Welcome to The Miss Kentucky Plus America Pageant
2013 From Director Cynthia E. Elliott I am humbled that God has blessed me with the opportunity to help transform lives. Crown and Glory Productions is honored to present the Miss Kentucky Plus America Pageant. Our message is simple. Beauty starts from within and all women are beautiful! The Miss Kentucky Plus America Delegates are beautiful, dedicated and community-oriented women. They want to win the crown not just for themselves, but also for the benefit of others in our society, through the promotion of worthy causes and issues. Thank you for supporting the Delegates. They will walk across the stage knowing, that they will never walk alone.
Miss Kentucky Plus America Schedule Saturday March 30, 2013 Welcome- Executive Director Opening Number Introduction of Emcee- Esther Renee Brandon Acknowledgement of Military Service Honor Guard Presentation Fashion Show Scene 1 Acknowledgement & Thank you Introduction of Judges Fashion Show Scene 2 Elegant Pant wear Competition Fashion Show Scene 3 Evening Gown & On Stage Question Fashion Show Scene 4 Intermission- People Choice Voting Model Introductions 2012 Reigning Queen’s Final Walk Awards and Crowning Closing Photo Opportunity
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Introducing Queen Esther of Queen Esther Speaks, LLC. The Original QF7 (trainer, speaker, facilitator, life coach, talk show host, author, spokes model and performing artist) Purpose Queen Esther is living a life of purpose as she uses her life experiences and professional skill sets to help others discover their PURPOSE. She ascribes to the philosophy that it is difficult to live a truly transparent and authentic life if one lack’s self-awareness, confidence, and -love. Growing up, Esther experienced low self-esteem, was suicidal and battled eating disorders. Upon overcoming her past pains, she turned them into a platform as an advocate and champion of change for females nationwide. Her message is to discover the greatness that lives within all of us and to seek to “Be You…Do You…Love You!” She’s on an active quest to have women embrace the BUDULU lifestyle as she travels the nation to work with those that desire encouragement and insight to conquer their Self-Esteem Monsters (SEMs). Queen Esther’s number one goal is to help as many females as possible be more comfortable in their own skin, take action to become their best selves by living on PURPOSE, and loving all that they are and ever hope to be!
Profession For over 18 years Queen Esther led others to discovering their personal and professional gifts via the training and development profession in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. To put one label on the eclectic mix of Queen Esther’s career – she is a Performance Improvement Engineer closing personal and professional performance gaps with tools and interventions used by Human Resource Development high performing professionals. Pupil As an advocate of lifelong learning, Queen Esther most recently completed coursework towards the pursuit of a PhD in Workforce Development and Education with an emphasis on Human Resource Development (HRD) and Adult learning from The Ohio State University (OSU). She has earned a MA, MBA, and numerous professional certifications and accreditations over the span of her academic and professional career. Most notably, she has earned the designation of Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), Certified Six Sigma Black Belt, and Certified Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Facilitator. Pageant With a given name of Esther, it’s only fitting that she be destined to wear a crown. After experiencing the adrenaline rush of taking the stage and performing for others during an 8th grade pageant; she participated in dance, theatre, and modeling from pre-teen into early adulthood. Little did she realize that performing arts and pageantry were healing many of her selfesteem woes. In 2010 she returned to the pageantry circuit armed with the mission to take her platform of promoting a healthy self-esteem nationwide and eventually global. She knew a national pageant title and crown would be the key to open that door to the world. Insert key – unlock – door opens – Queen Esther walked through on July 17, 2010 when she was crowned as the 2010 Ms. Plus America. Has she turned in her pageant dresses and shoes? Only time will tell! Personal Esther is a creative individual with a love for the arts – performance, culinary, and crafts. She enjoys writing poetry and performing original/non-original work in spoken word format. Esther has aspirations to being published sharing her poetry, children’s stories and notes of inspiration. Esther is a lifelong dancer turned choreographer with an appreciation for living and advocating healthy lifestyle choices and holistic wellness. She is an avid collector of all things concerning rhinos, butterflies, poodles and peacocks. Residing in Ohio, Queen Esther is engaged to a wonderful King and looks forward to starting her own little ‘Royal Family’ in the near future.
2013 Official Judges Mrs. Rona Dawson: Rona Dawson is a former baton and modeling school owner that has judged over fifty pageants. Rona has twice judged the state finals for the Teen Miss Kentucky County Fair, the Southern Charm Nationals twice, Hemisphere Pageants, Miss Kentucky local pageants, numerous County Fair pageants across the Commonwealth, and more. Rona has served twelve years as a local government appointed official and she currently administers a 501c (3) college scholarship program for high school seniors. She has a long history of community volunteerism and board service and encourages others to do the same.
Mr. Todd McGill: Todd McGill is a 39 year old native of Frankfort. He received his Bachelor of Science in Merchandising, Apparel, and Textiles from the University of Kentucky in 1997 and graduated right here in Frankfort from Franklin County High School in 1992. He works as a real estate agent with Rainey, Jones, and Shaw Realtors and has specialized in historic properties for the past eight years. He now resides in his own historic home in Old Louisville. He is an active volunteer and committee member for The Saint James Court Art Show, which is one of the largest juried art shows in the nation. He has been involved in the pageant system for the last nine years coaching and judging for various pageant systems. He is currently a director with The Miss Central Kentucky Scholarship Pageant which is a preliminary to the Miss Kentucky and Miss America Pageant.
Ms. Kristie Powe: Ms. Powe is a Former Manager for AT&T and currently serves as Owner and CEO of her own business My Southern Senses. She attended Fisk University on an Academic Scholarship and is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. Recently, she was featured in “Who's Who of American Women� in 2012. Ms. Powe is a novice Pageant judge.
Mr. Jason Scott: Jason Scott is 37 years old, graduated from Ball State University where he studied journalism and marketing and now lives in Louisville, KY. Jason has a passion for restoration of historic homes and protecting historic neighborhoods. He has assisted in pageant systems for the last seven years and now works in the health insurance industry.
Miss Kentucky Plus America 2012 Lakoya “Koy” Manning I am extraordinary because I was born to an extraordinary woman. I never saw myself in a crown or as a queen. My friends call me, "a lady like tomboy". Which is a way of saying, I love sun dresses and lipstick, I'm not afraid to ride a four wheeler, jump in a lake full of fish, shoot the biggest gun at the range and cheer for my Kentucky Wildcats like crazy. Me in a pageant? No way! When I heard of the Indian Summer Camp, I thought of my aunt. I wanted to help this amazing organization. I did. I heard about the Miss Plus America organization. Plus size women being honored for their lifestyles and for helping others. I was hesitant. After seeking God for a sign, I sought to make noise for childhood cancer to highlight the organization and the happy children who were not letting illness bring them down.
During my reign, I have started a comedy benefit fundraiser featuring local talent. The Mr. And Miss Survivor Pageant, for cancer fighters and survivors. I have been on local and national TV. Now, people recognize me in the grocery store. Thanks to the Thompson family, I have been in parades. I attended the Susan G. Coleman Cancer Walk. I have judged local charitable pageants .I received the key to the city from the mayor himself. I wanted to make a difference and I did. But, I didn't expect the difference it made in me. It has been life changing. I needed saving and I didn't even know it. I smiled in public, but I was drowning in my own pain and shame. I wasn't proud of who I was. I wasn't proud of my body. But I am now. I appeared confident. I wasn’t. But I am now Special Thanks to Michelle Anderson, who inspired me and helped me heal. Lisa, Richard and Dakota Kuiper. Meeting you has been worth it all. To those who voted me Miss Congeniality Plus America 2012, thank you. To the extraordinary women who accepted me for the misfit woman that I am. I say misfit with pride. I am honored. From the bottom of my heart Thank you I will remember this for the rest of my life I poured my heart into saving others. I had no idea that a "pageant system" would end up saving me. Lisa Kuiper you were right, "some heroes don't wear caps, some wear crowns". God needed to first show me there was nothing wrong with me. Now he is going use me. I am excited to move forward. This is not my farewell walk. My journey has just begun.
Lakoya “Koy” Manning 2012 Miss. Kentucky Plus America
Ms. Kentucky Plus America 2012 Kimberly Cecil - Jones GOD is amazing and rewards those that truly love and seek Him. As the 2012 Ms. Kentucky Plus America and Ms. Kentucky Plus America Supreme, it has been an absolute dream come true for me. This year of reign has allowed me multiple opportunities to promote the things that are closest to my heart such as; my faith in Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior, my platform the Kentucky Kidney Foundation and self-esteem in Girls and Women all over my state. Because of this wonderful pageant system that allows Women that wear double digits in size, I was honored when I was called upon to meet with Governor Steve Beshear to discuss awareness of my platform of chronic kidney disease, symptoms and what we could do as a state to prevent this insidious disease. I was overjoyed when I was selected at my church, Bates Memorial in Louisville to be showcased at our Women's Day celebration as a role model and testimony of GOD's miracle working abilities. I represented our state in the national Miss Plus America pageant and came back to Kentucky as your 2012 Ms. Plus America. Look at GOD! I still continue to feel that this is surreal to be on television and radio doing interviews, seeing myself in magazines and newspapers showing that is a new "curvy" revolution and that all Women should feel good about themselves, no matter their size. I'm so thankful and grateful to have had this once in a lifetime chance of making a difference as Ms. Kentucky Plus America. I have to thank Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior for even getting me here, my family and friends for their love and support, my Bates Memorial church family for their unceasing prayers, Senior Pastor Dr. F. Bruce Williams (Pastor Dad) of Bates Memorial for his mentoring of my ministry and ever present help, Ms. Cynthia Elliott, Kentucky’s state Director for her encouragement and lastly, the Miss Plus America pageant for allowing Women to live their dreams. To my precious Delegates, have faith in the One that created you and know that you are wonderfully and marvelously made. You are fabulous and remember......Dreams do come true! GOD loves us too much to let us down!
Kimberly Cecil-Jones 2012 Ms. Plus America 2012 Ms. Kentucky Plus America 2012 Queen Supreme
Mrs. Kentucky Plus America 2012 Lisa Kuiper Tonight I try to remind myself of Dr. Seuss’s quote, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened!” This is such a bittersweet moment; I will forever wear my crown, not on my head but always in my heart. I must first thank my heavenly father for the many blessings showered upon me not only this past year but throughout my life. I have been truly blessed. I would like to express my gratitude to the Miss Plus Kentucky and Miss Plus America organizations for allowing me to be part of a pageant committed to plus size women. A system devoted to celebrating the essence of the full figured woman is more than needed in today’s society. No amount of television or newspaper press, no parade, or recognition will ever measure the personal changes this pageant system has made for me. The confidence and self empowerment that I have gained is immeasurable. I am proud of the work I have done working with my platform “Crusading for Children with Special Needs.” My work does not end here. My relationships with the WHAS Crusade for Children and the Miss Wheelchair Kentucky Pageant will continue to grow. I have developed life time friendships, a sisterhood like no other. To Kim and Koy, it has been my pleasure to celebrate this past year with you. Late night phone calls, dance practices, and many prayers in the dressing room will never be forgotten. Thompson family, thank you for all of your support and encouragement. Anna and Samantha, you are the definition of role models. A heartfelt thank you to all of my friends and family for always being there. Mom and Dad, your encouragement and unconditional love has been a constant in my life. You now know I will never be a pro-baseball player. My inspirations through it all, Richard and Dakota. I want to thank you most of all Richard. Mr. Taxi driver, financial supporter, personal assistant, my rock and my best friend. This journey would not have been possible without your love and support. I love you to the moon and back. Dakota, I can only hope that Mommy has made you proud. I promise you that all of my free time is now yours. This was my year, now we focus on you and your many adventures. You are my heart and soul. Remember you can do anything in life just believe. Dream big baby girl! To all of delegates no matter the outcome, you are and always will be beautiful inside and out. I wish you the best of luck in all of life’s endeavors. I leave this advice to Mrs. Kentucky Plus America 2013, enjoy tonight! Cherish this moment and all future opportunities. This is only the beginning of your journey. Remember it is not what the crown can do for you, it is what you can do with the crown. As my reign comes to an end there are no goodbyes, wherever I go, you will be in my heart. Bless you all!
Lisa Kuiper 2012 Mrs. Kentucky Plus America
2013 Delegates Laura Broughton Title: Miss Lexington Plus America 2013 Platform: Forget-Me-Not My name is Laura Broughton, Miss Lexington Plus America 2013. I'm originally from Pleasureville, Kentucky but currently live in Lexington where I attend school. My platform is Forget-Me-Not: Alzheimer's Research. In the fall of 2012, I started an Alzheimer's Benefit concert series called "Forget-Me-Not" in my home county which raised $1000 for Alzheimer's research. Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and it cannot be prevented, cured, or even slowed. Since 2000, deaths from Alzheimer's disease have risen more than 66% in the United States. Both of my maternal grandparents have Alzheimer's and I hope that one day, no one will have to see their parents, grandparents, siblings, or spouses suffer from such a cruel and devastating disease fittingly-appropriately nicknamed "The Long Goodbye." I have a Bachelor of Arts degree from Transylvania University in Applied Vocal Music and Spanish Language and Literature. I am currently a first year student at the top five nationally ranked University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy. I recently got accepted to the competitive dual degree program offered through the top twenty-five University of Kentucky College of Public Health. I will graduate in 2016 with a Doctorate in Pharmacy and a Masters in Public Health focusing on epidemiology, with the hopes of becoming an infectious disease pharmacist working on a global scale. Laura Broughton, Miss Lexington Plus America 2013. PharmD Candidate 2016, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy.
Latisha Rochelle Bethel Title: Ms. Newburg Plus America 2013 Platform: Autism Awareness My platform is Autism Awareness and being a mother of an Autistic son, I want to advocate, educate, and empower others. I want to advocate Autism by spreading the word about the condition. I plan to educate others about what Autism is, the signs, and some of the resources available if needed. I seek to empower others who have been down or are going down the road I've traveled so that they'll too know that there's hope. One interesting thing about me is that I am a local model for Ashley Stewart clothing store in hopes of one day becoming a Plus Size model!
2013 Delegates Lisa Lias Title: Ms. Frankfort Plus America 2013 Platform: Imported from the heart, Inc. Lisa C. Lias is the founder of Imported from the Heart, Inc. It is a non-profit organization that promotes service to others through random acts of kindness. She believes that lives are changed through even the smallest act of kindness such a kind word, a smile or buying the person's meal in the drive through behind you. Lisa holds a bachelor's degree in sociology from Delta State University and is currently enrolled in the Executive Leadership and Organizational Change Program at Northern Kentucky University. Her passion for inspiring others has led her to operating in various leadership roles throughout Frankfort. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Capital City Toastmasters and Frankfort Women Leading Change. Lisa is currently a Residence Hall Manager at Kentucky State University and serves as a pastor at the Church of Acts Fellowship, Intl. In her spare time she enjoys reading Nicholas Sparks books, shopping, traveling, being a Mary Kay Consultant, riding four wheelers on the creek, road trips, meeting new people and naps with her Yorkie.
Toniya Coles Title: Mrs. Clark County Plus America 2013 Platform: No Child Left Hungry Toniya Coles is a Miss Kentucky Plus America Pageant contestant representing Winchester, Clark County, KY. She works for the Clark County Public Schools Division of Transportation and also has her own catering company. As a pageant contestant, Mrs. Coles has chosen to support and promote” No Child Left Hungry” a grassroots initiative to feed needy children and their families. In her passion for the program, Mrs. Coles has helped to establish food campaigns to help feed struggling families. Mrs. Coles is also an active church member, where she serves as a local Exhorter, on the church board, serves as the church treasure, and works to recruit other to help feed the hungry. As Mrs. Clark County Plus America, Mrs. Coles believes that if Jesus could feed a multitude of 5000, with two fishes and five loaves of bread, then people service as the living body of Christ can do the same. “If we let God have His ways, we can feed the world.”
2013 Delegates Shellie Williams Title: Mrs. Louisville Plus America 2013 Platform: Family Self Sufficiency Shellie Lanise Williams (44) from Louisville, Kentucky. I am the reigning 2013 Mrs. Louisville Plus America. I am married to Bankie Williams. I have two son's Domanique (21) and Damontre (14), I am the grandmother of the beautiful Zy'Anna (8 months). I have been in the hair industry for 26 years; I own and work as a stylist at Headz Up Hair & Nail Salon. I am a graduate of Jefferson Community College with an Associate of Science/Human Service and Suda East Butler Traditional High. With the title of Mrs. Kentucky Plus America my goal is to bring light and awareness on my platform of the Family Self-Sufficiency Program. This program was near and dear to my heart because by being an example of this program, given a true testimony of where I started from and where this program has taken me. I lived in Iroquois Homes (Projects) after living there a few years I was able to apply for their Section 8 program (allowing me to live in place of my choice). One year from entering into this program I was always seeking to grow myself (being a single mom) and show my children that you can advance yourself if you just seek and take opportunities. After being in the Self-Sufficiency Program I entered into the Home Owner Partnership program. I became a proud home owner in March of 2005. With my title of Mrs. Kentucky Plus America I intend to promote and bring awareness to this awesome program that I have had the pleasure of growing and achieving my goals and dreams. Over the years I have spoken to individuals about this program and to my amazement they had never heard of it and or have any knowledge of the Family Self-Sufficiency Program.
“The Perfect Maid” Good Luck Laura Broughton Miss Lexington Plus America!
Congrats and Good luck Ms Lisa! Love Tiara
Lisa C. Lias
Ms. Frankfort Plus America
Blessings from Bishop Gardner Yates and First Lady Peggy Yates. We love you.
Blessings Clarissa and Renee' “For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. “ Jeremiah 29:11
Lisa C. Lias Ms. Frankfort Plus America
Good Luck Toni
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Fashion Show 2012
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