After coming to terms with my depression, I decided I needed a bigger stage and bigger format in order to bring awareness to the issue of depression and mental health.
So I tapped into my years of experience as a director and volunteer for the Miss America Pageant and decided to place my 41 year old body on the stage and compete for the title of MRS. Illinois International - a pageant that required contestants to have a chosen platform during their year of service. I didn't have to choose my platform. It chose me.
It took me 3 attempts but in 2011, I gained the title of Mrs. Illinois International 2012 and the opportunity to compete for the title of Mrs. International (more on that journey in my blog as well). My proudest moment, however, was winning the On-Stage Interview AND the Personal Interview competitions ALL THREE YEARS! This proved to me that I was getting my point across and people were ready to hear about mental illness on the pageant stage.
As Mrs. Illinois International 2012, I travelled over 10,000 miles as an Advocate for Mental Health Awareness.
These are just a few of my favorite moments:
So I tapped into my years of experience as a director and volunteer for the Miss America Pageant and decided to place my 41 year old body on the stage and compete for the title of MRS. Illinois International - a pageant that required contestants to have a chosen platform during their year of service. I didn't have to choose my platform. It chose me.
It took me 3 attempts but in 2011, I gained the title of Mrs. Illinois International 2012 and the opportunity to compete for the title of Mrs. International (more on that journey in my blog as well). My proudest moment, however, was winning the On-Stage Interview AND the Personal Interview competitions ALL THREE YEARS! This proved to me that I was getting my point across and people were ready to hear about mental illness on the pageant stage.
As Mrs. Illinois International 2012, I travelled over 10,000 miles as an Advocate for Mental Health Awareness.
These are just a few of my favorite moments:
Speaking on the Morning Show for the Local ABC Affiliate Station WSIL TV.
|
Featured speaker at the "A Walk in My Shoes" Mental Health Conference in Edwardsville
|
Speaking with Representative John Shimkus
|
Featured speaker at the Region I Mental Health Conference in Chicago
|
Speaking at the start of the National Alliance on Mental Health Walk in Chicago.
|
Featured on the "I Watch" Radio program that is simulcast on the Internet. Spoke on the symptoms and treatment for depression.
|
Speaking on the 90.9 The VINE Christian radio station
|
With Elizabeth Smart after she spoke at the Prayer Breakfast. Such a powerful testimony!
|
With "Fredbird" at the St. Louis Walk for National Alliance on Mental Illness where I was a featured speaker
|
