Carla Sanders is a mother, grandmother, entrepreneur, real estate professional, advocate, and proud wheelchair warrior aka “Warrior On Wheels” who has transformed one of life’s greatest challenges into a mission to create change.
In 2018, Carla’s life changed forever when a devastating car accident left her paralyzed from the waist down with a spinal cord injury. What could have become the end of her story became the beginning of a new chapter, one rooted in resilience, purpose, and advocacy.
Today, Carla serves as Ms. Wheelchair Arizona, using her platform to champion mental health awareness, accessibility, and economic empowerment for people with disabilities. She believes disability should never determine a person’s dreams, opportunities, or worth.
Carla is passionate about changing the way society sees disability, not as a limitation, but as a different way of living, contributing, leading, and thriving. Through public speaking, community outreach, social media, and advocacy, she works to amplify voices that are too often overlooked and inspire others to pursue lives without limits.
As an entrepreneur and real estate professional, Carla is also passionate about financial independence and creating opportunities for people with disabilities to build stronger, more empowered futures. Her vision extends beyond advocacy, she wants to help create communities where accessibility, opportunity, and inclusion are built into the foundation.
Her journey has taught her that strength isn’t always about standing on your feet. Sometimes, strength is found in getting back up emotionally, finding your purpose, and refusing to let circumstances write the ending of your story.Carla’s message is simple:
Life goes on. Dreams still matter. And your biggest setback can become your greatest purpose.
From Arizona and beyond, Carla is determined to use her voice, her story, and her platform to open doors, not only for herself, but for the millions of people living with disabilities who deserve to be seen, heard, included, and empowered.
She isn’t just living life from a wheelchair…she’s changing what people believe is possible from one. self-worth, proudly representing Arizona with resilience, compassion and purpose.
