United Spinal board member Monica Wiley received the 2023 Miss Maryland USA SLICC (Success through Leadership, Character, Confidence) Ambassador Presidential Service Award. The U.S.A. Ambassador Pageant is a charity-driven organization that promotes success through leadership, integrity, character and confidence. Contestants are encouraged to implement these ideals throughout their pageant experience and in their everyday lives.
Meet Ms. Mo the Motivator
Monica acquired an incomplete spinal cord injury caused by a drunk driver accident that caused her family to plunge over a 150-foot bridge. Through vigorous rehabilitation, she learned to walk again and has used her story to make meaningful impacts in public policy and social justice for the disability community.
She is a valued board member of United Spinal Association and is a leader of our Washington, D.C., chapter. She joined our signature Roll on Capitol Hill event to advocate for airline safety, ground transportation accessibility and better coverage of mobility devices. On a local level, Monica is currently working on getting her proposed Election Law Curbside Voting Bill (HB0041) passed in the state of Maryland. The bill will allow individuals with disabilities to vote independently from the comforts of their vehicle or respective method of transportation.
In addition to her work with United Spinal, Monica serves on the Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council board and was appointed to the Junior League of Washington. She received the 2011 Community Activism Award from Special Olympics, 2011 Tom Whipple Democratic Party of Virginia Service of the Year Award and the 2012 Top 40 under 40 Successful Leaders Award by Style Weekly. She plans to pursue a Masters in Counseling at Capella University in the spring and start a podcast — stay tuned!
Congratulations on this well-deserved award, Monica! We are grateful for all you do for our organization and beyond.
Are you a member of United Spinal Association interested in making a difference for people with SCI/D and all wheelchair users? Join our Grassroots Advocacy Network today.