BATON ROUGE — Ms. Wheelchair Louisiana, Kristie Mascarella, represented the state this past week at the 2026 Ms. Wheelchair America competition in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The week-long competition included 19 women from around the state who participated in leadership training, advocacy workshops, mentoring events and judging sessions. 

Mascarella, who lives in St. Gabriel, ran on the platform "Speaking out for enhanced sentencing for those who commit crimes against a person with a disability and bringing awareness against workplace discrimination ."

Highlights from the week included a scavenger hunt at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, a decades-themed dance party and two days of tours at the Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, giving contestants an opportunity to meet staff and guild members and learn about the rehabilitation system. 

On Saturday, Mascarella placed as the fourth runner-up in the competition.