Miss Brooklyn's Outstanding Teen 2011

Women in the Making Career and Leadership Summit

New York City's Miss, Shekinah Monee invited me to this wonderful event on October, 1st. Women in the Making (WIM) is hosted by Desi K. Robinson. WIM is a radio show that shows the goals and accomplishments of today's girls. At the summit I was able to mingle and network with a lot of people, listen to successful accomplishments of an outstanding panel, join in on a Q&A portion as well as a mock interview session.

New York City's Miss (Shekinah Monee), Desi Robinson and Myself : )

WIM airs every 2nd Wednesday at 2pm

on WBAI Radio 99.5 FM

and live at www.wbai.org

During the summer..

A week after Miss NY I was able to get a little taste of the Miss Earth system. I had the opportunity to watch the teens along with the misses compete in a Projection, Evening wear and Swim-suit competition. I was also able to crown Alexandria Robinson, the new Miss Teen Earth Northern United States.

What really seemed to shock me was running in to Faren Collins that day. She is a wonderful title-holder, model, dancer and singer! From the day I met her I have always looked up to her as a big sister. Recently she has moved to Boston, she has been truly blessed to become apart of this years Boston Celtics dance team!! I wish her all the best with everything :-) To keep up with Faren check out her website! www.FarenCollins.com.

I also attended an Ice-cream Social hosted by Nekia Edwards, were there was a mini-fashion show and performances by talented young ladies! Nekia helps several young ladies in dance, singing, modeling and pageantry. The young lady in the picture above, Devyn, is truly blessed! She is a young soca artist! I always enjoy watching her perform!

                                                 "Like" her page on Facebook!

           http://www.facebook.com/pages/Devyn/162965650401876.

                                               And visit her website,

                                       http://www.devynmusic.com.

Nekia, Natalie and I :).

Keyana and I. (A former Miss Brooklyn's teen). I absolutely love this girl!!

Miss New York's Outstanding Teen 2011 Pageant!

My official headshot for MNYOT!

After months of preparation, running around for my wardrobe needs, working, and feeling extremely anxious, JUNE 19TH finally came. I was extremely proud representing Brooklyn at New York's Outstanding Teen 2011 pageant. The areas of competition are Active Wear, Evening Gown, Talent, Interview and on-stage question.

A question that I am always asked: "How do you pay for all of your pageant expenses?" For me personally, I got a job! :-) After school I had a part time job working at an elementary school teaching first graders how to read as well as helping them with their homework. Therefore, I was able to pay for my choreography classes, my Active Wear and Interview attire along with Appearance dresses (for the Miss NY weekend). I was also fortunate to have a few close family and friends to help me out along the way. Miss Cheryl Williams (Director of the Darling Diva's Pageant) actually made a stunning Talent Outfit for me. It went well with my African dance piece! Miss Black USA 2010- Osas Ighodaro allowed me to borrow her fabulous yellow Sherri Hill gown. My uncle Jason did a great job doing my hair! My choreographer Vanessa Aird coached me through out the past couple of months, I couldn't have gotten this far with out you!!! As for my parents I can not thank you enough, driving me back and forth for my interview,rehearsals and showtime, and my sister for being there for me through EVERYTHING. There are not enough words in the world to explain how thankful I am that you guys helped me out.

After 4 hours of rehearsals! We had a WHOLE lot of pizza !!

Miss NYC's Teen-Shelley Jain, she did a great job placing 2nd Runner-Up. This is one amazing girl and a friend to keep forever! xoxo

With the Staten Island Girls and Kim Thomas, at the Miss NY Finals. Congratulations to Miss New York 2011- Kaitlin Montey.

Brooklyn sister queens at the Miss NY Gala. I ABSOLUTELY love her!!!! And she did an amazing job at Miss NY!

Top 5 !

This was one of the MOST nerve recking yet happiest moment I ever had !!!

Lauren and I with our director, Amaris Acosta. We know that she was proud of us both! :-) My fellow sister queen, Lauren Molella- Miss Dutchess County Teen won Miss New York's Outstanding Teen 2011 that day. I am extremely proud of you. Lauren is one of the most nicest, talented people I've ever met! I know that you will do an amazing job representing NY at Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant in August!

* From Left to Right *

3rd RU Ashley McDuffee, Mohawk Valley

2nd RU Shelley Jain, New York City
Lauren Mollela, Miss New York's Outstanding Teen 2011

1st RU Brittney Hollingsworth, Brooklyn

4th RU Shade Douglas, Buffalo

Indeed I placed 1st Runner-up!! I am extremely pleased and still ecstatic! Win or loose I am going to take the wonderful experience I had and cherish it. I met a lot of great people and shall carry on the many friendships I have with fellow titleholders. With this pageant I have improved my Public speaking skills, my stage presence and my modeling skills :-) All though I did not take the title home, I came home with a lot of new opportunities!

Miss New York's Outstanding Teen Class Of 2011 !!!! xoxo.

Whats next... ? I shall continue my journey as Miss Brooklyn's Outstanding Teen 2011! Will I compete next year...? I'm thinking about it! I am not your typical "pageant girl". But I've came to realize that this is something that I really enjoy taking part in. So maybe, just maybe after I hand down my title you'll see me once again!

Miss New York Reception

On June 13th, 2011 it was Day 1 for the Miss NY contestants. The wonderful 22 contestants had a reception to attend at Borough Hall in Staten Island. Us teens were able to attend as well :-) I had the opportunity to mingle with the Miss contestants, the Borough President of Staten Island and Miss NYC's teen- Shelley Jain.

Borough President-James Molinaro, Miss NYC's Teen-Shelley Jain and myself.

Shelley and I snuck on the Miss NY bus to snap a pic with the misses and Faith :-) haha !

I had a lot of fun with Shelley that day along with my sister Christina :-) We were able to catch up and talk about how excited we were for the upcoming week ! xoxo ♥

Flatbush Farmshare Summer Celebration

On a beautiful sunny day, June 8th, I had the opportunity to run a booth with Miss Five Boroughs, Kate Perkins at the annual Flatbush Farmshare. We were able to talk about her platform on the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. We were able to get signatures to get congress to ban products that use toxic ingredients. Make-up that we put on our face should be safe, not toxic!

For more information about Kate's platform you can visit her website:

www.missfiveboroughs2011.com

I was also able to have a mini interview with the cameraman, Dave to talk about my platform, Y.E.S-Youth Engaged in Service. Where through out my year of service I have been encouraging other teens like me to give back to their community. One thing I always keep in mind "Teens who engage in service are less likely to be involved in sexual promiscuity, take part in gang violence, or be abused by drugs. So why not engage in service?"

New York Aids Walk 2011

(L-R) Miss Five Boroughs 2011- Kate Perkins, Miss Kings County 2011- Carmen Mendoza, Miss NY's Teen 2010- Alison Stroming and myself.

On May 15th, 2011 I took part in the Aids walk with fellow Miss New York contestants, my brother and my friends. Each and every year New Yorker's walk to honor those who continue to fight, embrace new allies, remember loved ones lost, and work to realize a future without AIDS. This year alone 45,000 walkers raised $6.2 million for the 26th annual AIDS Walk. Last year was my first time taking part in the Aids walk with my fellow classmates. Ever since then I have made it a priority to try my best and take part in this walk each and every year that I can. Looks like I have been living up to this goal already :)

Alison and I. xoxo

After the walk we forgot about the LONG train ride home back to Brooklyn, lol. Indeed, my friend Michael got us good! The picture says it all, haha.

The Brooklyn Prom + Scholarship Project

Each and every year there is a senior whether in elementary, middle, or high school that thrives to go to their prom. Unfortunately, some are not able to attend due to high expenses that come along with this special occasion. To allow some to be able to still attend their proms, several people donate their gently used gowns, shoes and accessories to help these people out. Everyone was able to choose from over 400 dresses to find the right one for them, tons of cosmetics, accessories, hair/makeup lessons and enjoy tasty teats. Thanks to Bernice Malone for putting together this organization which changes hundreds of youth's lives each year!