Template

One of the first questions people ask me when they find out that I won the title of Mrs. New York America 2006 is WHY? Why did you enter the Mrs. New York America Pageant to begin with?

In order to best answer that question I typically go into a short background of where I was in my life when I first decided to enter. Well, here I was a 40 year old wife and mother of 3 young children, a practicing attorney, a black belt and a mean dirt bike rider. But I was also an aspiring author. After many hours of soul searching and numerous trips to the local bookstore I decided to write a self help book that would inspire women to always feel fulfilled and fabulous at any age. I wanted to write a book about the well rounded universal woman or what I coined as the “Nouveau Renaissance Female.” Although I believed my credentials were formidable, I still felt that my “life experience” resume could use a little something. I needed to add something unique to it; something that was out of the ordinary, at least for me.

So I decided to enter a beauty pageant for married women. I did a lot of internet research to learn about the different pageants that were out there and I soon realized there were quite a few to choose from. How was I going to decide? What criteria was I supposed to look at to determine which I should compete in? Should I simply choose the one that “cost” the least? Or perhaps the one that was closest to my home? After looking at the various “Mrs.” pageant websites, there was definitely one that stood out. I was most impressed with the Mrs. New York America Pageant site. It was so beautifully put together and informative and as I downloaded the pages and started to look at all the exciting images of the contestants, the stage, and of course the pageant itself, I immediately felt that often suppressed “glamour girl” come out in me. How much fun would it be to be a part of this wonderful production! Well, needless to say, I decided that the Mrs. New York America Pageant was the one for me. In comparison to the other “Mrs.” pageants, it appeared to be the most professional, respected, and glamorous. And that’s what I wanted, a fabulous experience. Hoping I made the correct choice, I zipped off an email to the pageant’s headquarters, requested an application and before I knew it, there I was, embarking upon a journey that would literally change my life.

Not having ever participated in a beauty pageant, I had no idea what to expect nor what to do in preparation for the pageant. I learned very quickly, however, that the individuals who “ran the show” namely, Joanne Cercone and her staff, would be there to assist me every step of the way. Any time I had any question about anything; I would contact the pageant staff and receive a prompt, informative and gracious response. There was never any guess work involved. Between the newsletters, e-mails and telephone calls, communication from pageant headquarters was second to none.

As the pageant date approached, I had so much fun looking for and ultimately purchasing a gown, an interview suit and swimsuit. Every so often I would parade around in my home in one of these ensembles, high heels and all. Even though this was out of character for me, I cannot deny how glamorous I felt! I could not wait for the pageant itself.

Prior to the pageant, the executive producer and director, Joanne Cercone, offered and presented a training seminar to all the contestants. Since I had absolutely no background or prior training in beauty pageants, the information I received and learned was invaluable to me. I believe that I would not have won the crown had I not attended this seminar. We learned everything we needed to know for the pageant including advice on wardrobe, makeup, walking, interviews, etc. We were educated while we were wined and dined, being offered delicious hot meals, snacks, and a multitude of other goodies. Another wonderful thing about my participation in the seminar is that I had the opportunity to meet the other contestants and the pageant staff. Many new friendships were formed that weekend.

Finally, it was show time. The anticipation, the planning, and the unknown were coming to be. I arrived at the airport and was immediately welcomed by familiar, warm and friendly faces. I felt right at home. We were driven to our hotel and immediately thereafter, the fun and excitement was never ending!! From the “Getting Acquainted Dinner,” to the rehearsals, to the pageant finals, never in my life had I been a part of a more professional, exhilarating, and memorable event. And one of the best things that came out of my participation in the Mrs. New York America Pageant was not winning the crown, although I would be lying if I said that my crowning was not an extraordinary moment in my life, but it was having the privilege of meeting some of the most incredible women from throughout the state. I am certain that the friendships and bonds that were formed will endure throughout my lifetime and I am so excited that many of my “sisters” will be competing once again in 2007!

My year so far as Mrs. New York America 2006 has been absolutely phenomenal. From the minute I won the crown, I have been treated like royalty. I received beautiful photographs for autographing, business cards, stationary and all travel details are efficiently arranged and paid for by the pageant. Instantly, I felt like family and have since gained so many more incredible people to love. Appearances were immediately scheduled for me and continue throughout my year. They have included time spent promoting my platform and many wonderful sponsors.
In addition, I am often interviewed on television, radio and in print media, along with meeting extraordinary people from across our great state. There have been many galas and exciting functions which have allowed me the opportunity to lend my support for many worthwhile causes. I truly feel like a celebrity wherever I go.

Participating in the nationally televised Mrs. America Pageant was indescribable. I spent 2 weeks in Tucson, Arizona at a 5 star resort and spa with ALL my expenses paid, including airfare, accommodations, meals, sightseeing, etc. It was incredible that I had the honor of spending this time with women from throughout the entire country! After having the chance to speak to many contestants about their prior pageant experiences including their participation in other pageant systems, it was concluded by all that the Mrs. America system was the “crème de la crème” and it was in a league of its own.

In conclusion, the Mrs. New York America Pageant has had such an incredible impact on my life and has taken me in directions that I never dreamed of. For example, in addition to the crown, title and privilege of representing the amazing married women of New York, I have been given the opportunity to promote my pageant platform; “Women’s Safety Awareness.” In March of 2007, I will be launching a national Women’s Safety Awareness Campaign entitled “Listen for the Whistle.” I will be traveling throughout the country presenting women’s safety awareness seminars to corporate employees and others while promoting the sale of the “Crystal Whistle,” a rhinestone embellished metal whistle that is both functional and fashionable. A portion of the proceeds from this campaign will go directly to a national not for profit organization that supports victims of crime. www.stylishsafetyinc.com

Thank you to everyone at the Mrs. New York America Pageant, especially Joanne Cercone, for making my life fuller and more fabulous than I ever dreamed!