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

An Official DC Ladies Contributor!

This April I was afforded a wonderful opportunity to contribute to a blog, founded by a mother-daughter team in 2009 called The DC Ladies.  Shelley Kramm (@ShelleyKramm) & Sarah Kramm-Spund (@sckincharmcity) created a lifestyle website for women of the DMV (D.C., Maryland and Virginia areas) to address topics regarding health & wellness, finance, fashion, education, things to do in DC, and much more!

DC Ladies Founders: Shelley & Sarah

As an educator and financial spokesperson, I am thrilled to make a contribution to women of Washington D.C. on financial smarts and financial literacy.  My role as a #MoneyMatters Contributor allows me to contribute a monthly blog post to the website's efforts to educate, inspire and promote wellness to young ladies and women throughout the nation's capital.  A year ago, I would have never thought I would be a contributor for any website.  Today, I could not think of anything better than being a part of such an inspiring group of women, connecting others to the inside scoop of Washington D.C.  

First Blog Post with #TheDCLadies

To read my latest blog post, please visit: http://www.thedcladies.com/2015/05/18/graduating-college-seniors-loan-repayment-begins-in-6-months/

Please visit the website at www.thedcladies.com and register for our newsletter, or follow us on social media at @DCLadies.

Paying it forward,

Keia Brown

Miss District of Columbia International 2015

Photo Credits: Clay Spann Photography & The DC Ladies

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

#FinancialSmarts Presentation - High School Events

#FinancialSmarts Presentation for Mischa Toland Entrepreneurship 

Academy for Girls

Through my partnership with Girl Scouts of Central Maryland, we have joined efforts to educate young ladies on Financial Smarts in preparation for college.  I had the pleasure on May 9th to share my story and educate rising high school juniors and seniors from Mischa Toland Entrepreneurship Academy for Girls.  We discussed financial literacy to help eliminate or reduce the amount of student loan debt borrowed while promoting free money opportunities.  

Mischa Toland (Founder) and the young ladies of the Academy

                             


           #FinancialSmarts Presentation for Western High School

On May 12th, I also had the opportunity to speak at Western High School in Baltimore, Maryland on my platform.  I spoke to three separate groups during their lunch breaks about preparing for college, financial aid and locating free money options to help finance their higher education.  The students were extremely receptive and asked pertinent questions about the FAFSA and merit scholarships.

Western High School's Principal, Ms. Michelle White

Another huge thank you to Ms. Marianna Campagna and Ms. Candace Baker from Girl Scouts of Central Maryland for facilitating my sessions and providing endless support.

Paying it forward,

Keia Brown
Miss District of Columbia International 2015