Generation Progress' Make Progress Summit 2015

 Yesterday, I had the privilege to attend the 2015 Make Progress Summit in Washington, D.C. to join with other young "change makers" across the U.S.  Make Progress is an annual event hosted by Generation Progress, a national organization that empowers, engages, and mobilizes young people around progressive policy issues.  The all-day event was held at the beautiful Walter E. Washington Conference Center where we were greeted with enthusiastic staff members anxious to get the day underway.

I was honored to be approached by the campaign manager of HigherEdNotDebt, Ms. Maggie Thompson who said she has been following my social media for months and was thrilled to have me attend.  The morning begin with breakfast and an exciting welcome from Generation Progress' Executive Director, Anne Johnson to start off the day.  I sat at a table with a super group of young people inspired for change in our nation.  They represented the states of California, Massachusetts and Oregon.  The entire room was filled with positive energy from all attendees and the GP staff ensured everyone was having a great time.

Among the guest speakers Vice President of the United States, Joe Biden spoke about Millennials impact to the country.   Senator Elizabeth Warren from Massachusetts, one of the morning speakers spoke about her passion to reduce student loan debt and make college affordable for all who want to pursue a higher education.

Additional guest speakers included Nancy Pelosi, Secretary Thomas E. Perez and Tina Tchen, Assistant to the President.  GP also offered three break out sessions, one specifically geared towards student loan debt which I was especially excited to attend.  There was an outstanding panel, including Senator Tammy Baldwin (WI) and Rohit Chopra, Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress and former regulator at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.  They were extremely happy to hear that my year as Miss District of Columbia International has been dedicated to bringing awareness to the issue of student loan debt and the demand for financial literacy among young people worldwide.

Student Loan Debt Panel

At the conclusion of the event, I received an invitation to partner with HigherEdNotDebt and its efforts to help spread the message about student loan debt throughout the globe.  I left the day with a cool attendee "swag bag" from Generation Progress!

Thank you to everyone at Center for American Progress and Generation Progress for making #MakeProgress 2015 a fun-filled and enlightening day!

Paying it forward,

Keia  Brown
Miss District of Columbia International 2015

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

#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!”

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