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!
Kimberly Butler - Treasurer
Kimberly was born and raised in Mississippi in a close-knit military family, where discipline, service, perseverance, and compassion shaped her leadership. At age 12, she sustained a spinal cord injury in a car accident, beginning a journey that sparked her passion for accessibility, inclusion, and empowering others. For more than 30 years, Kimberly has used a manual wheelchair, and her experiences have strengthened her creativity, perspective, and empathy. A proud mother of two, she holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from William Carey University. After owning a successful tax preparation franchise for 15 years, she became the Founder and CEO of Butler Cultivation LLC, which develops accessible and affordable housing for individuals with disabilities and families on fixed incomes, and of Improvise Ability LLC, which develops assistive technology, including a patented motorized assembly cart designed to increase mobility and independence. Her entrepreneurial work has been recognized through statewide pitch competitions, business development programs, and connections with Jackson State University, Mississippi State University, and the RISE Center’s Encountering Innovation event.
Kimberly’s commitment to service includes volunteering with the United Spinal Association and Mississippi Paralysis Association, advocating for disability rights, accessibility, resources, and inclusion. She also helped establish an ADA Advisory Board in her hometown to ensure people with disabilities are represented in community planning and has mentored young women through Forrest General Hospital’s Spirit Girls teen group. Kimberly believes lived experience can create opportunities for others, and through entrepreneurship, innovation, mentorship, and advocacy, she is committed to removing barriers, creating solutions, and building communities where people with disabilities can live, lead, and thrive.
Kimberly was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Mississippi in 2026, where she advocated for the Universal Design platform.
Lauren Compere - Secretary
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. Her faith in God and the Holy Spirit is a guiding light that fuels her purpose and resilience.
Lauren proudly holds titles such as Ms. Wheelchair Mississippi in 2015 and First Alternate in 2016 at Ms. Wheelchair America.
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.
"The dedication of the Ms. Wheelchair Mississippi Executive Team is truly inspiring. Their passion makes a real difference in our community."
A Grateful Supporter