ELLA Inspires (October 2020)

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IN THIS ISSUE ON THE COVER BRITTANY KLOCKO WARDROBE TRINA D’ELENA, TMD STYLE BOUTIQUE MAKEUP KARLA GOMEZ PHOTOGRAPHER EDITH DUARTE WRITERS ELLE WALSH LUCIA MORENO BUSINESS MANAGER JOHN TYRA EDITOR IN CHIEF EDITH DUARTE

EDITORIAL OFFICE 1720 Bray Central Dr. | Suite 100-U | McKinney, TX 75069 1-877-262-3552 | Hello@EllaInspires.com ELLA Inspires is published by ELLA CREATIVE MEDIA, LLC ELLA Inspires is an online magazine that celebrates business and entrepreneurship. Each month one woman will share her personal story of life, love, and business. ELLA is a modern woman; unafraid of paving her own way. She is strong despite overcoming many trials before reaching her own version of success.

Subscribe to ELLA Inspires at www.ellainspires.com.

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ELLA Inspires Magazine

Table of Contents ELLA INSPIRES MAGAZINE (OCTOBER 2020)

FEATURE: BEYOND THE CROWN BY BRITTANY KLOCKO

PAGE 10

Brittany ‘BK’ Klocko is a Registered Nurse, board certified in Emergency Medicine and one of only 5,200 nurses in the country board certified in Trauma Medicine. She helps medically vulnerable communities gain proper access to quality healthcare through her platform, Medicine Without Barriers. When she is not volunteering or working as a nurse, she is better known for being your reigning Miss Texas United States.

MUJERES! IT’S TIME TO ROCK THIS BY LUCIA MORENO

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Lucia Moreno is Venezuelan and a passionate Digital Strategist. She is the mother of a 10-year-old vegetarian girl and co-founder of Bossladies Rocking; a community for Latina entrepreneurs. She is an enthusiastic Spanglish content creator.

REPLACING EGGS IN BAKING BY ELLE WALSH

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Elle Walsh is the owner of The Vegan Chick Bakery in McKinney, TX and a restaurant allergen consultant. She is a wife and mother of two who loves to travel and cuddle her Chihuahua dog, Sadie.

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From the Editor Edith Duarte, Editor-in-chief

The creation of ELLA Inspires Magazine and the ELLA brand itself was the direct result of taking tiny steps forward at crucial moments. In an effort to improve the brand visibility for my then web design clients, I formed a magazine. Then, to create a unique experience for the women being featured, we formed a #beautysquad to help women look their best during their photo shoot. In order to include even more women into our mission, we started partnering with local studios and venues to host those photo shoots. After that, we reached out to local women-owned businesses to sponsor products in exchange for photography.

Then, two regular columnists were asked to write columns every month. All of these tiny movements propelled us forward and formed the brand you see today.

If you are reading this, you are part of a growing community of women supporting women. To the women that were featured on the covers in 2019: we admire your courage and we are thankful you trusted us with your story and your hearts. We are eager to show you what we have planned for 2020 and thank you for being part of this amazing journey!

We’re only getting started.

edith 6

ELLA Inspires Magazine

PHOTO: @JOEBAKERPHOTOGRAPHY

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On The Cover Brittany ‘BK’ Klocko is a Registered Nurse, board certified in Emergency Medicine and one of only 5,200 nurses in the country board certified in Trauma Medicine. She helps medically vulnerable communities gain proper access to quality healthcare through her platform, Medicine Without Barriers. When she is not volunteering or working as a nurse, she is better known for being your reigning Miss Texas United States.

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Beyond The Crown COVER FEATURE BY BRITTANY ‘BK’ KLOCKO

I was born in Phoenix, Arizona and I am quite the traveler.

other to rely upon. I’m blessed to be the younger sister to

I have moved thirty times in my life and I am very familiar

an amazing older brother, Brian. I will never forget, after

with many different areas of the country! I have met so

one of our moves, he went door to door to see if any of our

many different people from all walks of life. Chances are,

new neighbors had young daughters that ‘could be friends

wherever you are from I have either lived there or have a

with his little sister.’ He has always looked out for me! I am

friend who has!

also super fortunate to have two amazingly in-love parents that modeled a wonderful marriage. They certainly were not

At the age of 3, my family moved from Arizona to Valley

perfect, but they always showed sacrifice, commitment, and

Forge, a town located just outside of Philadelphia, PA. One

conflict resolution throughout my whole life.

of my most nostalgic ‘homes,’ it is where I lived during some of my truly formative years. Valley Forge is home to Valley

In a world that was filled with a lot of changes and moves, I

Forge National Park, a place where George Washington

was lucky to have something so solid to hold on to.

camped out with his troops during the Revolutionary War. There are log cabins still around and a lot of great historical

H AR D W O R K

sites, museums, and protected forests. These surroundings sparked my love of history, learning, and nature from a very

As a child, my parents emulated the value of hard work.

young age. Still to this day, whenever I’m hiking in a forest, I

Both of my parents came from very simple upbringings and

feel like everything is just right with the world!

fought extremely hard to get to where there are today. In her early career, my mother broke barriers in the workforce

From Pennsylvania, we moved to California, where I spent

as the only female in a male-dominated field—she excelled

a lot of my schooling years (with a pit stop to Syracuse,

even after being told the job could only be done by men!

New York my sophomore year of high school). Because we

She worked harder, smarter, and kept pushing; she ran

moved many times as a child, my family was always super

circles around her male co-workers by outselling them all.

close and connected because many times we only had each

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When she later transitioned to be a full-time elementary school teacher, she fought for children in her classroom that came from impoverished and broken households. She made it clear that bullying would not be tolerated in her classroom. Instead, it was a safe place to heal from their broken world.

bar and restaurant. Instead of playing outside all day, my father was helping his family’s restaurant stay afloat. When he ventured out into the workforce, he started by picking beans for just cents an hour! But he worked his way through different advancements and positions to eventually put himself through college. And wouldn’t you know it—he worked his way all the way up to be the President of a multimillion-dollar Aerospace company! He is the true definition of the American Dream and a testimony of perseverance and hard work.

Growing up, hanging above some cabinets in the garage, was always a sign that

is right is not always popular.’ It served as a daily reminder in my life of the values my parents

I loved driving to New York Giants games with him and tailgating. I remember spilling my Coke on his beige carpet shared a big laugh together. Time with my dad was always so special because he traveled out of the country a lot for work.

I think that is part of the reason why I loved Indian Princesses so much. It was a father-daughter group, like Cub Scouts or Indian Guides. Once a month we would get together with other father/daughter members and build something together. And then every year we had a great camp weekend! We met with other ‘tribes’ from around the state for a sleepaway camp and put on variety shows, boated, fished, shot BB guns, did high rope courses, and

W H AT I S R I G H T I S N O T ALWAY S P O P U L AR

not always right. What

A lot of my favorite memories as a child are with my dad.

during a game once; I thought I was a goner! But instead we

My father started work as a young child in his parents’

read ‘What is popular is

M AK I N G M E M O R I E S

had trivia battles—among other amazing things!

One year, we went on a hayride and the driver told a ghost story about the origins for a burned down mansion of which we had seen remnants. Legend

“Be the hero in your own life story

had it that the mansion was still

so you can champion for those

Yellow Eyes—named for his big,

without a voice.”

wanted me to adopt.

They always made it a priority to impress upon my brother and I the importance of having a strong moral character.

They taught me that it is crucial to always do the right thing.

Even when no one is looking. Even when it makes you fall behind instead of getting ahead. Even when it’s extremely difficult. If you only do the right thing when it’s easy, the only thing you’re really valuing is yourself. Doing the right thing when it is at your own cost is when your true character is displayed. If you are consistent in times of adversity, you can be trusted. If you can be trusted, you can make a true difference in the lives of those most vulnerable. We should all be the hero in our own life story in order to champion for

haunted by the owner’s dog— glowing eyes.

As a boisterous child of 8, I spearheaded a plot to go into the

night to find ol’ Yellow Eyes. Well my dad thought it would be hilarious to stand in the woods with a cardboard cutout of eyes and flash a yellow light while howling. I screamed so loudly and ran into my bunk bed and climbed inside my pillowcase! They finally told me it was a prank, but I still made my dad share my sleeping bag that night!

It’s still a great story that always makes me laugh whenever I hear my dad tell it. I really thought I was going to show those adults who was boss—boy was I ever in for a surprise!

(Cont. Page 21)

those without a voice.

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FOR THE LOVE O F H E ALT H C AR E

As a child, I was really inspired by the doctors and nurses of Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital. I’m sure I probably first heard about the hospital through a school fundraiser. I remember always trying to collect the most money; secretly pouring in my allowance in order to send all I could to children in need. Even as a child, I was acutely aware that others were not born with all the opportunities and provision with which I was born. Knowing that at St. Jude a child would never be turned away, because they lacked the ability to pay for treatment, really moved me. I knew I never wanted to be a child that couldn’t get treatment. So, I wanted to make sure that I helped support a worldview that made sure that wouldn’t happen to anyone else either.

“That idea really sparked a desire in my heart to work hard enough to use my gifts and talents to help those that can't help themselves.”

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I have now been a Registered Nurse for six years and have used my education and free time to help eliminate the barriers to medical care access that exist today.

E Q UAL A C C E S S T O H E ALT H C AR E The thought of a person going through life with a curable medical problem breaks my heart. The town you were born in, language you speak, or financial status should not determine whether or not you are able to seek medical treatment. I was lucky enough to have been raised as I was with the parents I have, but not everyone is given that same advantage. I truly believe it is vitally important that we are able to come together as one and help others in need. I am a third-generation nurse, so you could say that it is in my blood! Even from a young age, I was able to see how people could have different health outcomes for the same medical condition-- all due to factors that are completely within our power to control. I wanted to be part of that solution.

When I think about all the barriers people face which limit access to healthcare, there are a few different categories: geographical, economic, cultural, psychosocial, and physical. Poor health results from lack of medical access; which is often true when someone doesn’t speak the language, cannot afford to pay, or has some other mountain standing in the way.

It has been my purpose in life to partner with different organizations that help reduce and eliminate these barriers so that we may all live happy and healthy lives! I’m sure you could agree it is wildly devastating to think of someone dying from a disease that is easily and simply treated somewhere else.

If you feel called to be part of the solution, join me in the fight!

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S O M U C H M O R E T H AN A B E A U T Y PA G E A N T I will be completely candid with y’all—I truly had no real idea about pageants or why they existed until last year.

Over the years I heard of them in passing and falsely assumed, as many do, that they were just a means to showcase beautiful women or judge others. Thankfully, I was encouraged by a dear mentor to truly do some research about pageants last year. I was blown away by what I found out! While there are differences between different pageant systems (i.e. Miss America is different than Miss United States which is different than Miss USA), pageants are largely and truly about empowering women. My current pageant system, Miss United States, is a platform-driven pageant system which means that the focus is on a charity or cause that each individual contestant champions.

The amount of philanthropy and community service that I’ve seen from pageant contestants is truly unmatched to anything I’ve experienced before. As someone that highly values the importance of giving back and making a tangible difference, this was inspiring! I was being connected with hundreds of women that were making a difference. Women that were speaking with their local legislature about bills they wanted to see passed. Women that were creating their own charities when they saw there was a need that was not being filled in their local communities. (Cont Pg. 30)

“Powerhouse women that were nurses, doctors, lawyers, accountants, lifestyle coaches,teachers,social workers, military personnel that weren’t content just being on the sidelines; rather, wanted to use their voices to promote change in their communities.”

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M U J E R E S !

I T ’ S

T I M E

T O

ROCK THIS Written by Lucia Moreno

Cuando mi compañera de trabajo murió, me sentí

1. Feel Your Own Power

devastada. Había tanto que no sabía sobre ELLA, a pesar

• Yes darling, we are all poderosas. CREE EN TI MISMA.

de haber convivido codo a codo por al menos 6 meses.

Sentí que quizás, todo hubiese sido diferente si yo hubiese

2. Reconoce El Valor de Otra

prestado más atención a su soledad. We are not alone, but

• When you see another woman improving herself,

it’s not enough just knowing it.

pursuing her dream, fighting for her rights, achieving her goals, APPLAUD her.

Sabernos poderosas como mujeres nos corresponde a las mujeres; I think it isn’t necessary to make a line between

3. Ofrece Ayuda

women and men to embrace ourselves. Even though,

• Use whatever you have to offer to support other women.

algunas veces me miro al espejo, justo cuando estoy a

Take the initiative.

punto de emitir una crítica o juicio a otra mujer me detengo

4.Better Together

y me digo a mi misma: change starts with me.

• Team up with a group of females with similar goal paths.

Las mujeres por naturaleza somos intuitivas, sensibles, femeninas, apasionadas. But, what if we don’t feel that

5. Sé el Ejemplo

way from time to time? Do we still have to live up to the

• Conviértete en mentora de alguna mujer que apenas se

expectations of society? Not anymore. Disney is telling us:

estrene en el área donde te desarrollas. Do you remember

SOMOS VALIOSAS. Si eres o no una princesa, si provienes

how hard it was when you started your journey? Did you

o no de una familia adinerada, si eres nativa americana o

have anyone helping you, showing you el camino? Life is

hija de inmigrantes? Whatever your background, you are

better with a mentor.

VALUABLE. The movie ‘Brave’ taught us about following our dreams before getting married. Isn’t that a complete feeling

6. Invest in Self-Care

of freedom? A few years ago my abuela would have said:

• This is will vary for everyone. It could be wearing makeup,

‘Aprovecha que estás joven para casarte’ but not anymore.

meditation, working out, reading, napping, or painting;

My dreams and my value come first.

anything that will embrace your inner peace. No lo olvides.

At this point our priorities should be what we think is best

7. Work Hard!

for us and to value ourselves. It’s super hard to break a

• No te preocupes, because if you do number 6 you will

cycle of traditions (like rushing into marriage) and fight with

be ready to ROCK without burning yourself out. Above all

your own family to pursue your own goals. But it’s our time

always follow your passion!

to do it. ¿Pero, cómo?

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ELLA ELLA Inspires Inspires Magazine Magazine

Lucia Moreno is Venezuelan and a passionate Digital Strategist. She is the mother of a 10-year-old vegetarian girl and co-founder of Bossladies Rocking; a community for Latina entrepreneurs.

She

is

an

enthusiastic

Spanglish

content creator.

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Sure, the women were beautiful, graceful, and elegant on stage, but they were also role models and heroes in their communities because they saw a need and filled it. I have been so blessed to have been able to join this network of women that are there to support me in my endeavors. They have done cancer research 5K runs with me. I have read books to children for them. They have helped purchase supplies for my clinic in Uganda, and I have helped secure adoption resources for them. It has been about building one another up, celebrating our differences, and magnifying our positive impact on the world. I could not be prouder to be your Miss Texas United States and stand beside so many truly amazing and talented women.

Locally here in Dallas, I serve as a volunteer nurse with Watermark Urgent Care. Our local church saw the opportunity to meet the medical needs of some of our most vulnerable residents and found a way to make it happen. Staffed with church volunteers that have medical degrees, we operate as a free urgent care! We do ask for a minimal donation of $10 if possible, but if it is not, it is our gift to our patients to see them for free. In doing so, we have the unique opportunity to not only help heal their bodies, but to care for their wellbeing as a full person instead. We believe that we have been blessed with gifts to help those in need but recognize that God is the ultimate healer. We are also proud to say that we have estimated saving the taxpayers millions of dollars, as patients are able to be seen at our facility instead of utilizing local

GIVING BACK

emergency departments.

Anyone can talk about the changes they want to see in their

Nationally, I have been able to volunteer with a couple

communities, but it takes commitment to actually do it.

wonderful organizations. Most recently, I volunteered with

Because I care so deeply about helping others get medical

Samaritan’s Purse for the Hurricane Laura relief effort in

care, I spend a lot of my time partnering with amazing

Louisiana.

organizations that make that dream a reality!

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“It has been about building one another up, celebrating our differences, and magnifying our positive impact on the world. I could not be prouder to be your Miss Texas United States and stand beside so many truly amazing and talented women.”

This organization has been on the forefront of helping others when their lives are devastated by tragedy. Being the hands and feet where it’s needed most, during such trying times, really is a humbling experience and I’m proud of the love and compassion we’ve been able to pour into those that are hurting.

Many people believe that because it is part of the Ronald McDonald family, camp is paid for by Ronald McDonald charities, but this is actually not the case. Camp is largely made of volunteers and funded and supported by generous corporate and individual donors. We are so grateful for every amount of money we raise, because we see the deep impact it

I also volunteer as part of the on-site medical team for Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times. It is an incredible organization that provides a cost-free, medically supervised residential camp experience to childhood cancer patients and survivors. Many of the campers need many medications, port accesses, chemotherapies, and other accommodations that a regular camp just would not be able to facilitate. Here, not only are they cared for medically, but they are surrounded

has. Furthermore, I am a monthly donor and partner with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

I am always called to support its mission as it has had such a large impact in my life! This past September, my sister queens were able to join me for a Virtual 5K Run for St Jude’s. My team raised quite a bit of money and it was such a blessing!

(Cont. P. 34)

by other children who know exactly what they’re facing. Scars become an area of bragging instead of something to hide.

I could not love what this camp stands for and the home it creates more than I do. It is a magical place and I am blessed to be part of its story.

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Replacing Eggs in Baking

by Elle Walsh Eggs are a kitchen staple, one that has been a necessity for

It will turn into a gelatinous substance that resembles raw egg.

generations. When you have to give up eggs for allergy purposes or because you are changing your eating habits, it may feel impossible.

• Mashed banana, pumpkin and apple sauce are my favorite

We use eggs in so many of our favorite desserts. They create texture,

egg replacers for muffins and breads. The flavor of the fruit

density, moisture and also act as a binder.

definitely crosses over into the finished product, so, if you want something savory, I would seek out a different egg replacer.

So, if you are looking to replace eggs in baking here is a place to

Replace 1 egg with ¼ cup of mashed banana, canned pumpkin

start. There are many different options, these are only some of

or apple sauce.

them. Try them out and see what works for you.

• Egg-replacer is a mix of different starches and gluten free • Carbonated water can magically replace eggs in most baking.

flours. It is made by a variety of different companies now,

Especially, in cakes and bread mixtures. It leaves your sweet

including Bob’s Red Mill and Ener-G. They are also usually

treat with a similar fluffiness, density, texture and taste as eggs.

found in the baking aisle of most grocery stores. I have found

Replace one egg with ¼ cup of carbonated water.

that this type of egg replacer is great in brownies, breads and cakes. Check package for mixing instructions. Usually it involves

• Ground flaxseed (aka a flax egg) works really well in treats

mixing the powder with a couple of tablespoons of water. This

like pancakes, cookies and breads. To make a flax egg, simply

is the most unpredictable egg replacer as it doesn’t always work

combine 1 tablespoon of ground flax seed with 2-3 tablespoons

in every baked good.

of water. Replace every egg that your recipe calls for with

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one flax egg. Mix well and let it sit for 5 minutes before you

Pro-tip: Make sure you shake the bag well before you measure

incorporate it into the recipe.

out the egg replacer.

Elle’s Breakfast F r i tt at a 2 Cups chickpea flour (found at Sprouts) ¼ cup nutritional yeast ½ tsp. baking powder 2 ¼ cups water

¼ tsp salt, garlic powder, pepper and crushed red pepper Assorted vegetable of your choice (2-3 cups, I like spinach, carrot, broccoli and jalapeño)

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. While oven is heating, sauté vegetables in olive oil for about 5 minutes.

2 ) Whisk dry ingredients with water and let sit while veggies cook.

Layer vegetables at the bottom of a greased 8x8 brownie pan.

THE VEGAN CHICK ELLE IS THE OWNER OF THE VEGAN CHICK BAKERY IN MCKINNEY, TX

3) Whisk chickpea mixture once more and pour over vegetables.

4) Cook for 35 minutes or until a toothpick stuck in the center is pulled out clean.

AS WELL AS BEING AN ALLERGEN CONSULTANT FOR RESTAURANTS. SHE IS A WIFE AND MOTHER OF 2, WHO LOVES TO TRAVEL, BE IN NATURE AND CUDDLE HER CHIHUAHUA, SADIE.

@THEVEGAN.CHICK

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It was incredible to work with such an amazing organization

O U T O F AF R I C A

and it was truly live changing to see patients (that sometimes

Internationally, I work in Africa as a medical mission nurse with two wonderful organizations! CURE International is a fantastic non-profit organization that ‘operates charitable hospitals and programs in 14 countries worldwide where patients experience the life-changing message of God’s love for them, receiving surgical treatment regardless of gender, religion, or ethnicity.’ Unfortunately, due to COVID, I was unable to go on my mission trip to Malawi this year, but I eagerly look forward to the day where it is safe to do so again. In the meantime, I have been supporting CURE through being a CUREHero where I am partnered with a patient in the hospital every month. Being able to send letters of support and hope to children in the hospital has been so encouraging. I am looking forward to seeing what more I can do when I am there in person!

Working

in

walked for days just to receive care).

It energized me even more to make sure everyone has equal access to the healthcare they need. In rural Uganda, laboring mothers will walk miles to have their babies at our clinic, where they know they will be safe and cared for. For years, women in labor have been traversing rivers and streams just to be able to deliver their babies in a safe environment. Because of FIMRC’s vision to eliminate healthcare barriers, we were able to build ‘Mama Bridges’ this past year to help provide safe passage over some of the most populated areas of crossing. Being part of a tangible solution for healthcare access has been incredible.

A G E N T O F C H AN G E

“We built ‘Mama Bridges’ to provide rural

Uganda as a volunteer medical mission nurse is one of my greatest

safe passage over some of the most populated areas of crossing.”

I strongly advocate for being an agent of change in your community.

We

were

all

born with different skill sets, strengths, and blessings. Being able to share the good that is

life experiences. I was blessed to work with such an incredible organization such as Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children (FIMRC) and witness firsthand how important it is to have equal and sustainable access to quality medical services.

While there, I was able to provide health care services and health education.

overflowing in an area of your life with someone that needs more in their cup is essential.

That allows others to then pour into your life with their own areas of abundance and expertise. It is a way to truly love one another.

Love is the only true agent of change in this world and when

I walked miles up hills to conduct well-baby checks and medical outreach; setting up vaccination clinics and hosting the girls from the Orphan and Vulnerable Children group to learn how to sew reusable sanitary pads were among the highlights. I loved volunteering at the clinic where we diagnosed and treated patients with malaria, HIV, and other ailments, as well as delivering babies and providing pre and post-natal checkups. However, my favorite experience was being able to help people see better (well enough to read for the first time in years) by testing vision and providing

you feel a true responsibility for the community around you, the natural response is to want to help out and share your love.

Volunteering helps you to realize your blessings, provide for others, and witness change.

While we want to volunteer for altruistic motives, one of the best things you can do for yourself is to get lost in the service of others. Your problems shrink and your blessings grow!

reading glasses.

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A S AF E H AV E N I am a Registered Nurse, certified in Emergency Nursing and Trauma Nursing. I have worked in Emergency Departments and Trauma Centers throughout the country, doing what I love the most! It can be a wildly challenging, emotional, and at times a frustrating career; but every single day I have many tangible opportunities to directly impact the lives of people I meet. For many, I may be the only contact they have with a healthcare provider for years and years. It is important that I do everything to the best of my ability and provide as much education and support as I can. It is not lost on me that I am the safety net for many. I may see a potentially suicidal person, a victim of child or elder abuse, or human trafficking victim for an unrelated medical problem.

It is imperative that I always remain a safe space for these patients and look for the signs so that I may best identify these vulnerable populations. They may not get another chance and I take that responsibility very seriously. As much as possible, I want every patient I interact with in the ER to leave having been better off for having me in their path.

WE NEVER SIGNED UP FOR 2020 I think it’s safe to say that COVID upended so many things for people! I feel it was especially challenging for healthcare professionals. While we do get into healthcare to help people knowing that there are some risks, I can certainly say that this felt unprecedented. We were expected to show up every day while not exactly knowing what we could do to protect ourselves, risking our own lives and health in the process.

Many people would make comments that invalidated our experience like, ‘well that’s what you signed up for!’ But we truly did not. We ‘signed up,’ for example, knowing we could be exposed to Hepatitis C or HIV from blood, but also knowing we could protect ourselves with gloves. This was something that we were taking a big risk going into work to battle and it was emotionally and physically draining.

Unfortunately, I lost four former coworkers to COVID in the first two months. Some of my coworkers moved out of their family homes for months and lived in trailers because they were worried about infecting their families and their children. The sacrifices were large. It was scary!

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At the same time, many hospitals across the country were laying off or furloughing employees. Many cities were not seeing huge surges, especially at the beginning. People were afraid to go into the hospital for anything, so the admission and ER numbers were drastically low. Surgeries were cancelled. It was estimated that 1.7 million healthcare workers lost their jobs during the pandemic due to low census.

My own surgery center shut down for a while and I was forced to work in the ER in California for two months to remain employed!

It truly was a difficult time. I have to say that the perseverance and spirit of our healthcare workers is unmatched. Every day when I went in to work, I knew my team had my back and I had theirs. (Cont P. 42)

“We worked hard to remain hopeful, positive, and validate this insane shared experience we were all having. We cried with one another, we supported one another, and did our absolute best to protect one another as best we could.�

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SUPPORTING WOMEN So many women have paved the way for my success in life. From my incredible mother, to my grandmother who was a nurse herself and an excellent mother and grand mom; everyone has shaped me to be who I am. I was very fortunate to have a lot of positive role models in my immediate circle to look up to as a young girl. They invested in me, saw me through my challenges, and shared in my triumphs firsthand. It’s amazing to have a celebrity role model or inspiring people you want to try and emulate but having your own personal tribe of women that are actually there for you in person and through real moments is even better. I am really grateful for some amazing coworkers, like Corey Clark who helped me laugh off the bad days and always pushed me to learn more.

“No matter what field you’re in, find a leader who inspires you and try your best to learn as much as you can from them.

Then, become that leader for someone else. I always love when I get to teach nursing students or new graduates at work!

It is my hope to be as good of a role model for someone else as the great leaders I had teach me.”

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It is really important to never underestimate the importance

If I try and raise money for my medical clinic alone, I may

of the company that you keep. My advice to young women

get some donations. But if my sister queen helps me,

that want to be their own boss—do it! But don’t do it alone!

we can reach far more people and therefore impact,

Being a boss does not mean you are the only part of the

and save the lives of, way more people! It truly is a much

picture. It is vital that you surround yourself with people that

happier and healthier outlook to see the strengths of

see your vision and have the desire to help you get there.

your fellow professionals instead of giving in to insecurity,

Mentors are invaluable! Always know that to be on top,

comparison, and competition. Comparison is the thief of

you have to learn how to humble yourself and learn from

joy! There is room for everyone at the table.

others that have gone before you. Being a leader isn’t doing things your own way, it’s about building on solid foundation

This next year, I’ll continue my work as a nurse and as a

while still using your own unique skills and gifts to shape the

volunteer. I’m hoping that the travel restrictions will come

industry with your personal style. Find people you admire

to an end, so that I may go back to Africa as a medical

and learn from them! And just as my dad always signs his

missions nurse as was planned for earlier in the year. In

e-mails:

the meantime, I’ll be competing for the title of Miss United States on October 11 through 15 but will remain your reigning Miss Texas until next year.

“The role of leaders is not have others follow you, rather to enable others to lead.”

IN CLOSING I want you to know that your story matters. All of the things that you have gone through can be used for good.

Do not compare the highlight reel of someone else’s life to the complexity of your whole experience. Whatever trials you have faced have made you who you are. While some of them may have been grossly unfair, your mess can be used as a message. I have been through a lot of trials and adversity in my life. Some days my only goal for the day was to make it through to the morning. It’s important

C O M P E T I T I O N V S C O L L AB O R AT I O N

that you give yourself some grace every now and then.

I have been bullied relentlessly for having a skin disease called Vitiligo, which takes the pigment (color) out of your

We were all born uniquely and wonderfully made. We

skin, but here I am as your Miss Texas. I have experienced

were all equipped with different strengths and skills.

immeasurable heartbreak, lost many friends too soon,

We’ve all gone through different life experiences. We don’t

seen friends and family afflicted by cancer, been grossly

have to compete with one another to get ahead! When we

affected by three mass shootings, including one at my

can work together to build each other up, we both win!

own college. I’ve been a victim of abuse, been diagnosed

We will all have our own unique talents to contribute to

with a tumor, and many other hardships. But I have been

everything so there is no reason to fear the success of

able to rise above and use these experiences to make my

others. Just because someone else gets something good,

mess a message. I can empathize with those that have

doesn’t mean that we get any less. It is so important to

lost family members to gun violence. I understand what it

make sure we build one another up in love.

means to lose a best friend. And these shared experiences help us to better understand one another and to always

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In the pageant world, we are literally competing for the

be kind because we truly do not know the story someone

same job! But we all bring such different strengths and

else is living through. Whatever your struggle may be, no

qualities and passions to the stage. When the crown is

matter what hardship you experience, your story is not

placed and the competition is over, we have one another

over. You can rise above and prosper. You can be that

to spend the rest of the year encouraging, supporting,

mentor to someone else that goes through the same

and building up; we know how much stronger we are

situation. I want to be part of a generation known for their

together and how much collaboration can benefit our

radical love, fighting for the vulnerable, and supporting

individual causes.

the brokenhearted. I am hoping you will join me.

ELLA Inspires Magazine

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