins - Vice President

Mercetia Jenkins is from Columbus, MS. She is married to Daniel Jenkins III, and they both share a son (Daniel Jenkins IV).

Mercetia was Ms. Wheelchair 2024 and traveled to schools throughout Mississippi to advocate for people with disabilities and the importance of safe driving! She earned his Associate of Liberal Arts degree from East Mississippi Community College. She also earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health and her Master’s Degree in Health Education from the Mississippi University for Men and Women.

Mercetia is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated and loves to serve her community and pour back into the youth!

Lauren Compere - Treasurer

A proud native of Madison, Mississippi, Lauren is an inspiring advocate, engaging speaker, and compassionate mental health professional. After being diagnosed later in life with EMARDD, a rare type of muscular dystrophy, she embraces her journey as a quadriplegic to motivate and educate others.

Lauren earned a B.S. in Psychology from Mississippi College and an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Reformed Theological Seminary. Her rich professional background includes roles such as Vocational Coordinator at Son Valley and Development Director at One Shred of Hope. She actively volunteers with Joni and Friends and mentors women at the Rankin County Detention Center through The NET.

Proudly holding titles like Ms. Wheelchair Mississippi in 2015 and First Alternate in 2016, Lauren now serves as Treasurer of the organization. She is working toward her counseling licensure and continues to inspire others through her public speaking. Her faith in God and the Holy Spirit is a guiding light that fuels her purpose and resilience.

TK Silk - Member-At-Large

Proud graduate of Mendenhall High School. She furthered her education at Hinds Community College, earning her two-year degree. Tineka has built a career centered on service and compassion, currently working at Boswell Regional Center, where she dedicates herself to helping others every day. Beyond her professional life, she cherishes spending time with her family and caring for her beloved animals. Tineka’s warmth, dedication, and love for people truly define who she is.

Leah Clemons - Member-At-Large

Leah Clemons, originally from Madison, Mississippi, now happily lives in Brandon. She’s an enthusiastic part of the SonValley community and has been a valued team member at Ollie’s for over three years. A proud graduate of Madison Central High School with an Occupational Diploma, Leah’s friendly and joyful spirit shines through her kind and cheerful personality. In her leisure time, she loves solving puzzles, watching movies, and enjoying both playing and watching sports.

Rebecca Sentell - State Coordinator

Born with Spina Bifida, Rebecca confidently navigates life in her wheelchair. She works as a Rehabilitation Specialist III at the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services. In 2017, Rebecca was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Mississippi, and she used her platform, All About the Journey, to educate healthcare professionals on creating accessible and inviting facilities.

After her reign, Rebecca began serving as Ms. Wheelchair America State Coordinator for Mississippi and became a member of the MWA National Board in 2021. She now shines as the Executive Director of Ms. Wheelchair America. Rebecca earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Master of Science in Counseling from Mississippi College. She happily lives with her husband and their dogs in Madison, Mississippi, and is deeply passionate about advocating for the disabled community through service, faith, and positive action.