Influential Woman · Disability Advocacy and Pageantry
Dianna Warren
Miss Wheelchair USA Ambassador, Miss Wheelchair USA
Canton, OH
Her Story
About Dianna
I began my journey with Miss Wheelchair USA in 1999 when I competed at the state level for Ohio. I was a little shy back then, but the program brought me out of my shell and I started meeting other women with disabilities. I competed three times - getting second place the first year, first runner-up the second year, and finally winning Miss Wheelchair Ohio in my third year in 2002. That year I also received the incredible honor of being inducted into the Kent Women's Hall of Fame. As Miss Wheelchair Ohio, I traveled extensively throughout the community doing TV, radio, and parades, serving as an advocate for people with disabilities. When the program reopened as Miss Wheelchair USA in 2010, I competed five more times, always placing in the top five. I won nearly every award they offered, including the People's Choice Award and Spirit Award. After my competing years, I became an ambassador for the program 10 years ago, and this year for the 30th anniversary, I am competing again for Miss Wheelchair USA All-Star. The pageant is put on by the Dane Foundation, which provides year-round support to individuals with disabilities who need hygiene items and other necessities that Medicare, Medicaid, and food stamps don't cover. We also run a major Christmas project serving individuals with disabilities and work to educate the community about different types of disabilities. Beyond pageantry, I have been married for 47 years to a husband who has always supported me and never treated me differently because of my disability. I bowled in a family league for disabled people for 32 years, serving as secretary and treasurer, and was the first woman to compete in a Canton City Women's bowling tournament while in a wheelchair. I have bowled with the pros twice and won several awards in both bowling and the Ohio Wheelchair Games.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Dianna
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to family support and my marriage. My family has always been there for me - my parents, my brother, my sister, and practically all my relatives including aunts, uncles, and cousins. They never treated me any different and have supported me in everything I've done. When I got married, my husband has been a supporter to me and helps me whenever he can. So I'd have to say family is the foundation of my success. I also have to say that with our background of being in church, God has given me a good life. I haven't had much sickness or anything like that, and everything I've done, I've been pretty successful at.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've ever received is just because you have a disability, don't give up. Whatever you set your mind to, with a good, positive attitude, you can achieve it.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women is to just don't step back and think that you can't be accepted or that you can't do anything. I'm older, and I've known from experience that sometimes you have to keep getting out there and trying. You have to let people see who you are as a person, not as a disabled person or focus on what you're able to do, because a lot of people want to look at you and think you don't have a lot to offer when you do have the ability to offer things. So just never give up, keep a good attitude, and just keep on trying. Don't sit back and be afraid to try anything new. I was afraid a couple times to try anything, didn't know what people would think of me, and I ended up getting jobs and working, I did the bowling, I've done the pageants, and I've come a long ways with a lot of awards. So please, just don't set back and give up. Just get out there and do whatever you want to do.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Some of the biggest challenges are people not accepting you until you get out there and show them what you can do. Another major challenge is accessibility - it depends on where you're going, like different hotels or venues that might not be accessible in the way you need it to be done. Those are the biggest challenges in my field.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values to me are having a good attitude and faith. I've always had a good attitude about my disability. I've never been down or been depressed about it. I believe that this is the life God is wanting me to live, and that I'm to go out there and do what I'm meant to do - to help inspire others and to help educate others. My husband and I have been married for 47 years, and he doesn't treat me any different because of my disability. He knows when I need help and when I need things. We do a lot of fun things together like camping and enjoying the outdoors. He has never thought of me any different, and he thinks that I'm a big inspiration and that I've helped him a lot in his life.
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