Ms. Wheelchair Texas 2008

Michelle Colvard

Michelle Colvard Michelle Colvard is proud to be a native Houstonian. Born with spina bifida, she has used a wheelchair for mobility full-time since the 6th grade. Ms. Colvard worked her way through college, graduating Summa cum Laude from the University of Houston. She earned her Master's degree in Health Promotion from The University of Texas School of Public Health, where her thesis work examined physical activity participation by women with functional limitations. While still attending graduate school and working in the health research field at Baylor College of Medicine, Mayor White appointed her as Chairperson of the Houston Commission on Disabilities. Ms. Colvard also served on two other volunteer commissions: the Mayor's Wellness Council, where she coordinated efforts to promote health and wellness for Houstonians with disabilities, and the Houston Parking Commission, where she provided input on accessible parking issues. In June of 2007, Ms. Colvard received the Jefferson Award in recognition of her volunteer service and advocacy efforts on behalf of people with disabilities. Currently, Ms. Colvard serves in a new position as the Executive Director of the City of Houston Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities. She stays active with daily exercise at her gym, and participates in a variety of activities such as wheelchair basketball, swimming, kayaking, and snow skiing. She loves cars and races her MINI Cooper in autocross competitions in her spare time, even receiving an award for 2006 Driver of the Year and taking 1st place in her class for the year. This past October, she and her husband Brian celebrated their 11-year wedding anniversary.