A woman with a chair, a cape, a crown and the power to help others accept who they are!

Heidi McKenzie, former Ms. Wheelchair Kentucky, has launched her clothing line Alter Ur Ego that offers jeans made specifically for wheelchair users. Alter Ur Ego’s mission is to help people look good and feel good about themselves through fashion! Although working on her business takes up a majority of her time, Heidi also volunteers her time with a local non-profit going to schools and educating students about disability, and is on the board of Kentucky Congress on Spinal Cord Injury. She is a woman that goes after what she wants and gives back to her community – Heidi McKenzie is a High Roller! Read some fun facts below:

Injury level: T4

Cause of Injury: Car accident in 2007

Siblings: 3 brothers (and grew up with 3 boy cousins)

Current Residence: Kentucky

Education: Majored in Small Business/Entrepreneurship… and minored in Spanish but can’t remember anything except how to order food

Accomplishment you’re proud of? Graduating college. I hated school but knew I needed a degree.

Do you have a mentor? Who? Why? My dad. He helped me a lot after my injury to become independent. He is also a successful entrepreneur and I look to him for guidance.

Favorite films? Billy Madison is probably my all-time favorite. I like comedies.

Favorite books; favorite authors? I love getting a new book! But my mind wanders and I don’t read as much as I’d like.

Favorite restaurant/food? Olive Garden- I love the breadsticks and salad

Do you drive? Yes, I drive a minivan and drive from my wheelchair

Where did you go on your last vacation? Los Angeles, CA

Do you have your own website? www.altrurego.co

Do you go out much? Yes, I like to go to the arcade, go-kart racing, movies and sled hockey

What’s your dream job? To be “a big deal” clothing designer

Do you work out or play any sports? I play sled hockey in the winter and kayak in the summer

What irritates you? When people mock me

What do you consider awesome? Talking to people with a new injury. I volunteer as a mentor and watching people realize they can still do stuff and then see them become mentors

Where would you love to live? Somewhere warm. I don’t care where, just warm and no rain

If I take a look inside your refrigerator what would I find? Cheese. I do love cheese.

Dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be? What would you ask them? Coco Chanel. I’d ask her how she started her line and became an empowered woman.

During your child hood what was your favorite cartoon? Rugrats

How many pairs of shoes do you own? Oh! Can I say 10 plus?!? I own a ridiculous amount for someone who doesn’t even get her shoes dirty

Describe your sixth grade school picture. That was the worst year! I had just gotten a perm. It was so big!

Your default karaoke song? Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

A short term goal. Get healthy. Eat better and take care of myself

A Long term goal. To have a full line of adapted clothing.

A quote you like. People will stare. Make it worth their while (Harry Winston)