Autumn Bertels
Lawrence, KS

Autumn Bertels, 23, describes herself as persistent, and this quality has definitely shown throughout her life. Autumn sustained a spinal cord injury in 2010 through a tragic car accident. Since then, she has led a full and active life accomplishing many goals. Autumn will graduate in May from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology. She plans to get a PhD and pursue ethical stem cell research for spinal cord injuries. While at KU, Autumn founded the student group AbilityKU and currently serves as the President. She lives in Lawrence and works as a Supplemental Instruction Leader in General Chemistry II. Autumn is very passionate about promoting higher education and improving accessibility on college campuses. Autumn is a member of the Greater Kansas City Spinal Cord Injury Association and is a student representative for the Mentoring Circles for Disability Advocacy Advisory Board. She was Kansas Miss Amazing Junior Miss 2023 and currently serves as a mentor and volunteer for this organization. She even received the Impact Award at nationals for her outstanding community service. Autumn enjoys volunteering and has given her time to the St. Joseph Parish, the St. Lawrence Parish, the Scholars Bowl Meet, and the Nortonville Public Library. Autumn is engaged to her fiancé Davis and enjoys spending time with him along with painting, embroidery, video games, board games, and reading. Autumn cites her pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi in 2024 as a life-changing experience that taught her much about her faith and the importance of advocacy. Autumn describes herself as persistent, compassionate, fiery, vigilant, and savvy. She aspires to spread awareness, promote change, and build leaders for advocacy.