S.M.A.R.T Girls Celebration - Boys & Girls Club of Harford County

This week I had the great honor of being invited back to the Boys & Girls Club of Harford County to be the guest speaker for the Smart Girls Graduation Celebration.  Upon arrival to the Aberdeen club, I was greeted with a burst of screams and excitement from the girls awaiting my arrival.  It was such a nice feeling to see the smiles on the girls’ faces.

Ms. Megan Canino and her Smart Girls group welcomed me into their clubroom and I talked to them about the importance of the sisterhood within Smart Girls, self-confidence and to always dream big.  The question and answer session was filled with inquiries about being Miss D.C. International, the International Pageant system and what it takes to be a ”queen.”  I ensured them that being a great role model and respecting others confirms all girls are princesses and turn into queens.

My interactions with the Smart Girls continues to inspire and motivate me to be a stronger role model.  Since my appearance at the Aberdeen club, I have received “thank you” e-mails from the girls and appreciation from their parents on social media.  I feel blessed by God to be placed in a role, in which I can make a positive impression in young people's lives.

Thank you again to Ms. Ashley Choate, Ms. Megan Canino and Mr. Marcus Robins from the Boys & Girls Club of Harford County for your continued support and friendship.

Paying it forward,

Keia Brown
Miss District of Columbia International 2015

The program, SMART Girls is a health, fitness, prevention/education and self-esteem enhancement program for girls ages 8 to17. The program is designed to encourage healthy attitudes and lifestyles that will enable early adolescent girls to develop to their full potential. The SMART Girls program is sponsored by Tupperware Brands.

Smart Girls Luncheon - Boys & Girls Club of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County

I was recently invited as the guest speaker for the Boys & Girls Club of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County's Annual Smart Girls Luncheon.  The SMART Girls is a health, fitness, prevention/education and self-esteem enhancement program for girls ages 8 to17. The program is designed to encourage healthy attitudes and lifestyles that will enable early adolescent girls to develop to their full potential. The SMART Girls program is sponsored by Tupperware Brands.

The year's annual event theme was "Beautifully, Wonderfully Me," encouraging self-esteem, confidence and positivity through various workshops.  During their "Mirror Mirror" workshop, girls were given the chance to decorate mirrors with positive messages as they discussed body image, self-esteem and confidence.  Another workshop, "My SHE-RO," girls discussed positive role models in their lives, how they were inspired by them and what they can do to serve as role models for their peers.

 

I spoke to over 35 girls about my journey as Miss District of Columbia International and  community service that I have been engaged in for over twenty years. I encouraged the girls to participate in volunteerism, to stay positive and dream big.  My message to further their education and attend college resonated with the girls and sparked questions on how they could pursue their career goals.

Following my speech, I was thanked for my attendance and presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.  A special thank you to Admiral Oaks Club Director, Ms. Moriah Smalls for hosting and inviting me to the luncheon.

Paying it forward,

Keia Brown

Miss District of Columbia International 2015