A Bigger Picture's Unleashed Conference 2015

The 2nd Annual "Unleashed" Conference, hosted by A Bigger Picture, Inc. was held on Saturday, April 25, 2015 at the E. L. Haynes Public Charter School.  The event welcomed girls in grades 6 - 12th to encourage self-confidence, developing your personal brand, setting goals, and making healthy decisions.  There was an impressive turnout with over 100 participants for the day's event.  The event was FREE to attend with a donation of canned goods.  Over 155 canned goods were donated.  Ms. Chanel Evans, founder of A Bigger Picture, Inc. organized an empowering program for the day and I enjoyed interacting with the young ladies and other featured speakers.

Keia with Founder, Chanel Evans

As one of the guest speakers I was asked to talk to the young ladies about fashion, pageantry and my platform, Financial Smarts for Students. The audience were especially engaged with the impromptu runway modeling competition in which several of the audience participated.  Following the event several young ladies approached me for assistance in helping them to apply for college.  

 

"Reducing student loan debt through financial literacy."

Keia Brown

Miss District of Columbia International 2015

Miss International Trunk Show 2015

I attended the 2015 International Pageants Trunk Show & Photo shoot on Thursday, April 23rd in Dothan, Alabama.  The morning began with the royal treatment with hair and make-up application by the amazing Clay Spann.  I experienced a glamourous photo shoot session to complete my ad page and pageant magazine photos.  Ms. Terri Rubin accessorized my wardrobe and was so much fun to work with, as well as Clay Spann.  They make an extraordinary team!

My next appointment of the day was to work with Joey Rutherford of The Competitive Image, International Pageants Official Clothier.  Joey was instrumental in assisting me in finding my beautiful wardrobe, designed by the world renowned designer, Sherri Hill; with whom I also met at the event.  Needless to say, I am looking forward to revealing my new International wardrobe in July!

In the afternoon, I met with Suzy Bootz, Mrs. International 2012 and Pageant Coach to prepare for the personal interview.  After reading her book, "Creating Queens", I was inspired to meet her in person and found her to be a beautiful person, inside and out.  Suzy's words of wisdom and expertise has given me the tools and inspiration to enhance my pageant preparations.

Lastly, I had the extreme pleasure to work with Susan Bowtech of Bowtech Productions in the evening.  Susan is very engaging and has such a kind heart.  I had the opportunity to share my platform with her and design my magazine advertisement and platform page.

Being crowned by "Mr. Alabama," Clay Spann during my photo shoot :)

Thank you to Mary Richardson, the International Pageants System and all the wonderful sponsors for an unforgettable trunk show.  I had an amazing and inspirational week in Dothan, Alabama!

Keia Brown

Miss District of Columbia International 2015

Girls Inc. Dothan Visit

GIRLS INC. extended an invitation for me to visit their Dothan, Alabama location on Thursday, April 23, 2015.  Upon arrival I was greeted by the executive director of the Dothan Chapter, Jaime Lewis and over 40 girls who attend the after-school programs.  I was excited to speak about my platform “Financial Smarts for Students”, the importance of staying in school, getting a good education to qualify for scholarships and grants.   The girls were very attentive and almost all were interested in furthering their education by attending college.  When asked what their future ambition is, some responses were: physician, teacher, WMBA player and model.

Girls Inc. of Dothan is dedicated to educating and empowering girls.  They are focused on instilling each girl with confidence and strength to believe in herself and to achieve a lifetime of great success.  Their program offer girls 5-18 years of age a space that honors girls, inspires girls and supports girls.  Community focused all of our programs are built around the need of girls living primarily in Dothan and Houston County.  As girls’ interests, needs and abilities change with age, the programs change with them. Programs are created with a continuum of services in mind. Girls can enter at the age of 5 and grow into programs that help them develop into young adults.

Girls Inc. teachers accepting my donated items from their Summer Wish List

Girls Inc Dothan

Paying it forward,

Keia Brown

Miss District of Columbia International 2015

Girl Con 2015

On this beautiful sunny Saturday morning, I spent the day volunteering for the first annual Girl Con 2015 hosted by the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland.  The "mini" one-day convention attracted local girls and troops who are fans of comic books, animation, card and video games, fantasy, movies and other elements of pop culture.

Events Program Specialist, Kelly "Mustang" Rhodes extended an invitation to me after recently joining the Community Programs team as a Keynote speaker for their Financial Literacy Program. The girls began lining up early outside the door to check-in to what was a sold-out event.  Girl Scouts and their troop leaders were welcomed during the Opening Ceremony and then dispersed to attend various sessions throughout the day.

Homemade Ice Cream Station

Homemade Ice Cream in the Making

It was a wonderful turn out and the girls had a lot of fun!  #GirlScoutsRock

Paying it forward,

Keia Brown

Miss District of Columbia International 2015  

New Partnership With the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland

The Girl Scouts of Central Maryland have invited me to join in their mission to promote financial smarts through their financial literacy program, "Get Financially Fit". I had the pleasure to meet with the chapter's Director of Community Programs, Ms. Candace Baker at the Girl Scout Council to discuss my contributions.  I will serve as the keynote speaker for their 6-week program to be held in over 60 public high schools throughout Maryland.  I will be traveling to several of Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City and Baltimore County high schools over the next several months throughout the Fall to speak at the events.

The "Get Financially Fit!" program is one of eight programs managed by the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland for grades K-12 and are grant funded by Toyota Financial Services.  This program helps girls to gain career, finance and entrepreneur skills, while learning money saving skills. This is a great program to teach professionalism and help prepare girls for their future careers.  Additional company program sponsors are:  T. Rowe Price, The Crane Foundation and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield

Paying it forward,

Keia Brown

Miss District of Columbia International 2015