Nichole Campuzano

Nichole Campuzano ('06) went to Arkansas in September to compete in the National Ms. Wheelchair America pageant as Ms. Wheelchair Colorado. After an accidental fall in November 2005 that resulted in a spinal cord injury, she faces the daily challenges of being a quadriplegic.

Campuzano was hospitalized for three months and performed extensive therapy. In March, "The Unstoppable Nichole," as she is known to her friends and family, won the crown as Ms. Wheelchair Colorado. In May, she graduated from the School's Advertising sequence and celebrated her 23rd birthday.

The Ms. Wheelchair America pageant is not based on beauty but provides an opportunity for women of achievement who use wheelchairs to successfully educate and advocate for individuals with disabilities.

In Arkansas, she met 26 contestants and spent a week attending educational workshops, visited Little Rock historical sites, attended numerous judging sessions and presented her platform "Celebrate Life and Thrive" at the event's crowning ceremony.

In August, she was featured on KUSA-Channel 9 as an advocate and inspiration for those who are a part of the disabled community. Campuzano helped facilitate a 9Helpline panel that addressed questions and concerns for those with disabilities. She advocates accessibility, and one of her goals is to develop a Web site as a resource for those with spinal cord injuries and diseases.

Her determination has inspired her family and friends at the School, many of whom attended a fundraiser in her honor at the UMC last spring organized by Dave Martinez, MEMO (Multi Ethnic Media Organization), the Advertising Club and the Journalism Board.