I am so very excited to announce that I will be serving as 2010's Mrs. Colorado American Queen. Here is a little information about how I came to this position, and what will be coming in the next few months ...
Several years ago, I was able to meet Connie Wallace, a woman I continue to respect and consider a mentor. Connie and her daughters had competed in numerous pageants, and felt like they were called to start a better system, one where contestants were truly treated as equals, and encouraged to have a good time. They started the American Queen system, and created a nonprofit organization for which titleholders would be spokespersons (DASH - Domestic Abuse Stops Here).
I was terribly impressed with this pageant and volunteered to help bring a state competition to Colorado. With her husband's health needing attention, and career changes in her future, Connie made the executive decision to hold off on a Colorado pageant. That very summer, announcements were made that Connie would be handing the pageant over to Sunjia Burks.
Within the last year, I have returned to pageantry, and also began promoting and establishing my own nonprofit, M.R.S. (Mothers Returning to School). So, I contacted Sunjia about stepping down as a volunteer, and applying for the title of Mrs. Colorado AQ. She obliged, and I was notified that my application had been accepted - and I was being appointed this title. How exciting!
The year ahead includes lots of community service projects, speaking engagements, and M.R.S. events. Additionally, I will be competing this summer at the national American Queen pageant, to be held in Florida.
Hold on, friends, it's going to be a fun year! :)
Jennifer Nackerud
