ERIE — A 25-year-old Pittsburgh native is representing Pennsylvania at the Ms. Wheelchair America 2018 pageant.

Claire Senita is competing in the pageant in Erie this week after being crowned Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania in March.

Executive Director of Ms. Wheelchair America Stephanie Deible said the pageant helps celebrate the accomplishments of women with disabilities and gives them a platform to advocate and educate.

Senita has used a wheelchair for her mobility since she became paralyzed from the neck down after a gymnastics injury at 14. She said she is excited to compete in Erie, which she calls a “second home.”

Women from 25 states who use a wheelchair for 100 percent of their mobility are competing in the pageant. The winner will be crowned Saturday.