NBCDI Banquet

Dam to Dam

Asian Heritage Festival

For 4 years I have volunteered at the Asian Heritage Festival. This was my first year in the Miss Black Iowa capacity. The festival draws over 20,000 people each year. I had a wonderful time greeting guests for all nationalities and walks of life.

Often times, as Americans, our first image of an Asian is one of a Chinese or Japanese individual. At this festival, over 15 countries are represented. Patrons have the opportunity to take their food, view, their art, and get a genuine authentic feel for their culture

This event exemplifies the purity of embracing diversity. I can't wait until next year.

Kingdom Seekers: Superwoman Conference

Women gathered in Johnston, Iowa to take part in an event designed to equip them to take their rightful place. I had the opportunity to be on a panel joined by Debra Carr-ISED, Shannon Rudolph-American Heart Association, and Des Moines Habitat for Humanity.

We fielded questions on saving, business ownership, spiritual and physical wellness, in addition to moral character.

City Pulse Interview

I had a wonderful time with the two fellas from City Pulse. They squeezed a 30 minute interview into a 10 minute second. The Miss Black Iowa Organzation has so much to talk about!! Check this link out!

http://jimbolism.com/tempolive/citypulse.html

YESS Duck Derby

Have you ever seen 25,000 ducks in a pond? Well, the YESS Duck Derby in Iowa makes that happen. I had the opportunity to volunteer on behalf of Bankers Trust. Hundreds of patrons gathered at Jordan Creek Mall for the event.

All proceeds go towards Youth Emergency Services & Shelter. (YESS) has been helping kids and parents be families since 1973. YESS provides emergency shelter, respite, crisis care, and counseling for children birth through age 17. They work with families dealing with a wide range of issues, including:

• Trouble at school (truancy, performance, relationships)
• Physical, sexual or psychological abuse in the home
• Runaways
• Drug and alcohol use
• Families in need of a support system
• Severe illness in the family
• Anger issues
• Homelessness
• Struggles resulting from divorce or a blended family situation