Josie Badger of Pittsburgh was crowned Ms. Wheelchair America in Grand Rapids, Mich., on Aug. 6.

Ms. Badger, 27, who is studying for a Ph.D. in health care ethics at Duquesne University, has muscular dystrophy. But growing up on a farm, she found ways to work around her disability.

The nonprofit Ms. Wheelchair America pageant was started in 1972 by Ohio physician Philip Wood to promote the achievements of women who use wheelchairs. Ms. Badger is youth coordinator for the PEAL (Parent Education and Advocacy Leadership) Center, a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit that helps families of children with disabilities. A summa cum laude graduate of Geneva College, Ms. Badger has been president and vice president of the National Youth Leadership Network, a Maryland-based nonprofit that works "to build power among people with disabilities between the ages of 16 and 28 years old."

"I'm excited to represent other Americans with disabilities," Ms. Badger said. "Helping others is what it's about."

She was selected Ms. Wheelchair America over 25 other contestants.

First Published: August 15, 2011, 8:00 a.m.