Ranita Wilks, a disability rights advocate for Independence, Inc. and this year’s Ms. Wheelchair Kansas, will represent the state in the Ms. Wheelchair America competition July 31.

Wilks won the state competition in March, and will now travel to Little Rock, Ark., for the national competition. The national event will select the most accomplished and articulate spokesperson for Americans with disabilities.

The winner of the event will promote awareness of issues for people with disabilities to the public, business community and the legislature.

Wilks also serves on the Kansas Commission for Disability Concerns. Her platform is “Career Development Opportunities for People with Disabilities.”