Nation's Capital Troop #6395

On Sunday, September 13, 2015, I had the pleasure of traveling to Northern Virginia to speak to an Ambassador Girl Scout troop of the Nation's Capital Council.  These high school aged girls participated in one of the first Financial Smarts for Students Workshops for the 2015-16 academic year.

Financial Aid Resources

The workshop session provided both the girls and their parents with information on the college admissions process, financial aid resources and funding their education for a debt-free future!  The girls were a delight to interact with throughout the afternoon and I was blessed to hear awesome questions from them regarding their interest in earning college scholarships and expectations during their first year as a student.  I was in great company and enjoyed meeting the families one-on-one and hearing their stories.

Ambassadors of Girl Scout Troop 6395

Dear Keia, 

Thank you again for coming to talk to our Ambassador troop and Grace (from a sister Senior troop).

Your presentation was superb, and really helped a lot not only the parents but especially the girls.  My daughter (Kendra) talked about it for several hours afterwards to include strategizing  this morning about how to approach which teachers for recommendations and setting up college visits.

I will talk to our TOGA teen scout coordinator and definitely pass along your info and highly recommend your presentation.

And...we look forward to proudly adding your patch to the girls' uniform!

Sincerely, 

 Joanna Esty

Thank you to Girl Scout Troop 6395 for the invitation!

Paying it forward,

Keia Brown
Miss District of Columbia International 2015

Financial Smarts Workshops Exclusively for Girl Scouts

Exciting News!  I am thrilled to host Financial Smarts Literacy Workshops exclusively for the girls of several Girl Scout Councils along the east coast for the 2015-16 year.  Some of the councils already aboard include, Central Maryland, Heart of Pennsylvania and Jersey Shore.  Within the next few weeks, additional dates will be posted for these sessions, including more councils I have partnered with to offer my free workshops in collaboration with the Girl Scouts of America's financial literacy program.

In addition to a heightened schedule this year, the Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania have been instrumental in my efforts throughout the organization, that a Financial Smarts for Students patch has been designed exclusively for my special workshops.

Councils interested in offering one of my workshops, may contact me directly for additional information and availability.

Upcoming Workshops

Girl Scouts of Nation's Capital: September 13, 2015

Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania: November 16, 2015

Girl Scouts of Central Maryland: Fall 2015

Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania: Winter 2016

Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore: April 16, 2016

Girl Scouts of Greater New York: Spring 2016

Paying It Forward,

Keia Brown
Miss District of Columbia International 2015

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

#FinancialSmarts Presentation - High School Events

#FinancialSmarts Presentation for Mischa Toland Entrepreneurship 

Academy for Girls

Through my partnership with Girl Scouts of Central Maryland, we have joined efforts to educate young ladies on Financial Smarts in preparation for college.  I had the pleasure on May 9th to share my story and educate rising high school juniors and seniors from Mischa Toland Entrepreneurship Academy for Girls.  We discussed financial literacy to help eliminate or reduce the amount of student loan debt borrowed while promoting free money opportunities.  

Mischa Toland (Founder) and the young ladies of the Academy

                             


           #FinancialSmarts Presentation for Western High School

On May 12th, I also had the opportunity to speak at Western High School in Baltimore, Maryland on my platform.  I spoke to three separate groups during their lunch breaks about preparing for college, financial aid and locating free money options to help finance their higher education.  The students were extremely receptive and asked pertinent questions about the FAFSA and merit scholarships.

Western High School's Principal, Ms. Michelle White

Another huge thank you to Ms. Marianna Campagna and Ms. Candace Baker from Girl Scouts of Central Maryland for facilitating my sessions and providing endless support.

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

Girl Scout of Central Maryland Sleepover - Skin Deep Beauty

I was delighted when Girl Scout Troop Leader, Ms. JoAnn invited me to Troop #139 and #1459’s sleepover at St. Matthew’s Church in Middle River, Maryland.  The girls would have an opportunity to learn about skin deep beauty, watch Disney's Princess Mulan movie, and were excited to have what they call "a real live princess" come and speak to them.   ​Snow had fallen earlier that day on what was the first day of Spring, so everyone was nervous that the event might be cancelled.  But the snow eventually turned to rain and the sleepover was on.

Upon arrival at the venue, I was greeted by the troop leaders and 24 of the cutest little Daisy and Brownie Girl Scouts.  I presented them with pictures of "Disney's" Princess Mulan to color.  Each of the girls had an opportunity to try on my crown and have pictures taken of them.  ​As the evening went on, I spoke to the girls about skin deep beauty and the following:

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Embraced being different: 

None of my friends participated in pageantry, but I found it was something that I enjoyed.  It allowed me to meet new ​friends, gain confidence and public speaking​ skills which has helped me to obtain every job I have ever applied​ to.  I dared to be different than my friends in a positive light and earned their respect and moderation.​  I learned more about myself by thinking outside of the box.  Being different is a GIFT!​

Be Courageous:
Be bold to face your fears and refuse to let them stop you from achieving your dreams.

Be open-minded: 

Just as Disney's ​Princess Mulan; each and every person is unique and beautiful in his or her own way.  Allow yourselves to be open minded about people, music, culture and ways of living.  If you judge someone or something before being thoughtful and opening your heart, you may completely misjudge the true self of someone.

Don’t be afraid to DREAM:

You live in a world where you can make your dreams a reality.

​With focus, passion, dedication and heart.  No matter what you want to do or who you want to become, make sure it is for yourself.
Work hard at your dreams, because nothing worth having comes easy!​

​Each time I am in the presence of Girl Scouts I remember my own scouting experience; first, as a Daisy then bridging over to Brownie.  And having my mother as the troop leader made it extra special.  My experience is one of the most memorable times of my life.  Our trip to Walt Disney World after selling mountains of Girl Scout cookies, the numerous badges we earned (we went everywhere and did everything.)  So being among Girl Scouts takes me back to a time of fun-filled days and dreams of one day being a princess.

"Helping those who give back, pay back!"

Keia Brown, Miss District of Columbia International 2015

Daisy Badge Camp - Respect Authority Petal

This past Saturday, Nation's Capital Girl Scout Troop #5466 held a Daisy Badge Camp to earn badges for Considerate & Caring, Respecting Authority and Making the World A Better Place.  An invitation was extended to me to be Guest Speaker to discuss "Respecting Authority."

    

                  

I especially enjoyed being with these little Daisy Girl Scouts and was overwhelmed with hugs from all.  I made sure to tell them that although I have a crown on, every girl has an invisible crown on their head and that ALL girls are princesses!  Thank you to Troop Leaders, Mrs. Germell Brown and Mrs. Faith Stewart for inviting me to such a wonderful program.  Being a former Girl Scout myself, I know firsthand how valuable the importance of sisterhood and

"girl power" means to every woman.

   

"Thank you, Miss Keia for gracing us and our Daisy Girl Scouts with your presence this past Saturday!  They had a ball and enjoyed meeting a Real Princess... their words. :) You are such an inspiration; May God continue to bless you richly!" - Germell Brown, Troop Leader 5466

“Helping those who give back, pay back!”

Keia Brown, Miss District of Columbia International 2015