Miss All Natural Pageant

Video 1 of 3. Hi Everyone! There are so many thanks you and words to say for everyone who made our program and pageant a success this year!

This project takes so much out of me that I have to go into hibernation for a week or two immediately after to re-energize myself.

To give context to the videos you are about to see. Here’s what my program is about:

I worked with 3high schools here in Charlotte, NC : Phillip O’Berry, Harding University High School and West Meck High School all of which are located on the west side of the city. My purpose was to expose young women to more than what they see and to highlight the importance of experiencing new things. We focused on 3 principles: Self-Love, Collaboration, & Support and we partnered with 3 industries, STEM, Mental Health & Criminal Justice to increase career opportunities.

For 12 weeks these young women built their self-confidence, skills, knowledge, and support systems while NEVER mentioning or considering how they looked doing it.

This program shifts the focuses from external pressures to inner personal development and if you were there that night you saw the twinkle in these young women’s eyes! We gave away $3000 in scholarships, provided access to internships, and increased their social capital as they spoke to funders, editors of magazines, court judges, police officers, community leaders, STEM professionals, and representatives from and more. All of this with not an ounce or smudge of makeup, artificial nails, body shapers, or hair extensions!

This work is important, it’s impactful, it’s meaningful and it’s only the beginning.

I fund 100% of this project (with the exception of a $500 scholarship sponsored by ). I gain nothing financially from it but it’s where my heart has led me. And if you met my girls and saw how amazing they are ... you would see why it’s so worth it to me!

Part 1 of 3