Latavia Sturdivant is a disability advocate, educator, and licensed Speech-Language Pathologist whose work bridges clinical practice, education, and advocacy. In 2025, she was crowned Ms. Wheelchair America 2026, expanding her platform to highlight the responsibility clinicians hold in shaping equitable and inclusive systems of care.

Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, Latavia moved to Yonkers during her undergraduate years at Lehman College (CUNY), where she earned her bachelor’s degree. She later completed her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Columbia University. With more than nine years of experience in New York City schools, she has supported children from preschool through high school and currently holds licensure in both New York and Maine. She also serves as an adjunct professor at Lehman College, where she is committed to preparing future clinicians for ethical, culturally responsive practice.

Latavia lives with cerebral palsy, spastic quadriplegia, and ambulates using a wheelchair. This lived experience informs her approach to clinical care, supervision, and advocacy, offering students and emerging professionals insight into what patient-centered care looks like beyond textbooks and treatment plans. She speaks openly about the gaps between policy, practice, and patient experience—particularly in areas such as healthcare access and durable medical equipment.

As the creator and host of the Queens On A Roll Podcast, Latavia amplifies underrepresented voices while modeling how clinicians can engage in advocacy without losing professional integrity. Through teaching, media, and speaking engagements, she challenges future clinicians to see advocacy not as optional, but as an ethical extension of their role.

Her work is grounded in a clear message to students and emerging professionals: lived experience is expertise, and meaningful change begins when clinicians listen, learn, and lead with accountability.