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Thursday, August 28, 2025

Lehman Alumna and Faculty Member Named Ms. Wheelchair America

Latavia Sturdivant in her wheelchair wearing an evening gown with flowers, crown, and sash.

August 27, 2025

Lehman alumna Latavia Sturdivant, a clinical educator and adjunct lecturer in the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, has always been a strong force in the disability rights community. Now, as 2025's  Ms. Wheelchair America, her efforts will have even more impact. Sturdivant, who represented New York State at the competition last week, is using her platform to increase accessibility to education.

"We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and even more proud of the changes that her voice and advocacy will enable," said Lesli Crusco-Gubler, director of Clinical Education and Clinical Services at the Speech and Hearing Center.

Ms. Wheelchair America's mission is to provide opportunities for women who use wheelchairs to successfully educate and advocate for the more than 64 million Americans living with disabilities. The competition evaluates contestants' records of advocacy, achievement, communication, and presentation.

Watch Latavia Sturdivant's TikTok video.