IT'S HERE! I leave for MISS IL USA in just under 48 hours & I'm celebrating with a pre-pageant podcast. I asked my Instagram audience what questions they had about MISS IL USA: You asked, I answered! In this episode, I have guest-host & best friend, Jackie Barnum, to dig into what my journey has been liked as I prepped for my very last state competition for Miss USA. It has been 8 years since I entered my first state competition at MISS OHIO USA 2017, it's been 4.5 years since I placed runner-up at MISS CA USA 2020, & 9 months since the Miss Universe organization changed its rules, allowing married women & women of all ages to compete. Clearly, this has been a long journey but also one of the greatest and life-altering experiences for me.

In this episode, Jackie & I dive into my journey leading up to MISS IL USA. What am I most nervous about? How did I find my coaches? How did I get approval from the Navy to compete? What was that process like? I tell ALL!

Thank you ALL so much for the love & support as I head into competition and for sending so many good vibes my way! Regardless of the outcome, I'm so grateful for this experience and the change to compete again, WHAT A DREAM!

Want to watch the competitive LIVE this weekend? Find details here:

https://pageantvision.com/

Vote People's Choice here:

https://www.missillinoisusa.com/vote

Sharing too much personal information online can make you vulnerable to identity theft, cyberbullying, and other forms of online harm. Being cautious about what you share helps safeguard your privacy and security. Social media platforms can unfortunately become breeding grounds for cyberbullying, harassment, and trolling.

In this episode, Miss Maryland 2023 Kennedy Taylor discusses why being mindful of your interactions and reporting inappropriate behavior helps create a safer online environment for everyone. Online scams and phishing attempts are prevalent, with scammers trying to steal personal information or money. Practicing caution and skepticism can help you avoid falling victim to such schemes. She also shares her balance between life as a cybersecurity professional and her responsibilities as the reigning Miss Maryland 2023.

Kennedy Taylor is a Senior Cybersecurity Consultant for Ernst and Young, where she specializes in Cybersecurity Supply Chain Risk Management (C-SCRM) for federal clients. She recently attained her Master’s in Cybersecurity Risk Management from Georgetown University and a professional certification in data privacy. Outside of her professional career, Kennedy won the title of Miss Maryland 2023 in June. For the first time in Maryland history, Kennedy brought home two preliminary scholarship awards from Miss America, totaling $6000, and placed in the Top 10. As Miss Maryland, she educates youth on internet safety best practices and advocates for adequate privacy regulations to protect youth through her service initiative, CyberSafe Kids. This year, Kennedy started a podcast called “Ladies Lead,” where she inspires & empowers women to break barriers. 

MY FRIENDS TELL ALL! Social media only shares part of the story, part of my personality, and part of who I am. My close friends & inner circle TRULY understand who I am and what I'm like, both in my "professional" modes and personal life after hours. In an attempt to bring you an inside look on my personal life, I brought two of my closest adult friends, Demi & Taylor, onto the show to share what it's really like to be friends with me? I met Demi at one of my events nearly three years ago & we later connected, quickly becoming one of my biggest support systems as I balance life as an event coordinator and MISS IL USA contestant. Taylor actually messaged me on Instagram! Although we originally connected on social media, I invited her to an intimate "Bachelor Viewing Party" at my apartment and we've been close ever since. These ladies have known me through my chapter in Chicago, see the behind-the-scenes work as I balance and #doboth, but also love me whether I am wearing a full glam high pony or a sloppy bun in sweatpants.

Wonder what it's like to be friends with me? Tune in for this tell all.

Follow my girls here! @demi.grenning and @midsizeinchi.

Being a female in the military can present unique challenges due to various factors, including historical gender norms, cultural perceptions, and organizational structures. Despite these challenges, many women in the military continue to excel and contribute significantly to their units and missions. Efforts to address gender disparities, promote inclusivity, and support the professional development of female service members are ongoing within the military.

Remember, self-care isn't selfish; it's essential. Prioritize

In this episode, fitness-enthusiast, model, and active-duty

Jarred graduated

Want to connect with Jarred? Find him on Instagram at @ltreididxon!

Starting a business isn't as daunting as it seems. All it takes is that first step forward. It's about embracing the journey, learning from mistakes, and staying persistent. Don't overthink it, just start, and let your passion drive you to success.

In this episode, co-owner of Aveil Pauline shares how she and her business partner launched their company only one year ago, re-branded, trusted each other, & dove into building their dream brand. Pauline explains how when you truly love something it's easier than you think to build a brand.

Love Pauline? Connect with her here!

Instagram: @paulinekulka @aveilbrides

Rent here! https://aveil.com/

You asked, we answered! In a very anticipated and highly demanded episode, we answer your biggest questions & provide personal tips on how to prepare for Plebe Summer journey at the US Naval Academy! In this episode, I bring on my #1 most-requested guest, Jackie Barnum, to talk about some never before shared memories, traumas, and personal prep tips before we headed into Plebe Summer 2010. Jackie Barnum was my roommate during plebe summer as well as all four years at the US Naval Academy & remains my best friend to this day, recently standing by my side as my Maid of Honor in my wedding. Quite literally my "day 1," she and I talk about our biggest shocks, our hardest moments, and best takeaways during this strenuous 8-week period of plebe summer.

Plebe Summer serves as an important rite of passage for incoming freshmen at the US Naval Academy, challenging them mentally, physically, and emotionally while preparing them for the demanding academic and military environment of the academy. "Plebe Summer" at the United States Naval Academy (USNA) is an intense six-week training program designed to prepare incoming freshmen, known as plebes, for the rigorous academic, physical, and military challenges they will face during their time at the academy. During Plebe Summer, new midshipmen undergo a series of demanding activities and training exercises aimed at instilling discipline, teamwork, and resilience.

Love jackie? Connect with her on Instagram @jackiee.barnum