Ms. Wheelchair New Jersey
2008 Cynthia DeSouza
FAITHFUL…
DETERMINED…
COMPASSIONATE…
ASSERTIVE…
OBSERVANT…
- Lives in Newark, New Jersey with her two daughters, Stacey and Wyndi
- Owner and President, IHS Technology & Development, Inc.
- Worked over thirty years in Information Technology and Corporate Finance
- Received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Rutgers University
- Attended NJIT Executive MBA program
- Disabled as the result of the onset of motor neuron
- Enjoys the piano, art and photography
- Self Perception: Faithful, Determined, Compassionate, Assertive, Observant
Day 1 - Cynthia Arrives in Rockville



Day 2 - Funday!

Day 3 - 50’s Night

Day 4 - Resume Judging and State Displays

Day 5 - Platform Speeches

Wanted to say congratulations for being Ms Wheelchair New Jersey. Look forward to seeing all of the wonderful ladies in Rockville! Even though we might be competing for the same title, it is not about the title but what we can do to promote our cause to all of the Nation! Good luck!
Hi Cynthia- I just wanted to introduce myself since I won’t be able to meet you at the National Pageant. I am the state coordinator for Ms. Wheelchair Washington Pageant. I was Ms. WC Washington 2006 and I had a great year. I am sorry I won’t be there to meet all of you this year. Good luck in all you do and have a wonderful time at the Ms. Wheelchair America pageant. It was one of the best weeks of my life!
Best of luck!
Tammy Wilber
Ms. Wheelchair Washington State Pageant Coordinator
I wish you the best of luck!
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you in advance to the great state of Maryland. I look forward to meeting you. I know that we will all have a great time during the week of Nationals. Good luck and most importantly have fun!!!
Ms. Wheelchair MD
My name is Angie Wilkerson: I was Ms. Wheelchair Virginia 2005-2006, second runner-up at Ms. Wheelchair America 2006 and also was awarded the People’s Choice Award. To all contestants, congratulations! As you get ready for MWA I know you are probably very excited and nervous at the same time. I wanted to share these pieces of wisdom based on my experiences and advice I received. You will be glad if you do all of your preparation before going to MWA (prepare & practice speeches, etc.), once you arrive pace yourself- don’t wear yourself out- get your rest and eat well- take care of yourself, enjoy every moment of the experience, take lots of pictures, try to meet and spend time with each contestant- you will be so inspired and enriched by doing so, you are all amazing and special…don’t compare yourself to anyone else- just be the best you that you can be, think of your fellow contestants not as competition but rather as members of a team with the same mission as you. May you all support, encourage, educate, and inspire one another. Have the time of your life and congratulations again to each of you on your achievements.
God bless,
Angie Wilkerson
MWVA 2005-2006
Hi Cynthia, I’m Rose, Ms. heelchair Virginia. Are you geared up for a week of fun as we compete? I look forward to meeting you. Have a safe and enjoyable rip.
Hi Cynthia!
I’m Ashlee Allington Ms. Wheelchair Utah! I just wanted to say good luck! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for all of us, and I look forward to meeting you!
Ashlee
Cynthia- Congratulations on your title of Ms Wheelchair New Jersey . You have a very busy and exciting week ahead of you in Rockville Maryland. Embrace every moment of this once in a lifetime opportunity and open yourself up to learning from all of the amazing women around you. Best of luck! I look forward to meeting you next week.
Autumn Grant
Ms Wheelchair America 2007
Ms Wheelchair Massachusetts 2006
Ms Wheelchair Massachusetts State Coordinator
Looking forward to meeting all you young ladies on Monday at the hotel. Have a good trip to Maryland
Deborah Barnes
Ms Wheelchair DC
Cynthia,
I wish you a wonderful week at Nationals, full of memories and meaning, with much to be happy about… Know this - you are all already winners, so just let your natural beauty shine through!
xoxo
Kristen McCosh, MWA 2008
Hello Cynthia,
In five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes. How do you measure, a year in the life?
This exact question from one of my favorite songs from the musical RENT began running through my head from the moment I recieved the title of Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee. How would I measure this year? And now I know I am measuring it in every lesson taught and learned and every friendship made.
I am looking forward to a great week here at Nationals. Thank you for being a part of how I will measure this year.
Kasondra, Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee 2008
Cynthia,
I am so happy that you were able to make it to the national competition for Ms. Wheelchair America.
This lifetime experience is one that you will never forget.
Your inner beauty and that beautiful smile is everlasting. I know that you touched the hearts of the contestants and the judges
with your vibrant personality.
May you continue to shine and I wish you the very best with all that you do.
Jackie Jackson, NJ
Cynthia,
It was such a pleasure to get to see you this past week at Nationals! Congratulations on all of your accomplishments, and please continue to keep up all of your great advocacy work in New Jeresy…
xoxo
Kristen McCosh
MWA 2008
My Della Reese. What a blessing you are! Thank you for sharing your tender heart and warm smile with John and I at MWA. Please keep in touch.
Jaime Blanton
MWKY 2008
Cynthia,
You are a dynamic lady and there such a presence about you. I am sorry that I did not get a chance to spend more time with you.
Best wishes1
Nadia
Hi Cynthia,
I was a pleasure getting to know you during the week of Nationals. I wish you continued success in everything that you set out to do. And remember, no matter what, you are always a queen. Keep in touch.
Denise
Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2008
Congratulations on representing your state in a great way! It was fun meeting you, and wish you best of luck in your future endevours.
If you want to stay in touch please email me at reevepupandkittens@sbcglobal.net