A Mid October's Dream - "For Success"

Yesterday, I had the honor of serving on the host committee for the Baltimore chapter of Dress for Success's annual fashion show fundraiser.  The theme was "Hidden Dreams", a reflection of the organization's commitment to bringing light to the forgotten and underserved women of Baltimore, affectionately known as Charm City and it's surrounding areas!    The models of the show were a wonderful array of shapes, sizes and hues, including the reigning Mrs. Maryland Galaxy - Adrienne Watson Carver.    My guests for the evening were Yolanda Makle, Ms. Galaxy International 2011 and Tracey Jamison, Mrs. All-American Classic Woman 2010.  We were treated to a pre-show reception, full of fabulous light fare and deserts provided by one of the evening's sponsors Sullivan's Steakhouse, as well as champagne, soft drinks, tea and coffee.

This organization is very near and dear to my heart as it assists women in gaining some of the positive self-esteem and confidence attributes we often spout in our pageant endeavors.   In case you are not familiar with the mission of Dress for Success, let me share.  According to the national website "The mission of Dress for Success is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life."   While that is technically what they do, the inspiration and motivation they give women - by providing them with some of the tools they need to reclaim their status as employees and productive citizens proves they really do so much more.    The Baltimore chapter serviced more than 500 women last year alone!!!  It is my hope that the pageant community of Maryland will continue to assist this organization in any way possible!!!

World.....Universe....GALAXY!!

Congratulations to Yolanda Makle.....Ms. Galaxy 2011!!!!

 (Yolanda Makle, 2011 Ms. Galaxy Photogenic Winner)

(2011 Galaxy Pageants Queens.  Clockwise from top right - Teen, Ms, Mrs, Miss)

No stranger to pageantry, Yolanda is an amazing competitor who has won or placed runner up in several national pageants. 

  (4th runner up to Miss Galaxy 2005)

 

 (Ms. Belleza Latina 2009)

More than just a pretty face, this engineer &; businesswoman is a proud alum of the University of North Carolina and President of Yolanda Makle Photography!!!  Perhaps you're now thinking, "I've seen her somewhere before.  No, not at an appearance".  Well you're absolutely right.  In the summer of 2009, Yolanda beat a bevy of contestants, ultimately two other finalists, for the job of the Washington Nationals In-Game Co-Host!!!

Despite all her titles and placements, Yolanda's most notable contribution to the industry was the founding of the Ethnic World Pageant System in 2005.  Her vision for establishing the pageant was "to give ALL women of color the opportunity to help educate the world on cultural diversity".   With all that Yolanda has done through her time in pageantry and considering her very first Ethnic World teen queen has gone on to become Miss America her vision was dead on and has moved beyond women of color.

Continued success Yolanda as you move forward in showing the world what ANY woman can do a little tenacity, faith, preparation, hard work and motivation.