Menchie's of Pablo Creek Plaza Fundraiser

Yesterday afternoon I had the honor of meeting residents of Jacksonville at the Menchie's of Pablo Creek Plaza.  The franchise, owned by Cory & Catherine Courtney, hosted a meet & greet for me and fundraiser to benefit the Pace Center for Girls. 

Cory & Catherine Courtney

Menchie's Frozen Yogurt serves yummy desserts and host parties in bright and vibrant locations throughout the United States.  But Menchie's also has a mission...to give back to the community.  I reached out to the national headquarters in regards to organizing a fundraiser to benefit the Pace Center for Girls, a well-known non-profit organization in Florida.  Pace provides girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy.  

I was excited to be contacted by franchise co-owner, Catherine Courtney of Menchie's of Pablo Creek Plaza to host a fundraiser.  She and her family encouraged customers to donate school supplies and/or bath & beauty supplies for the Pace Center.  During my meet & greet, I also had the opportunity to discuss my platform, Financial Smarts for Students: Reducing Student Loan Debt with local Floridians.

Connecting with the Courtney Family was a true blessing.  They are a beautiful family and their compassion to make a difference in their community and their warm southern hospitality is inspirational.  Thank you for hosting the fundraiser and welcoming me as extended family.

Courtney Family

Please stop by Menchie's Frozen Yogurt at the Pablo Creek Plaza and support these new business owners!  Address: 3267 Hodges Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32224

Paying it forward,

Keia Brown
Miss District of Columbia International 2015


Media: http://www.jaxmomsblog.com/event/menchies-back-to-school-donations-for-pace-center-for-girls/

HigherEdNotDebt Partnership

I have had an amazing journey promoting my platform to reduce student loan debt and implement financial literacy in schools across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.  While attending Generation Progress' ‎Make Progress Summit 2015, I was approached by the Campaign Manager, Ms. Maggie Thompson to discuss establishing a partnership with Higher Ed, Not Debt. After meeting with some of her staff and discussing ways to incorporate my knowledge and interest in the need to reduce student loan debt, I have partnered with the organization to be a spokesperson, speaker and partner.

To give you a little bit of background, Higher Ed, Not Debt is an organization, part of Generation Progress, which is a multi-year campaign dedicated to tackling the nation's $1.2 trillion student loan crisis.  They offer resources for college students and graduates with repayment options, refinancing of student loans, loan servicer disputes and leading campaigns which encourage all to write to congress about this devastating issue. 

This past week, I participated in my first Higher Ed, Not Debt Team Conference Call to discuss Connecticut's Bill of Rights implementation, NASFAA's observance on Corinthian students and other for profit colleges.  As a spokesperson for this organization, I will work with other fellow partners to speak to students at colleges and universities on the challenges of repaying student loan debt.  I will encourage them to get involved and write to their local House Representatives to make reducing student loan debt and the cost of college a national priority.

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

Summer Preparation for College: Financial Aid Tips

Congratulations High School Graduate!  Summer has begun and this is the time to relax and enjoy your freedom from all those years of high school.  But wait!  Have you considered what you should be doing in preparation for college as a new freshman in the Fall?  Besides shopping for dorm room accessories, have you considered how your financial aid will help cover all your expenses throughout the semester?

Here are some financially smart tips to help ensure your financial aid refund monies last throughout your fall semester:

1.    Create an expense spreadsheet.  

• Sit down with your parents and prepare a budget for  the total cost of tuition, fees and room and board. 
• Consider your expected financial aid (scholarships, grants and any student loans needed) for the fall semester. 
• Determine the amount of your financial aid refund (financial aid minus fees).
• Calculate your fall semester textbooks and materials fees. Allow for funds such as gas, transportation costs, extracurricular costs for education (museum trips, honors program fees, etc.)
• If you will have a roommate, how much
• Allow money for food and extracurricular activities.  You may want to keep snacks in your room for late night study sessions.  And if you want to experience the total college life, you will need to have a bit of fun (i.e. movie tickets, college events, dinner off-campus with friends, etc.)

2.   Increase your "free money" options.

The cost of college textbooks ranges from $500 - $750 per semester. Therefore, receiving small and moderate scholarship dollars can be extremely helpful when covering costs versus directly out-of-pocket.

• Search for available scholarships and grants offered through local organizations and corporate offices (civic organizations, rotary clubs, credit unions, parents' employers, etc.)
• Contact your previous or current employers to inquire if there are any employee benefits which offer college scholarships.
• Continue to check your scholarship profile accounts (FASTWEB, Scholarships.com) for additional funding opportunities.
• ALWAYS have a generic essay/statement you can use to attach to any scholarship application. This will ensure that your application is promptly concerned.

3.  Contact your Financial Aid Office.

• Ensure your school's financial aid office has all the required documents from you in order to process your aid.
• Ask your counselor if there are any additional scholarships available.
• Select your preferred financial aid refund method before the semester begins.Most colleges offer check, ACH transfers or debit card refund methods through their bursars’ office for financial aid students. 

Being proactive now, before your first semester begins, will help eliminate increased anxiety and promote readiness to a great start to your freshmen year!  For additional tips on financial aid college preparedness, contact your financial aid office or e-mail questions to MissDCInternational@gmail.com.

Paying it Forward,

Keia Brown

Miss District of Columbia International 2015