Ms. Wheelchair California 2010, Jennifer Kumiyama (1st Runner Up Ms. Wheelchair America 2011) will speak at the January 12 Kiwanis Club of South Pasadena lunch meeting. Ms Kumiyama was born with Arthrogryposis (AMC). Jennifer's inabilities have never stopped her from breaking barriers, overcoming adversity and living her life to the fullest. She discovered her passion for music and theater by the time she was in kindergarten. After realizing that singing was something she enjoyed, she joined local theater groups and school choir and even played drums in the orchestra. Being a professional singer and performer was a secret dream of Jennifer's. She didn't think that society would accept a performer in a wheelchair. She studied voice at Riverside Community College and later at Long Beach City College.
Jennifer decided to branch out into the performing world and audition. Her first audition was with Warner Bros. Reality TV Show "PopStars2". Jennifer made the first two episodes and created a buzz as the "the girl in the wheelchair" in TV Guide, Variety Magazine and other local papers. In 2002 she was cast in Disney's "Aladdin; A Musical Spectacular", making her the first performer in a wheelchair in a Disney Theme Park. She continues to perform and has done so in venues such as Stella Adler Theater, the Stables Center and the Kodak Theater.
Jennifer rode on the 2011 Kiwanis International Rose Parade float and lives in Long Beach. Come and listen to an inspiring presentation by Jennifer Kumiyama at the Kiwanis Club lunch, January 12. The Kiwanis meeting is open to everyone and held at Calvary Presbyterian Church, 1050 Fremont, South Pasadena, Fellowship Hall. The buffet lunch is $13.00. For more information contact: Chris Glaeser, cglaeser@socal.rr.com
