About us

Our Philosophy - It’s not us vs. them. It’s we. Together we are working to overcome society’s stereotypes and turning an I can’t to I can. It’s all in the will we each possess within. Together we can overcome life’s challenges.

While a national Ms. Wheelchair competition has existed since 1972, contests at the state level have been forming ever since.

The Ms. Wheelchair Connecticut committee formed in 2006, recognizing the necessity for an official representative to further the needs and issues of wheelchair-bound women both throughout the state and the U.S. Although no official program existed in Connecticut prior to 2007, Unionville resident Denise Woodilla was chosen to represent the state as an independent delegate in 2006. During her reign, a board of directors formed, which currently consists of the following members:

Iwona Serwinski graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting. She brings her accounting and business knowledge to the board along with the desire to keep this organization successful. Working with Ms. Wheelchair Connecticut, Inc. is a worthy cause that has brought fulfillment to Iwona's life. Iwona serves as President of the Ms. Wheelchair Connecticut board of directors.

Marnee Dutcher has been a General Manager at Connecticut Support Services, a respiratory and medical company in Plainville, CT, for over 10 years. She became involved with Ms. Wheelchair Connecticut through her work. Marnee is a graduate at St. Joseph's College, with a bachelors degree in biology/chemistry. Marnee currently serves as the Vice President of Ms. Wheelchair Connecticut.

Melissa D'Agostino is Training & Communications Manager for Achieve Financial Credit Union, a full service financial cooperative which serves the Central Connecticut region. Prior to joining the Achieve Financial team Melissa attended Central Connecticut State University, earning her a Bachelors of Arts in Organizational Communication. Melissa also serves as Treasurer for Ms. Wheelchair Connecticut, managing the organization's finances and working with other board members to create awareness in our community about issues facing wheelchair-bound women.

Holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and journalism from Central Connecticut State University, Joanna Mechlinski spent several years working as a newspaper reporter before accepting a position within an area school district. She serves as Ms. Wheelchair Connecticut's Secretary, also assisting with public relations and assorted writing-related tasks.

Denise Woodilla is Ms. Wheelchair Connecticut 2006. She has Spina Bifida and Crohn's Disease and resides at New Horizon's Village in Unionville, CT for over 20 years. She works as a data entry specialist for WebMD for over 3 years. Her accomplishments as Ms. Wheelchair Connecticut 2006 include competing on the national level in Little Rock, AR. It was a wonderful and rewarding experience that she will never forget. Denise now serves on the board of directors as past Ms. Wheelchair. Denise truly believes and strives in searching for women of all types of physical disabilities that have achieved all of their goals in becoming courageous, strong, and independent women.