Loyola Magazine article

It's here! Loyola Magazine's winter issue. Many thanks to Rita Buettner who has been supporting me since I won the title in May. Our conversation was the first of many I would have with the media throughout my reign about winning and more importantly, what I wanted to accomplish. Beyond the crown, I wanted to stay the course of graduating in December with my MBA, balance my work schedule with pageant appearances and share my story. Outside of my immediate family and close friends, my battle with eating disorders had remained a secret for years. We chatted about deciding on my platform-- and there has been no turning back.

Fast forward six months later-- I had a once in a life time experience competing at Nationals in Las Vegas, December is a month away and I cannot believe how much time has passed since I left my full time job last fall, I am still balancing my committments at the World Trade Center Institute with class and appearances and have spoken to hundreds of young women and children about health and wellness. "No Body's Perfect," was intended to change their lives, but it has provided me with a new perspective about what challenges these teens face today.

Check out the online version of the magazine: http://magazine.loyola.edu/issue/december09/886/there-she-is%e2%80%a6

Let me know what you think!

MD USA 2008/2009 Reunion

I have the best girlfriends in town! Niambi, Brittany, Courtney, Anita, Prita and Anna--post pageant/ pre Bertucci's photo in Bethesda.

Xoxo,

Oktoberfest for the Troops!

Now that the dust from a whirlwind week of midterms and Loyola MBA events has settled I can blog about the Oktoberfest for the Troops!

By my count I think there were about 500+ attendees packed into the main ballroom at Michaels in Glen Burnie! Vets, troops, families and supporters alike gathered to feast, raise money and dance the evening away. Dan and I helped ourselves to the oyster buffet, carving stations, warm favorites like fried chicken and mashed potatoes and a giant cake to top off the night... after raising some $1,200 from the 50/50 raffle tickets. The top prize at the silent auction table-- two round trip tickets on British Airways and hotel accomodations, also raised $1000+.

And no 'fest would be complete without like Polka and party classics by "Memories." If anyone has photos of me joining the line dance, please forward them along! Hello to the staff at Skye Hospitality who attended the event as the presenting sponsor. Thank yous to Shauna and family for adopting Dan and I for the night, Reagan my ticket selling partner and the rest of the USO volunteers for your efforts.

Photos below are of Dan and my new family and Skye.

Miss Teen Baltimore Final Competition

I wish every weekend was pageant weekend-- the lights, dresses, emotion! Congratulations to the the beautiful new titleholders particularly Miss Jr Teen Baltimore Elizabeth Woodson and best of luck to all the contestants in their pageant careers. Elizabeth is a student at the Park School in Baltimore and from the moment I met her in interviews just lit up every room and part of the stage she was on. Included in her amazing prize package is a trip for her and her family to Florda where she will join other to compete for the title of Miss Cities of America! For more information on the Nationals Incorporated system, please visit their website: http://nationalsincorporated.com/

Thank you to my VIP's, my mom, ninang Flor, Ms Maryland United States 2009 Radiah Hyatte and Emily Pettine Miss Teen Maryland United States 2009 for coming to the show!

Photos below are some of the judges, getting mobbed in the hallway by tiny tots and Elizabeth and I.