2013 Miss Teen Princess Louisiana Pageant

Had a blast judging the 2013 Miss Teen Princess Louisiana pageant in Shreveport, Louisiana this past weekend!

LOVED the pageant theme, "Head over Heels"!

 

Partnered with the Historical Society of North Caddo, the Miss Teen Princess Louisiana Scholarship Organization is a non-profit, 501(c)organization that strives to empower young women to achieve their
personal and academic goals.

 

The Teen Princess Louisiana Scholarship Organization requires each contestant to choose a cause about which she is passionate and that is of significance to her.  During her reign, Miss Teen Princess Louisiana uses her title to address community and civic organizations throughout the state regarding her community service issue.

With fellow judges Mrs. Texas America 2010 and Mrs. Arkansas America 2013.

Together with an esteemed panel of pageant royalty and community leaders, I think we selected the best ladies to represent the organization!

Emily Elizabeth Dillon was crown Miss Teen Princess Louisiana 2013

 



Big, BIG congrats to the new titleholders! Pre-Teen Princess Louisiana Aryn Spikes, Junior Teen Princess Louisiana Mackenzie Hinderberger, and Teen Princess Louisiana Emiley Dillon. Special congratulations are in order for Courtney Rachal and McKenzie O'Neal, who were runners up in the teen division. You gave a spectacular performance!

Still Seeking Your Support!

Seeking corporate or personal sponsorships to cover (or contribute to) the following expenses! All levels of sponsorship will be published via social media. Thank you all for your support!

 

SILVER SPONSORS

*Pre-Departure Hair - $250

*Pre-Departure Beauty - $200

GOLD SPONSORS

*Hotel - $300

*Hair Styling Services/Makeup Application for Competition - $375

 

 

Alumna to represent state in Miss International pageant - lsureveille.com : Entertainment

Big thanks to Amber Mason of the Reveille for this great article! Proud to represent Louisiana and LSU at the pageant!

Alumna to represent state in Miss International pageant - lsureveille.com : Entertainment

Seeking Platinum Sponsors!

Seeking corporate or personal sponsorships to cover (or contribute to) the following expenses! All levels of sponsorship will be published via social media. Thank you all for your support!

 

SILVER SPONSORS

*Pre-Departure Hair - $250

*Pre-Departure Beauty - $200

*Opening Act Wardrobe (Mandatory) - $200

GOLD SPONSORS

*Airfare - $300

*Hotel - $300

*Hair Styling Services/Makeup Application for Competition - $375

PLATINUM SPONSOR

*Ad Page for NATIONAL PROGRAM - $800 - $1,000

This is mandatory for all contestants and can be either 1/2 page or 1 full page. This financial deadline is MAY 1, 2013

VOTE TODAY!

Online voting has begun for the 2013 Miss International contestants! The winners will receive half of all money raised from online voting, while the other half of the proceeds will be donated to the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women Movement! Be sure to vote for your favorite contestant (ME!!) TODAY!!

 

Here's the link: http://www.miss-international.us/voting.php?id=504

Miss Louisiana International 2013 Announces Platform

Every time I do a speaking engagement on education, I always start with this: "I am a first generation college graduation, and I am living, walking proof, that getting an education matters."

Why start with this?? I want people to truly understand they are not limited by history or by their circumstances. No, my parents did not go to college. Yes, they have careers, but it's definitely not where they would be had they been to college. With my Masters of Public Administration I work as a Legislative Analyst for the Louisiana House of Representatives. More importantly, I AM EXACTLY WHERE I WANT TO BE in my career.

As Miss Louisiana International 2013, it is my duty to promote the need for improving educational outcomes for young girls and women. Education is important for everyone, but it is especially significant for women. Educational achievements for women have ripple effects within the family and across generations. My platform was nationally published in USA Today last year, but this time around I've decided to fine tune it and focus on GIRLS:

1. Ensuring girls are enrolled in Pre-K, as research shows Pre-K enrollment leads to higher academic success well into adulthood.
2. Improving K-12 performance in young girls, as poor academic preparation is the #2 reason college freshman do not return their sophomore year.
3. Informing young women of the power they hold legislatively and ensuring they take part in the "politics of education" by becoming aware of how they affect education policy.

This is my mission for my reign as queen and something I intend to continue as Miss International if crowned queen. I am proud to be a voice for something so important in Louisiana and nationwide.

The Cinderella Project of Baton Rouge

The 2013 Dress Giveaway is finally here! If you didn't know, I am the state spokesperson for The Cinderella Project and very proud of it! Every young lady deserves to attend their high school prom and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Throughout the year, the Cinderella Project collects donated evening gown from individuals and retailers in the Baton Rouge community in preparation for the giveaway.

We will host our Annual Dress Giveaway from 8:30am - 4:pm THIS SATURDAY at the Louisiana State Police Headquarters Cafeteria located at 7901 Independence Blvd in Baton Rouge.

Students must bring their high school ID and a female parent or guardian over the age of 18 with them. Students do not need to provide proof of financial need; eligibility for a free prom dress is on the honor system.

To ensure a respectful, organized shopping experience, each student will be paired with a volunteer personal shopper who will give her through the dress inventory....we have over a thousand dresses this year! We'll also have my favorite 225 Fashion Contributor and Poshactivity blogger Candra-Eloise Burges to help "wardrobe" the young ladies to ensure their gown is the perfect fit for them!

While students wait in line to enter the Dress Giveaway, they will have the opportunity to visit an "Empowerment Expo" of booths providing information on a range of relevant topics including healthy lifestyles and college planning.

Education is the dress that never goes out of style. Hosting this year's Empowerment Expo is part of out long-term goal of establishing The Cinderella Project as a trusted community resource - not just about free prom dresses, but so much more. We want to provide information that will empower high school women to make smart choices about their future.

The Baton Rouge Go Red For Women Luncheon

On February 22, 2013, I had the honor of attending my second Go Red For Women Luncheon in Baton Rouge and modeled in the Go Red Fashion Show with fashions from our amazing partner Macy's.

Aside from the fashion show, I am on the speaker's bureau of the Capital Area American Heart Association, so I spoke on their behalf to media and groups throughout the day about the fight to end heart disease and why it is so important to me to do my part to make a difference.



With the Baton Rouge General crew playing games!

WBRZ's Sylvia Weatherspoon

My amazing gown for the fashion show from Macy's

The luncheon was a phenomenal day jam-packed with stories of heart disease survival and ways women can do their part to end heart disease. If you've read by previous blog post about the American Heart Association being the top fundraiser for actual medical initiatives to end the disease, then here's another fact for you: The 2013 Go Red For Women Net Fundraising =  $342,000!! That is AFTER expenses!

I am beyond proud to be a voice for the American Heart Association Across the state of Louisiana and nationwide and I hope each of you take the time to familiarize yourself with the organization and what it stands for. Heart disease is the Number 1 killer of women nationwide, and we're fighting to end that!

See more pictures of the luncheon, the auction, and all the fun and games of the day on the Baton Rouge General Facebook page

Next Go Red Events for me?? The Capital Area Heart Walk on April 13! And the Southwest Louisiana Heart Ball in May! Get your heart walk team together now!

My Experience at HOPE Ministries Food Pantry

Like people many, I donate food every year in those large Baton Rouge Food Bank bins. And like many people, I don't know what happens to the food from there, or who my decision to donate will impact.

Yesterday I found out. Around Christmastime as I was looking for volunteer opportunities I came across HOPE Ministries online. I sent an email asking to volunteer in any capacity that week in their food pantry. Although there was nothing available that week, the Supervisor of Volunteer Services Joseph Sergio emailed me back with dates and volunteer hours, I finally was able to schedule a date to volunteer. The pantry operates 9am - Noon on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

When I arrived at HOPE Ministries and saw people waiting outside, I can say I was a little nervous about what Joseph would have me doing, but he showed me around and introduced me to his staff...who was great!....and gave a rundown of their daily operations.

The pantry at HOPE Ministries is a "Client Choice Food Pantry", meaning those in need are allowed to come through the pantry and "shop" the shelves, instead of just being handed a box of food at the door and sent on their way. Those living in the 70805 zip code must provide proof of income and the names and birth dates of all members of the household to determine eligibility and each client is allowed to shop only once a month. The pantry serves the first 30 people in line.....explaining the line I saw out front....Giving clients the opportunity to select their own items based on what they know they need in the household not only reduces waste, creates an atmosphere of dignity for clients by enabling them to shop in a grocery store-like setting.

Stocking the shelves 

After meeting my fellow volunteers...several college students (two of which drive over an hour to volunteer)....we stocked the shelves with the food items that were to be given away and then we selected the part of the pantry we wanted to work. With the pantry set up like a grocery store, produce, meat (frozen), bread, canned vegetables, we were each able to chose a section. Because I had stocked the canned green beans and new potatoes, I chose that section. As a client came around with their basket, I helped them select and bag their items. They were given choices like canned pork or tuna, green beans, soups, and peas or red beans. 

The pantry also had a large selection of pastry items and chips to give as well.....this was also the part that troubled me. Each client was given a choice of ONE can of vegetables from each of the four shelves I was working, but they were also given four pastry items....large items, like a dozen cupcakes or cookies. So clients were indeed given their four cans of veggies, but also could leave with four dozen cupcakes. As I walked clients through the pantry and helped them make selections, you could not help noticing MOST were Black and many were in poor health. Although these were people who have little income, I feel that shouldn't equate to poor diet or nutrition. I just felt helpless....like we could and should be doing more for them... 

With 75% of the food at the pantry coming from the Baton Rouge Food Bank, the remaining comes from donations from individuals and area churches. The pantry is forced to give what they have, when they have it, and clients must make their monthly selection from that. I want to find new ways to help the pantry continue to give more food to clients....but more of the right food.

Volunteers and Pantry Staff

How can you help?? Donating to the food bank or directly to the pantry is not just important throughout the holiday season! You know those Baton Rouge Food Bank bins??? Why can't we see more of them year round?? I know at the Capitol ours pops up only around the holidays. I want everyone to take the time once a month to donate, and think about what you're going to give...veggies, produce, rice, bread, cereals, etc. The pantry even accepts toiletry items and BABY FOOD...which they have a shortage of.

My experience yesterday was truly humbling and allowed me to experience what many in Baton Rouge face daily: wondering where their next meal may come from. I hope to continue my work with the pantry and helping those in need, I hope you all would take the time to do the same.

Contact HOPE Ministries today and see how you can get involved!

HOPE Ministries

 4643 Winbourne Avenue

Baton Rouge, La 70805

225.355.0702

Queens Fighting For A Cure

This past weekend I had the honor to serve as a judge for the Miss Louisiana Queen of Hope Pageant. Founded in 2005 by Allison Ravare-Augustine after she lost her aunt and husband to cancer, the pageant is a major fundraiser for the local American Cancer Society.

I traveled to Marksville, La and stayed the night at Paragon Casino where the pageant was to be held. After an early morning start with interviews we began the on-stage portion of the competition sometime after lunch. I can honestly say I have never been part of a more organized organization/pageant as Miss Louisiana Queen of Hope!

The newly crown Miss, Ms, Teen, & Grandma Louisiana Queen of Hope with the traveling queens



Miss Louisiana Queen of Hope 2012 Sheena Long with the Miss contestants

It was also great to see more than 75 traveling festival and pageant queens that came out to support the event!

I had a blast and was glad to lend my pageant expertise to select the queen! Check out their website here!

The Countdown Is On!

The countdown to National Wear Red Day is on! This year The American Heart Association celebrates 10 YEARS of going red!

In 2003, the American Heart Association faced a challenge; ardiovascular disease claimed the lives of nearly 500,000 American women each year, yet women were not paying attention. In fact, many even dismissed it as an “older man's disease.” To dispel these myths of heart disease as the No. 1 killer of women, the American Heart Association, along with the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute created National Wear Red Day® to raise awareness of this critical issue. Each year, on the first Friday in February, millions of women and men come together to wear red, take action and commit to fighting this deadly disease.

One year later, in 2004, the AHA also created Go Red For Women - a passionate, emotional, social initiative designed to empower women to take charge of their heart health as well as band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges women to know their risk for heart disease and use the tools that that Go Red For Women provides to take action to reduce their personal risk.

 

Tell me, how will you Go Red this year?!