Mary Zendejas was diagnosed with Polio at the age of 8 months old.
Mary comes from a family of 9 brothers and sisters. A family whose core values are family, love, respect, and most importantly God. She realized that when you have family and love, everything else is secondary.
She graduated from Mount St. Mary’s College with her Associates of Arts in Liberal Arts. She continued her education at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB).
After college Mary held many positions within the work force and was a completely independent disabled woman. After a couple of years of being extremely involved in the community and holding a full time job, Mary suffered a tragic fall. As a result of this fall Mary became a completely dependent person with the need of 24 hour care for over 8 years. It is obvious how much of a toll this accident had on Mary. Years of trying to get out of this unfamiliar situation and not being able to make it happen was frustrating but Mary never gave up, she refused to be a victim. It was not until 2010, that Mary was ready physically and mentally to start living again. She is a true example of a triumph over tragedy.
On March 3, 2012 Mary was crowned Ms. Wheelchair California 2012. As Ms. Wheelchair California 2012, Mary is promoting independence, self-advocacy, continuous education and employment for persons with disabilities. She is proud to represent millions persons with disabilities throughout the entire state of California.
“I believe in re-defining beauty and strength through positive attitude, continuous education, continuous personal development, as well as, promoting employment possibilities for individuals with disabilities. “ Mary Zendejas / Ms. Wheelchair California 2012.