MN INTERNATIONAL PRE-PAGEANT PARTY - BLOOMINGTON, MN

Each year, State Director Allison Stavrakis (one of my dearest friends) throws a party for the 2008 contestants competing in the Mrs/Miss/Teen Minnesota International pageant. It is always fun to meet the new contestants as well as catch up with former queens and pageant staff. Allison and her 2007 queens did a terrific job with everything and Sammi Ugarte (mom of Giselle Ugarte, Miss Teen MN Int’l 2007) set up a FABULOUS silent auction with all the monies raised going to the Queen’s Fund (this helps pay for their ad pages at nationals). I bought a bunch of stuff for a steal (gift cards, a portable DVD player, etc) and all the money went to a great cause.





Catching up with Danni Epps (Miss MN Int’l 2007) and Angela Haseman (Mrs. MN Int’l 2006)







Celebrating our hard work with my 2008 Minnesota International clients. CLOCKWISE L to R: Tamara Jett, Molly Nicholson, Starla Reisner, me, Denise Wellik-Peterson, Leisha Gust, Natalie Hagemo, and Delanie Neal







With one of my favorite people Donnell Rank, Mrs. MN Int’l 2007. GO NELLY!









With my terrific teen client Delanie Neal, Miss Fairfax International 2008. Love her!

“GO RED FOR WOMEN” LUNCHEON - MINNEAPOLIS, MN

Today I attended the “Go Red for Women” luncheon in downtown Minneapolis as a former Mrs. Minnesota International and to also show my support for this cause. The Minnesota International pageants (headed by my dear friend and state director Allison Stavrakis) have “adopted” the Go Red for Women campaign as their official charity. I was surprised to learn that heart disease and stroke is the #1 killer of women in this country---it turns out that this is not just a “man’s disease” after all. Miss Minnesota International 2007 Danielle Epps gave an inspiring speech about her experience with this issue and it was great to see Mary & Mel Richardson (Mrs. International Executive Directors) in attendance all the way from Virginia.



Supporting the "Go Red for Women" campaign with some of my clients (L to R): Natalie Hagemo (Mrs. Excelsior Int'l 2008), Leisha Gust (Mrs. Burnsville Int'l 2008), me, and Tamara Jett (Mrs. Ham Lake Int'l 2008)






Past Mrs, Miss, and Teen MN Int'l queens and current pageant contestants in attendance at the "Go Red for Women" luncheon at The Depot in downtown Minneapolis.








Catching up with Mrs. International Executive Directors Mel & Mary Richardson.





L to R: Sarah Wall (Miss International 2005), Nancy Paradeise (Mrs. MN Int'l 2004), Donnell Rank (Mrs. MN Int'l 2007), Danni Epps (Miss MN Int'l 2007), Kelly Jahner-Byrne (Mrs. MN Int'l 2001), me (Mrs. MN Int'l 2003), and Megan Ehlert (Miss MN Teen Int'l 2006)






One of my dearest friends in the world, Donnell Rank (Mrs. MN Int'l 2007).




Hanging out at the MN Int'l booth with State Director Allison Stavrakis, Sarah Wall (Miss International 2005), me, and Donnell Rank (Mrs. MN Int'l 2007)

MIDWEST PAGEANT EXPO - BLOOMINGTON, MN

The very first Midwest Pageant Expo was held at the Thunderbird Hotel in Bloomington, MN and was organized by one of my dear friends Sue Jackson. Sue is not only a former Mrs. Wisconsin America and Mrs. Wisconsin United States, she is also a full-time teacher and State Director of the Mrs. WI United States pageant. I don't know how she fits it all in, but she is one of THE most organized people I know! I was honored to be asked to be a guest speaker--I spoke on the importance of a stellar resume on Friday evening, and on Saturday I gave a presentation on general pageant preparation. It was a great opportunity to meet with out-of-town clients and also have some free time to catch up with pageant friends.




L to R: Sarah Moses (owner of The Pageant Shop), Brie Anderson, Marcia Anderson, me, and Expo organizer Sue Jackson setting up our booths.





Catching up with Megan Ehlert in our nearly matching tunic tops.







With good friend and fellow member of the Mrs. America "Class of 2006" Julie Rinehart (Mrs. IL America 2006) and my client Anji Meidel, who went on to place as 2nd RU in the 2008 Mrs. IL America pageant.



With fellow presenter & good friend Tami Krause (head coach of the MVC)












With clients Jessi Mishler (far L) and Debra Jakowicz during some free time at the Expo.










Giving a presentation on "The 100 Little Things That Make a Big Difference" during the Expo.









L to R: My mom (pageant judge & former director/competitor), me, Sarah Moses, and Sue Jackson during the Expo.





Enjoying the evening's festivities are (L to R): Sarah Moses of The Pageant Shop, my client Wendi Russo (Mrs. Eden Prairie America 2008), me, and Nancy Kroese (Beauties of America 50's)





Susan Jackson and I snap a quick photo during the cocktail party.

JACOB WETTERLING RESOURCE CENTER SPEAKING EVENT - WOODBURY, MN

One of the things I am most proud of in my life is that I am the most senior-ranking member of the Jacob Wetterling Resource Center Speaker's Bureau and also serving on the Board of Directors. I've been promoting my platform "Keeping Our Children Safe" which promotes child safety education and abduction prevention. Today I gave three presentations at Valley Crossing Community schools for grades K-6. Speaking at schools is my favorite thing to do because I really get to interact with the kids and dispel many of the myths that are out there. I encourage you to visit the Jacob Wetterling Resource Center website for more information.






Speaking at Valley Crossing Community School in Woodbury, MN





With Jamie, who coordinated the event! Thanks for a great turnout!