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.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
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.
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.
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!
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.
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| With the Baton Rouge General crew playing games! |
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| WBRZ's Sylvia Weatherspoon |
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| 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!
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