Melinda Preciado, the 2022 Ms. Wheelchair Oregon America, has embraced her role as an advocate for individuals with disabilities. Her journey as a wheelchair user and amputee began just over two years ago following a traumatic event that resulted in the loss of her right leg. This experience led Melinda to adopt the platform “Adapting America for All” and advocate for accessibility improvements, particularly in public spaces. She emphasizes the importance of modifications through real-life examples, such as encountering inaccessible restrooms during meetings with officials. Melinda’s advocacy work raises awareness of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and highlights the need for inclusivity.

As Ms. Wheelchair Oregon and now Ms. Wheelchair Oregon USA (2023), Melinda’s visibility has increased, providing her with more opportunities to advocate for people with disabilities. She understands the significance of representation and has seen firsthand the impact her presence has on others, especially young individuals who feel inspired to see someone like them in public settings. Melinda’s advocacy extends beyond awareness-raising as she offers support to amputees as a Certified Peer Visitor, using her own experiences to help them navigate their own life changes. Through her work, Melinda aims to empower individuals of all abilities to live independent and dignified lives.