Young Womens National Conference, Queens Reunion Lunch

October 24th was a busy day for me. That morning at 11:00 am I attended the Young Womens National Conference. This conference is designed to help young women gain brighter futures by teaching them how to improve on everything from grooming and hygiene to life after high school. I was honored to be asked by Mrs. Erica Parkhurst, the founder of The Young Womens National Conference to be a penelist at this years event. I along with two other amazing women was asked to speak to a group of young women about goal setting and planning for the future. Events like this are always a challenge because you want to offer sound advice and you need to be careful to offer a delicate balance of encouraging and candid examples and advice. My message to the young women was that life won't always turn like you though/planned, but continue to push yourself to improve in all areas of your life, follow your heart and your faith and the future will always be bright. To support this amazing organization you can visit the website of join the group on facebook.

Later that day I joined Rita Sinha (Miss DC International 2007), Titi Williams-Davies (Miss DC International 2008), and Mrs. DC International Diane Lebson who was our gracious host for a queens lunch at her house. We had a delicious pasta salad, cupcakes from Red Velvet Cupcakery provided by the Diane's husband, and were given a tour of the house, which is beautiful. We had such a great time talking about everything from relationships, pageantry, and our goals for the year and future. It was such a nice reminder of how important it is for us to come together and share ideas and experiences as queens and women. Diane ended the afternoon with books for each of us. I received "Manners" by Kate Spade. Diane made sure to tell me she didn't necessarily think I needed the book, but she though I would enjoy it, and I have very much. It doesn't hurt that Kate Spade is one of my favorite designers, and a lady who's style I admire. Thanks Diane :)

Miss Teen DC cities of America pageant

October 17th I attended the Miss Teen DC Cities of America pageant. It's a pageant that I hadn't heard of before and has four categories. Miss junior pre-teen, Miss Pre-teen, Miss Junior teen and Miss Teen. My official hair stylist and good friend entered her daughter into this pageant and I gladly came to offer my support. It was fun to see so many young girls and teens participating and having fun. Annaya was in the Miss Pre-teen category and did a great job, and it was her first pageant. I was so proud of her. There was also another young lady who entered. Her name is Bethany and she did not place but was so poised and gave a very articulate and intelligent answer onstage. She sent me a picture she took with me. I got to meet a lot of the contestants and it was nice that they were so excited I was there.