Thursday, March 19, 2015

A Day In Historic Washington D.C.


       


A very chilly, single-digit morning in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, March 7, 2015, and I am just outside The White House waiting for the secret service to clear us to enter.  Thank you to Senator Barbara Mikulski for extending an invitation to tour the White House.  After two separate security check -ins, we're inside the White House and free to roam through the halls and rooms. I am experiencing being in the very same rooms that the President entertains guests and dignitaries.

One of my favorite rooms in The White House was “The Blue Room,” which is where the President entertains.  The room's decor contains cerulean blue chairs and matching draperies.  The furniture was originally made in the early 1800s and still look pristine today.



Lincoln Memorial
Upon leaving the White House, I traveled to the Lincoln Memorial, which stands at the west end of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. and overlooks the Reflection Pool.  The 19 foot high, 175 ton marble statute of Abraham Lincoln is a dedication to the nation's 19th President.   

Fun Fact: The Lincoln Memorial is where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous "I Have A Dream" speech.


 


United States Capitol
My last stop of the day was the United States Capitol Building.  A structure built in 1793, has withstood decades of history through fire, restoration and expansion.  In fact, the building remains operational through their four-year restoration of its famous Rotunda dome.  Most importantly, the U.S. Capitol Building is where the Senate and House of Representatives gather to make decisions in which affect American people. 



Washington, D.C. is home to a wealth of our nation's culture, art and history.  


“Helping those who give back, pay back!”

Keia Brown, Miss District of Columbia International 2015

Monday, March 16, 2015

Daisy Badge Camp - Respect Authority Petal

This past Saturday, Nation's Capital Girl Scout Troop #5466 held a Daisy Badge Camp to earn badges for Considerate & Caring, Respecting Authority and Making the World A Better Place.  An invitation was extended to me to be Guest Speaker to discuss "Respecting Authority."


    

                  


I especially enjoyed being with these little Daisy Girl Scouts and was overwhelmed with hugs from all.  I made sure to tell them that although I have a crown on, every girl has an invisible crown on their head and that ALL girls are princesses!  Thank you to Troop Leaders, Mrs. Germell Brown and Mrs. Faith Stewart for inviting me to such a wonderful program.  Being a former Girl Scout myself, I know firsthand how valuable the importance of sisterhood and
"girl power" means to every woman.



   
"Thank you, Miss Keia for gracing us and our Daisy Girl Scouts with your presence this past Saturday!  They had a ball and enjoyed meeting a Real Princess... their words. :) You are such an inspiration; May God continue to bless you richly!" - Germell Brown, Troop Leader 5466


“Helping those who give back, pay back!”
Keia Brown, Miss District of Columbia International 2015

Friday, March 6, 2015

Free Workshops


MANAGING YOUR MONEY WHILE IN COLLEGE
As an advocate for reducing student loan debt, I am traveling throughout the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia providing FREE workshops on “Managing Your Money While in College”.  I am offering 45-minute presentations on financial aid eligibility, spreading your financial aid through the semester, student loan borrowing the smart way, and repaying student loan debt through volunteerism.


Having worked in the higher education field in financial aid and scholarships offices for the past 10 years, I witness many college students overwhelmed with the high cost to pursue a degree; and the amount of student loan debt they will incur in just four (4) years.  I can relate to their dilemma having had to rely on student loans myself while pursuing my bachelor and current master’s degree.

If your school, college, university or group is interested in scheduling a workshop or having me attend your next event, contact me at missdcinternational@gmail.com

Thursday, March 5, 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 1st, 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!


Keia Brown, Miss District of Columbia International 2015
“Helping those who give back, pay back!”