Tanisha’s Determination Helps Her Dream Big

Meet Tanisha Carlgren, Miss U.S. Star! Tanisha visited Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) at the 2025 Ohio State Fair and expressed her appreciation for the role OOD services played in her journey to success.

With support from Monica Gales, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Tanisha was able to navigate her career path. This included support for job searching, assistance while on the job, and helping Tanisha to stay employed. “OOD helped make my dreams come true,” Tanisha said.

Tanisha landed a job as a teaching assistant at Broadmoor School. In this role, she works with both preschool children and in the daycare, making a positive impact on young lives every day. Tanisha receives ongoing support from Cameron Eberhard and Katie Debly with the Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

In addition to her work, Tanisha had a unique opportunity in the summer of 2024 to be an extra in the film “Superman,” filmed in Cleveland. This experience allowed her to explore her love for the arts while connecting to the idea that stories can help people better understand one another.

In July 2025, she participated in a national pageant in North Carolina through the AmeriFest pageant system, where she advocated for greater understanding of individuals with disabilities through her platform, “ICARE.” This nonprofit promotes positive initiatives to help people with disabilities succeed, particularly in employment. As she spreads her message of awareness and compassion, Tanisha emphasizes the importance of including individuals with disabilities in all aspects of society.

“To work alongside Tanisha and witness her doing well is to see resilience in motion,” said Monca. “It’s proof that ability, when nurtured, shines far brighter than any limitation.”

Tanisha’s story reminds us that with the right support, our abilities can shine brighter than any challenge.

If you are interested in having Tanisha speak as Miss U.S. Star at an upcoming event, please email chrysargenzio@gmail.com or call Tanisha at 216-269-9914.

(Source: Content lifted from Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities bulletin sent on 10/31/2025 bit.ly/47CjRNo.)

Learn about employment navigation services in Lake County, Ohio by calling 440-350-5145 or visit www.LakeBDD.org/employment-navigation/.