This will be short and sweet. Fresh off my latest pageant event, I’m sharing why pageant judging is my jam. So… Let’s talk about Beauty Pageants!

Zozibini Tunzi – Miss Universe 2020

Over the years beauty pageants have become the topic of many “pro and con” conversations. I even once denounced them, a long time ago, and then decided to give it a try. Sparing you the details of the grueling rehearsals and the large amounts of money it seemed I was pouring into the endeavor at every turn, not to mention the racism embedded in it (I’ll save that for another blog post), I wound up 2nd runner up to Miss Black Atlanta in 1983, the year I graduated college. I can honestly say, even after almost 40 years (Yep, I just said that, YIKES!!!) pageants haven’t changed much at all. After my experience, I swore I’d never do it again. Competing just wasn’t my thing. But I always knew I’d be a coach or a judge one day, because I saw so much to be gained from pageant participation. And I still get to wear a gown, so there you go!

Mentoring

I’ve been a mentor to pre-teen and teenage girls, young women and women of all ages. Many years after my trial pageant experience, I dabbled in pageant coaching, but soon realized what I called “coaching” was really mentoring. People who pageant coach are in competitions of their own, having to solidify records of wins and finalist placements to secure their credibility. I wasn’t so much concerned with my pageant girls winning the title as I was with them ultimately winning in life. I’ve always said: “I want to give you the tools you need to wear an invisible crown and reign as queen for life, not just a year.” 

Why I Do It

For years there have been many spirited debates on whether or not pageants are legitimate outlets for young girls and women. Back in the day pageants were charged with objectifying women and putting too much emphasis on outward appearance. But over the years pageants evolved and this messaging faded away for the most part. Today, I’m an avid proponent of pageant participation. I think they do so much for building self-esteem and confidence, poise and presence, and training in public speaking and interviewing skills; all things that will be valuable to them as they journey on in life, becoming successful, stand-out women in whatever endeavors they pursue. Pageants are also wonderful platforms to promote camaraderie and sisterhood.

They call me The Pageant Whisperer

While I continue to mentor, I’m more of a pageant fairy Godmother, supporting the young ladies in my life as they pursue their dreams in the pageant world. I was deemed “The Pageant Whisperer” by one of my mentees back in 2015 and it stuck! Just a few of the special ladies I’ve coached, advised and/or mentored…

Monique Wilhite – Mrs. Arizona International 2014 & Arizona State Pageant Director

Me with (from left) Holly McCune – Mrs. International 2013, Kara Washington – Mrs. International 2015 (@dancingkueen4), and Monique Wilhite – Mrs. Arizona International 2014 & current Arizona State Pageant Director (@azinternationaldirector)

(From Miss Teen USA 2017) Stunningly poised and gorgeous, Paige Robinson, Miss Teen Indiana 2017 and 3rd runner up Miss Teen USA 2017 (2nd from right) and I spent a little time together brainstorming and rehearsing. (@paigeleneigh)

Chloe Hiller – Miss Arizona High School 2020 & First Runner-up Miss High School America 2020 – I loved participating in mock interviews and talent run-throughs with this beautiful pageant girl inside and out. (@teamchloeinfo)

National American Miss Pageant

I was so honored again this year, to be asked to serve as one of the overall judges for The National American Miss (better known as NAM) Arizona and Nevada State pageants over the Labor Day weekend. Of course this year was a little different from last year, given that we’re dueling it out with COVID. The organization, led by Ryan and Breanne Ewing, did a stellar job of making the event safe for all the contestants, judges, crew, audience, and all participants. Even with less people, per hotel and event guidelines, it was still a spectacular, flawlessly, socially distanced event! Memories from 2019 and 2020…

 (@nambreanne, @nationalamericanmiss, @aplucknett, @queenofdiamondsaz, @mrsnevadainternational2019, #CorinaMunson, #DonnaDonati)

For the second year in a row, I had such a wonderful time fulfilling my duties and interacting with my sister judges, and would gladly submit my time again if honored to be asked back!

(@nambreanne, @nationalamericanmiss, @ashlynn_richey, @thearizonabarbie, #RebeccaPierreCharles, #DonnaDonati, #Contestant103)

Closing Argument

In the end, I think it’s good for girls to participate in at least one pageant, after which they can decide for themselves if they want to continue and do more, or chalk it up as one and done. As for me, I’ll continue to be the Pageant Whisperer upon request, and enjoy every aspect of pageant spectatorship, haha!!! :)xo