Why I Chose the Miss International Pageant?  When asked during appearances what pageant system I represent, I am proud to state The International Pageant System.  For the general (non-pageant) public, Miss America and Miss USA are the only two they are familiar with.  So once I explain the differences in these systems and the Miss International Pageant, they are inspired to ask more questions.

My answer is simple.  The International Pageant system is a sisterhood for young ladies and married women which embraces community, diversity and purpose.  When I competed in the system as a teen in 2004, I was overwhelmed with such dedication the International staff extends to all the contestants and the lasting friendships you develop.  So, returning to the system this year gives me a feeling like I’m “returning home!”

With my title as Miss District of Columbia International 2015, I not only have the privilege of wearing a beautiful crown and rhinestone sash for a year’s reign; but I have the amazing opportunity to make a difference by promoting my platform to “Reduce Student Loan Debt” in the District of Columbia and surrounding eastern states.   Throughout the years, local, state and international queens have become successful business owners, motivational speakers, senate representatives, community leaders and news anchors, to name a few, following their reign.

So when asked why I chose to be a part of the “pageant family” called International Pageants?   My response is WHO WOULDN’T? 

If you are in search for a pageant with a:  platform, purpose and sisterhood, International Pageants is the one to call “home”!

“Helping those who Give back, Pay back!”
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

#GiveMeABreak: Reduce Student Loan Debt Campaign

As the International Spokesperson for SponsorChange, I am proud to launch my personal campaign, #GiveMeABreak:Reduce Student Loan Debt!  This campaign is intended to bring awareness to the organization’s mission to support college students and graduates to pay down their student loan debt. 

The #GiveMeABreak Campaign will also promote awareness among college students on ways to manage their money while in college, through lectures and helpful tips. This is another initiative to help reduce the amount college students borrow while in college and promotes a way to pay back loans through skill-based service.

From now until September 1^st, monies raised will help reward student volunteers who have completed a service project with a SponsorChange non-profit organization.  Volunteers are awarded up to $1,000 for each service project.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Make a donation today at www.fundly.com/givemeabreak.  

Receive a #GMAB T-Shirt or hoodie with a donation of $40 or more.

Help me reach my goal of $10,000 to award

10 student volunteers this summer!

www.fundly.com/givemeabreak

Keia Brown, Miss District of Columbia International 2015

“Helping those who give back, pay back!”

New Social Media Director of SponsorChange

Previewing the new SponsorChange website before its launch date.

Over the past several months I have worked with SponsorChange CEO and co-founder, Raymar Hampshire, to provide my professional higher education expertise towards helping with this organization's mission.  

Earlier this month, Raymar asked me to join the team and serve as the organization's honorary Social Media Director.  SponsorChange is an innovative organization connecting skill-based college graduate volunteers ("Change Agents") to non-profits, and rewarding their service with student loan pay provided by sponsor donations. I am extremely humbled and honored to begin my duties on what is a personal mission to promote this amazing organization through social media.  The goals and values this organization has to offer can help alleviate student loan debt, while providing service to the community.  I look forward to helping SponsorChange grow; we are already planning some exciting events for 2015.  I will be sure to keep you posted as they emerge.

Watch this video to hear from a college graduate volunteer on her experience as a "Change Agent."

With the growth of SponsorChange through volunteer interests and donations, I am excited to announce that a new website is currently in production and will be launched in early 2015 in order to accommodate the rising demand.

Current Students & College Graduates - JOIN NOW to become a volunteer and start paying down your college loan debt.

Businesses and Individuals - Make a donation today to become a Sponsor!

Non-Profits - Contact us to learn how you can get skilled workers to help you with that next service project!

Follow our journey at:

www.facebook.com/sponsorchange

www.twitter.com/sponsorchange

"Today knowledge is power.  It controls access to opportunity and advancement. "- Peter Drucker

Keia Brown

Miss District of Columbia International 2015

Every Vote Counts!

Mid-Term Elections 2014

Today, November 4, 2014  is mid-term elections voting day.  Make your voice heard by participating in this election.  

History of Voting Rights Act

1867- 1866 Civil Rights Act of 1866 grants citizenship, but not the right to vote, to all native-born Americans.

1869- Congress passes the Fifteenth Amendment giving African American men the right to vote.

1940- Only 3% of eligible African Americans in the South are registered to vote.
Jim Crow laws like literacy tests and poll taxes were meant to keep African Americans from voting.

1965- President Lyndon B. Johnson signs the Voting Rights Act into law, permanently barring barriers to political participation by racial and ethnic minorities, prohibiting any election practice that denies the right to vote on account of race, and requiring jurisdictions with a history of discrimination in voting to get federal approval for changes in their election laws before they can take effect.

1982- President Ronald Reagan signed a 25-year extension of the Voting Rights Act.

2011- A record number of restrictions to voting were introduced in state legislatures nationwide, including photo ID requirements, cuts to early voting and restrictions to voter registration. Many of these states have histories of voter discrimination and are covered under the VRA.

Don't Make An Excuse! Vote today.  Our ancestors fought for us to make our voices heard through freedom of speech.  Don't let their years of fight and struggle go in vain.  They are counting on you!

To my Friends and Family: please take a selfie of you voting or with your "I Voted" sticker and tag me on Facebook at:https://www.facebook.com/keia.brown or on Twitter @MissDCIntl2015!


To find your voting place, please visit: http://www.vote411.org/
If you experience any problems during voting day, call: 1-866-OUR-VOTE

Credits: https://www.aclu.org/timeline-history-voting-rights-act 

Voting is a civic sacrament - the highest responsibility we have as Americans.- Christine Pelosi

 

Keia Brown

Miss District of Columbia International 2015

Representing the Nation's Capital

Keia Brown, Miss D.C. International 2015

What an honor to represent the nation's capital in the 2015 Miss International Pageant System.  As the new Miss District of Columbia International 2015, my primary function will be to proudly represent the International system, as well as promote my platform SponsorChange.Org, of paying back student loan debt through service.

Helping those give back, pay back!

Washington, D.C. is a district surrounding Maryland and Virginia full of history and culture, diversity, art, sports and our nation's capital.  A spectacular site in all four seasons, the District of Columbia is a tourist attraction for all ages!

Art/Culture
Freer Gallery of Art
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
National Gallery of Art

Education
American University
Georgetown University
George Washington University
Howard University
University of District of Columbia

History
Lincoln Memorial
Martin  Luther King Jr. Memorial
Smithsonian Institution

Sports
Washington Nationals (MLB)
Washington Redskins (NFL)
Washington Wizards (NBA)

Visiting Washington, D.C. soon?  Check out www.washington.org for tours, events and must-see attractions!

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."--Nelson Mandela
Keia Brown
Miss District of Columbia International 2015