Meet Mackenzie. This Wisconsin disability advocate and policy pro turned her 2014 spinal cord injury into a mission to protect independent living. When she isn't busy serving as a board president or wrapping up an internship with the Wisconsin DHS, she is outdoors adaptive kayaking, hanging out with her Labrador, Willow, or starting DIY home projects she confidently (and mistakenly) assumes "should be easy!" We’re lucky to have her as a member of the Network!

What’s your story? Tell us a little bit about yourself.

In 2014, a spinal cord injury changed Mackenzie’s life, leaving her paralyzed and using a wheelchair. She spent the next three years in a nursing home—an experience that transformed the way she understands disability, independence, and choice. Since then, Mackenzie has turned that experience into advocacy, working to advance independent living, protect disability rights, and challenge systems that too often make decisions for people with disabilities. She now serves on several disability-related boards and advisory councils and was nominated to serve as board president of one of Wisconsin’s state disability rights organizations.

How are you involved with self-determination? What advocacy things are you involved in?

Mackenzie believes that self-determination is at the heart of almost everything she does, advocating for people with disabilities to have real control over their lives. Her work spans disability rights, public policy, independent living, and spinal cord injury research, all while fighting to ensure that lived experience is treated as true expertise. As she puts it, "because, honestly, we’re pretty good at knowing what works for us."

Tell us some good news—what’s the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms of self-determination?

After 12 years away from traditional employment following a spinal cord injury, Mackenzie recently completed her first formally paid position—a public policy internship with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. While her extensive advocacy work during those years was absolutely work, returning to formal employment marked a huge personal milestone. For Mackenzie, it served as a powerful reminder that while the next chapter can take longer to arrive than expected, it doesn’t mean it isn’t coming.

What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?

Mackenzie emphasizes that people should not confuse needing support with giving up control, noting that self-determination does not mean doing everything yourself. Instead, she believes it is about having a say in your own life and the supports needed to make your choices possible. She encourages others to learn their rights, know their options, and remain curious by asking questions. Crucially, she highlights the power of community, advising people to connect with others who have walked a similar path because, as she notes, "Sometimes lived experience is the best resource available."

What are some of your hobbies?

Outside of her advocacy work, Mackenzie loves getting outdoors for adaptive kayaking or archery, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and hanging out with her Labrador, Willow. She also enjoys tackling home-improvement projects—though she admits her definition of “this should be easy” has gotten her into trouble more than once. 😊

***We love hearing the views and opinions of Network members. We need to mention that the views and opinions expressed on this site are those of the person who is sharing them. They do not necessarily reflect InControl Wisconsin or any of our supporters and funders.