One Week Until Jacksonville Bound!

With only one week left until I leave for Jacksonville, I would like to take this time to thank all my sponsors and supporters throughout my journey this year!  I am overwhelmed with love from those who have reached out with kind words, motivation and support.  I am deeply humbled to represent the District of Columbia in the 2015 Miss International Pageant and pray that I make you proud!

Thank YOU to my Sponsors!

COMPANY SPONSORS

Menchie's of Pablo Creek Plaza- Fundraiser Host benefiting Florida nonprofit organization.
Miss Fit Gym - Free year membership and personal training at the best women's gym on the planet!

INDIVIDUAL DONORS
Morgan Aguirre
Christina Anderson
Erin Ard
Joey Bellon
Kevin Brown
Jacquelyn Cornish
Elaine Iseley
Shelley Sharkey (Miss Fit Owner)
Cynthia & Lawrence Tapp
Lakitta Wright

PARTNERSHIPS
American Heart Association of Greater Washington Region
Boys & Girls Clubs of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County
Boys & Girls Clubs of Harford County
Girl Scouts of Central Maryland
Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania
SponsorChange.Org and Co-Founder, Raymar Hampshire


And last but definitely not least, my Mother, Sharon "Momager" Brown!  Thank you for loving and supporting me throughout this journey.  It has been a fabulous 10 months of appearances, charity events, and travel opportunities!  I LOVE YOU.

Paying it forward,

Keia  Brown
Miss District of Columbia International 2015

2015 Lawyers Have Heart 10K & Walk

The 25th Anniversary of the  DC Lawyers Have Heart 10K & Walk to benefit the American Heart Association & American Stroke Association was held on a beautiful morning on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at the Washington Harbour in Georgetown!  Despite the hot and humid 90 degree weather, the turnout numbered in the thousands with over 2600 pre-registered participants by the start of the race.

I was honored to be invited by Meredith May, Marketing Coordinator to present the awards to the participants at the Awards Ceremony.  I also had the opportunity to join in on the fun along the course and the Post-Race Party to capture the events of the day as a Social Media volunteer photographer.  Some of my photos have been featured on the Greater Washington Region's social media account at https://www.facebook.com/lawyershaveheart10k?ref=hl.

Several of those arriving for the event parked their boats near the dock and enjoyed a world-class brunch at Farmers Fishers Bakers located alongside the Washington Harbor.  Complimentary massages were also provided by Edge Salon & Spa.  In addition, participants had an opportunity to win a FREE, all inclusive trip to Las Vegas for every $100 raised or donated.  The event to-date has raised over $741,000.

Founded by two Washington lawyers: Richard Frank, Founder of OFW Law and Alan Raul, Partner at Sidley Austin LLP, the event brings together law firms and their vendors as well as attorneys from both the government and private sectors.  In addition to residents, parents, children and athletes of all levels of experience, to raise awareness and public consciousness regarding heart disease and stroke.  Lawyers Have Heart is now one of the largest annual philanthropic endeavors supported by D.C. metropolitan law firms and legal vendors and has grown to become the area's largest 10K race.

Since its founding in 1991, Lawyers Have Heart has raised over $10 million to benefit the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, whose mission is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular disease and stroke.  By participating, you not only strengthen your own heart through exercise, you also help to raise lifesaving funds. 

"Volunteering to make a difference in the lives of others!"

Paying it forward,

Keia Brown
Miss District of Columbia International 2015

For additional information on the Lawyers Have Heart DC Run/Family Walk, please visit: http://www.lawyershaveheartdc.org/

2015 DC Heart Ball

What an amazing turnout this year for the 2015 DC Heart Ball. This premier society gala is an annual event to benefit both the American Heart Association- Greater Washington Region and the American Stroke Association!  

The black-tie event, entitled 'Joie de Vivre' was held Saturday, February 28, 2015 at the exquisite Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington, D.C. Vice-Chair of The Clinton Foundation, Chelsea Clinton was the Honorary Speaker for the evening and special awards were presented to some of the nation's best leaders.

Sponsors included AT&T, The Bender Family and Juniper Networks to name a few.  

Chelsea Clinton, Vice Chair of The Clinton Foundation.

I was thrilled with this year's French Parisian theme, which included romantic music, an Effle Tower and a mock up of the famous Pont des Arts "love locks bridge."  What better way to spend an evening giving back to a worthy cause than in a gorgeous venue such as this one?

Over $1.1 million was raised from the silent and live auctions along with the overwhelming attendance from DC, Maryland and Virginia's most prominent medical and community leaders. 

If you missed the opportunity to support the American Heart Association at this social, please visit their website for upcoming events.

"Helping those who give back, pay back."

Keia Brown, Miss District of Columbia International 2015

National Wear Red Weekend 2015

February 6, 2015 was this year's National Wear Red Day in observance of the Go Red for Women Campaign.  I was proud to wear my red to work that day and even encouraged my co-workers to embrace the initiative.  I organized an afternoon "RED Party" where red-themed desserts were enjoyed by all.

Later that evening, I was invited by the American Heart Association- Greater Washington Region to attend the Crystal Couture Sale & Fashion Show in Crystal City, Virginia as a special guest.  The local designers and retailers featured their clothing on the runway, which was aired live on a local radio station.

On Monday, February 9th, I volunteered at the American Heart Association Greater Washington Region's Affair of the Heart Luncheon & Fashion Show as a Social Media Correspondent.  The event was a sold out show and was a huge success.  The grand ballroom and VIP Room were overwhelmed with exhilarating energy and passion for the cause to fight heart disease.  I was extremely proud and humbled to be a part of this year's event.

Fashion Show by Bloomingdale's

To become a volunteer with your American Heart Association chapter, please visit www.heart.org

"Life is Why!" - American Heart Association

Keia Brown

Miss District of Columbia International 2014

NBC4 Health & Fitness Expo 2015

The NBC Health & Fitness Expo was held January 10 & 11, 2015 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.  I was delighted to be invited by the American Heart Association Team to volunteer at their booth and serve as their Social Media Guru over the weekend!

As a volunteer, one of our missions was to encourage attendees to take the Sodium Pledge by agreeing to reduce the amount of daily salt intake.  We also informed people about the Go Red for Women Campaign and distributed healthy recipes and helpful tips to reduce the risk of heart disease.

#SneakySalt

During the expo, I met with fellow fitness and health exhibitors and speakers.  I also had the opportunity to meet NBC Special Corespondent, Meredith Vieira to talk about the partnership of the International Pageant system with the Go Red for Women Campaign, and my personal platform, SponsorChange.

Keia with NBC Special Corespondent, Meredith Vieira

"Love yourself enough to live a healthy lifestyle" - Jules Robson

Keia Brown

Miss District of Columbia International 2014

Greater Washington Region Heart Walk 2014

With "Sneaky Salt"

This past Saturday, I had the pleasure to volunteer at this year’s Heart Walk at the National Mall in Washington D.C.  We could not have asked for a better day for the event and the turnout was impressive.

During my volunteer assignment, I encouraged participants to Take the Pledge to reduce their daily amount of sodium intake, which may reduce the chances of heart disease and stroke.

I had the opportunity to nice people and hear heartwarming stories from survivors and those remembering loved ones lost to this deadly killer.  I volunteered alongside a vibrant woman who has suffered two strokes and has since then been a volunteer with the AHA association.  She has a great spirit and was amazing to work with.

One of my memorable moments at this year's event was not only learning how to give CPR, but also to do so for a dog.  I was given lessons at the CPR Program Booth provided by the District of Columbia Fire and EMS.  

Giving instructions to participants.

Learning how to help a dog when it is choking.

Throughout my reign I will continue to promote this important cause, along with the Go Red for Women campaign.  Visit the GreaterWashington Region American Heart Association’s website for upcoming events!

 "Research has shown that people who volunteer often live longer."- Allen Klein

   Keia Brown

   Miss District of Columbia International 2015

American Heart Association

Healthy Heart <3 

American Heart Association Go Red for Women Campaign

The American Heart Association is the nation's oldest, larges voluntary organization devoted to fighting cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

Mission: Building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.  Our mission drives everything we do.  

The Mrs, Miss and Teen International Pageants continues to maintain an alliance with the Go Red for Women Campaign, an affiliate of the American Heart Association.

How Does This Effect Me?

In 2001, my beloved grandmother, Shirley Green died from chronic heart failure at the early age of 65.  In addition, 75% of my family members are currently at high risk for the disease.  It is my mission to participate and embrace opportunities within the American Heart Association to build a greater awareness of the disease and implement healthy strategies to reduce risks.  Knowing is key to a long-lasting life!

My Grandparents pictured with their grandchildren.

Reason to Volunteer...

Heart disease and stroke are the #1 cause of death in the Greater Washington region.  Join the American Heart Association's mission and become a volunteer, just as I did to build healthier lives in your community today!

Register here to volunteer! 

Every journey begins with a single step, but you'll never finish if you don't start.- Anonymous

Keia Brown
Miss District of Columbia International 2015