Ms. Wheelchair Florida 2025 | ROAR Advocate | Meridith’s Co-Pilot in This Dream Team of Positivity And Resilience
About Schuyler
The Smile That Can Light Up A Room!
Schuyler’s middle name says it all: Sachi. It means “happiness” in Japanese. From the moment that Schuyler was born, she has always lived life to the fullest. Happiness truly IS her middle name. She laughs. She loves. She always dives fully and spectacularly into each moment.
Her “joie de vivre” led her joyously through the best of the best in Tampa’s educational system from Montessori to Independent Day School (now Corbett Prep) to Berkeley Prep and then eventually to Yale University, where she graduated in 2015.
A PASSION FOR GLOBAL IMPACT
In her freshman year at Yale, Schuyler traveled to Tanzania to teach English with Art in Tanzania. The experience impacted her so profoundly that upon her return, she launched a Yale branch of the global organization Net Impact. As it says on their website, “100,000 strong with 300 global chapters, we take on social challenges, protect the environment and orient businesses and products toward the greater good.”
By her senior year, Schuy had become a spokesperson for Net Impact and their branch had been recognized as the top branch in the world.
From there, her desire to positively transform the world led her to Ecuador, Nepal, Barcelona, Croatia, Indonesia, Greece, and numerous countries along the way. Friends say that she has always had the unique ability to draw out their courage and greatness—and to inspire them to be the absolute best that they can be.
FEBRUARY 19, 2016: THE DAY EVERYTHING CHANGED
While on an adventure vacation in Colombia during a fellowship in Peru, Schuyler was randomly struck by a massive boulder that fell from 30 feet above during a white water rafting excursion. The impact was devastating—crushing her skull, fracturing her spine, both shoulder blades, her right femur, and pulverizing her left ankle. The traumatic brain injury affected her cerebellum, leaving her with balance and mobility challenges that require her to use a wheelchair.
Normally, no one could survive such an injury—but Schuyler is not a “normal” young woman. What transpired going forward was life-changing not simply for Schuyler but for her mother Meridith, her family, and friends as well.
TURNING BOULDERS INTO BLESSINGS
Always with a laugh and a smile, Schuy continues to find joy in the process. Her journey toward recovery is inspiring thousands around the globe.
In 2025, Schuyler was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Florida 2025, representing the state at the Ms. Wheelchair America pageant where she earned two special awards: the People’s Choice Award and the I’m Possible Award from Inclusion Matters by Shane’s Inspiration—recognizing her extraordinary advocacy, resilience, and impact.
CO-AUTHOR & CHILDREN’S BOOK ADVOCATE
Schuyler and her mother Meridith have co-authored the “My Friend the Boulder” children’s book series—a collection of 13 books that teach children about resilience, courage, and overcoming obstacles. The books feature “Princess Happiness” (Schuyler’s character) navigating challenges with joy and determination.
Together, they conduct live readings at schools, libraries, and community events across Florida, inspiring children to embrace hard things with positivity and hope. Their mission: to help the next generation understand that obstacles don’t define you—how you respond to them does.
MEDIA & RECOGNITION
Schuyler’s story of resilience and joy has been featured across multiple media outlets:
Television:
- WTSP Channel 10 feature with Jenny Dean: “A boulder nearly killed her. Ten years later, she’s crowned Ms. Wheelchair Florida.” (Watch here)
- Bay News 9 Everyday Heroes (January 2026): Highlighting Schuyler and Meridith’s work inspiring children (Watch here)
- Bloom TV (multiple appearances): “Turning Adversity into Joy: How My Friend the Boulder is Empowering the Next Generation” (Watch here)
- Bloom TV: “Schuyler Arakawa Brings Home Double Honors from Ms. Wheelchair America 2025” (Watch here)
- ABC Action News: Tampa Gasparilla 5K coverage (Watch here)
Print & Online:
- Jackson Memorial Hospital: “A Life Forever Changed, A Strength Rediscovered: From Ryder Trauma Center to Ms. Wheelchair Florida 2025” (Read here)
- Yale Alumni Magazine: “Schuy’s the Limit: The Remarkable Journey of Schuyler Arakawa ’15” (Read here)
- VoyageTampa: “Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Schuyler Arakawa of Apollo Beach” (Read here)
- Bold Journey Magazine: “Meet Schuyler Arakawa” (Read here)
- Canvas Rebel: Featured profile (Read here)
- Osprey Observer (June 2025): “After Life-Altering Injury, Arakawa Named Ms. Wheelchair Florida 2025” (Read here)
Special Events:
- Orlando Voices (2026): Schuyler and Meridith presented together at this powerful storytelling event
- Inclusion Matters by Shane’s Inspiration: Recipient of the I’m Possible Award at Ms. Wheelchair America 2025
SCHUYLER’S PHILOSOPHY
“Perfection isn’t a box where nothing ever changes. It’s an agile, ever-flowing circle… you might call it, the circle of life.”
Schuyler continues to hit those 1% milestones, proving that when you focus on incremental progress, even the skies have no limits.
As her grandmother always said: “Inch by inch is a cinch, but yard by yard is hard.”
Schuyler lives by this wisdom—taking small steps every day, proving that resilience isn’t about giant leaps. It’s about showing up with joy, courage, and an unshakeable belief that if there’s a will, there’s a way.
SCHUYLER TODAY
Schuyler lives in Apollo Beach, Florida with her family—including three diva dachshunds who greet her with unconditional love every day. Her mother Meridith serves as her primary caregiver while also running a thriving leadership coaching and keynote speaking business.
Together, they continue to inspire audiences of all ages—from corporate leaders to elementary school students—with their message: Turn boulders into blessings. Choose joy. Keep smiling.
CONNECT WITH SCHUYLER
📘 Facebook: Ms Wheelchair Florida 2025 – Schuyler Arakawa
📷 Instagram: @mswheelchairfl2025 | @schuyisthelimit
🔗 LinkedIn: Schuyler Arakawa
🎥 YouTube: Schuyler Arakawa
🌐 Website: BackOn2Feet.com
BOOK SCHUYLER + MERIDITH FOR YOUR EVENT
Schuyler and Meridith are available for:
- Keynote speaking (Meridith solo or mother-daughter format)
- School visits & children’s book readings
- Corporate resilience workshops
- Disability advocacy & inclusion events
- Women’s leadership conferences
- Motivational speaking for youth & adults
Schuyler’s story proves that joy isn’t something that happens TO you—it’s something you CHOOSE, even when life throws boulders your way. 💙
