2015 Miss International Pageant Week

Arrival/Orientation

2015 Miss International Pageant Week was held July 27 - August 1, 2015 in Jacksonville, Florida.  I had the opportunity to meet over 30 women across the globe as we competed for the title of Miss International.  Below are some of the photos I was able to capture in the Sunshine State, along with competition shots on stage at the Time-Union Theater.

 

Opening Number

Fitness Wear

Fun Fashion Wear

2015 Lawyers Have Heart 10K & Walk

The 25th Anniversary of the  DC Lawyers Have Heart 10K & Walk to benefit the American Heart Association & American Stroke Association was held on a beautiful morning on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at the Washington Harbour in Georgetown!  Despite the hot and humid 90 degree weather, the turnout numbered in the thousands with over 2600 pre-registered participants by the start of the race.

I was honored to be invited by Meredith May, Marketing Coordinator to present the awards to the participants at the Awards Ceremony.  I also had the opportunity to join in on the fun along the course and the Post-Race Party to capture the events of the day as a Social Media volunteer photographer.  Some of my photos have been featured on the Greater Washington Region's social media account at https://www.facebook.com/lawyershaveheart10k?ref=hl.

Several of those arriving for the event parked their boats near the dock and enjoyed a world-class brunch at Farmers Fishers Bakers located alongside the Washington Harbor.  Complimentary massages were also provided by Edge Salon & Spa.  In addition, participants had an opportunity to win a FREE, all inclusive trip to Las Vegas for every $100 raised or donated.  The event to-date has raised over $741,000.

Founded by two Washington lawyers: Richard Frank, Founder of OFW Law and Alan Raul, Partner at Sidley Austin LLP, the event brings together law firms and their vendors as well as attorneys from both the government and private sectors.  In addition to residents, parents, children and athletes of all levels of experience, to raise awareness and public consciousness regarding heart disease and stroke.  Lawyers Have Heart is now one of the largest annual philanthropic endeavors supported by D.C. metropolitan law firms and legal vendors and has grown to become the area's largest 10K race.

Since its founding in 1991, Lawyers Have Heart has raised over $10 million to benefit the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, whose mission is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular disease and stroke.  By participating, you not only strengthen your own heart through exercise, you also help to raise lifesaving funds. 

"Volunteering to make a difference in the lives of others!"

Paying it forward,

Keia Brown
Miss District of Columbia International 2015

For additional information on the Lawyers Have Heart DC Run/Family Walk, please visit: http://www.lawyershaveheartdc.org/

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

End of the Academic Year Celebration & Pool Party

 

On Friday, May 22nd,  I was invited to speak to teens of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Harford County during their "End of the Academic Year" Celebration Party!  The teens enjoyed the evening taking a dip in the olympic size pool at the Aberdeen Swim Club pool and consuming delicious food donated by sponsor Taco Bell!

#GraduateforMas

I had the opportunity to speak to the youth about my platform #FinancialSmarts, the importance of being successful in school and the importance of graduating.  The Taco Bell Foundation for Teens is a proud sponsor of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and catered the meal for the pool party.  The foundation is encouraging youth to make a pledge to "Make the Promise to Graduate!"

A teen taking the pledge to graduate high school!

Thank you Taco Bell!

At the end of the night, I was ecstatic to judge a dance-off and award one lucky young man a $25 VISA Gift Card sponsored by APG Federal Credit Union.  Thank you again to the Club Director, Ms. T (Otelia Brannigan) for the invitation.

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