Women Empower One Another!

When looking into pageant systems and deciding which one was a best fit for me, International Pageants, Inc. was the highest recommended for a variety of reasons.  The foremost reason for me was joining a sisterhood of amazing incredible women who had the same drive and ambition that I do.

After winning my state title, I was thrust into my pageant family.  Little did I know what a pageant family would mean to me.  Since day one I have been surrounded by former titleholders guiding me and showing me the ropes.  I am actually the 89th titleholder to join the Cessna family, comprising women from Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.  My directors have been by my side as well making sure then when I step off the plane in Jacksonville, that I have the best chance possible to shine.

A unique thing that I have experienced in my preparation for the national pageant is working side by side with fellow competitors.  I prefer to call these fine women my sister queens. At my state pageant my makeup was done by Ceylone Boothe-Grooms, Mrs. Northeast International 2015 and former Mrs. New Jersey International 2013.   Immediately after being crowned, I served as the New Jersey state co-director for Models for Miracles, a fashion show benefiting local Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.  Models for Miracles is an organization run by Kimberly McDowell, Mrs. Kansas International 2015.  I modeled at the Lupus Awareness Night of Elegance Fashion Show with Andrea Graham, Mrs. Haiti International 2015.  I also have plans to work side by side with Alegra Woodard, Mrs. District of Columbia International 2015.  Even though these women are my direct competition for the title of Mrs. International 2015, we are always willing to help each other with platform work and appearances.  I also enjoy interacting with many other sister queens via our facebook contestant page.

 

I am eagerly looking forward to the national pageant in Jacksonville and being surrounded by other smart, driven, fearless woman who are just like me.  Even though only one lady will be crowned, we will all walk away with a new set of friends for life!

Live What You Love,
Amber Mack
Mrs. New Jersey International 2015

Light the Cauldron!

Last weekend I had the honor to attend the Special Olympics Summer Games for the state of New Jersey.  I attended the 3 day overnight event with a whopping 75 athletes and coaches.  We brought with the largest delegation in Mercer county and nearly the largest for the whole state.

The athletes from the Hamilton Area YMCA competed across several disciplines.  We had track and field, bocce, softball, and power lifting competitors.  I was fortunate enough to be a track and field coach for this round of games.

The weekend started off with the families dropping off the athletes at the dorms of The College of New Jersey.  Each athlete was greeted by a coach and were individually settled into their dorm room for the weekend.  I was able to use my RN skills again and had the chance to manage the medication sheets and distribution for the athletes as well.  After a group dinner we gathered for Opening Ceremonies.  First was the Law Enforcement Torch Run followed by the parade of athletes.  What a spectacle that was to see the stadium filled to the brim with cheering family, friends, and fans.  The athletes were pumped to be there and have such a warm reception.  After the ceremony we were treated to music and fireworks then it was back to the dorms to settle in for our first night.

The next morning we were off for a group breakfast and our first morning of competition.  Our whole group headed out to our staging area where we slathered on sunscreen and hydrated to stay ahead of the nearly 100 degree heat.  Like a well oiled machine, our athletes were escorted to their events by volunteer escorts and coaches.  Within minutes we were adding to our medal count.  Our day wrapped up with copious awards and a party in the stadium.

Our second night was a birthday party for our Head Coach and Special Kids Organized Recreation Coordinator, Patrick Jackson.  The athletes were so excited to share a special day with him, as they all look up to this tremendous individual.  Our second day was filled with more competition and enjoying activities inside Olympic Village.  Parents trickled in through out the day to watch the events and gather their athletes.

Several parents expressed enormous amounts of gratitude to the coaches and volunteers.  They explained that their children look forward to the games and can hardly wait to compete.  They went into further detail by explaining that it was also a respite for the caregivers and a chance to see their children in a different environment.  Several of our athletes were away from home overnight for the first time and we had the responsibility to ensure that they would be cared for.  All in all, everyone had a great time and plans are already in the works for Winter Games.  The event would not have been such a success without all the dedicated volunteers and coaches.  I urge you all to sign up and give Special Olympics a shot.  I promise you'll be hooked!  Visit www.specialolympics.org for more information on volunteering or donating.


Live What You Love,
Amber Mack
Mrs. New Jersey International 2015

Will You Be My Friend?

     Today I had the opportunity to attend a fundraiser at a local Dairy Queen location.  I was invited by a trainer from my gym who owns the franchise...yes I know a trainer that owns an ice cream store, irony at it's best :)   The event today was a fundraiser for the Christina S. Walsh Breast Cancer Foundation.  This organization donates money to cancer stricken patients to be used at their own discretion.  They can use it for medication, treatment, or anything they deem necessary to help them in a crucial time of their life.

     I went to the event knowing that there would be face painting, a DJ, crafts, and of course ice cream.  Upon my arrival I was greeted warmly by the chair person and the franchise owner.  Before I knew it I was given a behind the scenes tour and even took my turn at handing out the delicious frozen treats and change.  An hour or so into the event a sweet 7 year old girl came up to say hi to me at the craft table.  She introduced herself like so, "My name is Amaryllis, like the flower. What's yours".  Simple enough but as soon as I answered her eyes light up.  She immediately sat down and put me to work constructing a beaded bracelet.  She then asked what my job was as Mrs. New Jersey.  I told her as straight forward as I could that my job is to serve my community for an entire year.  I explained that a large part of my platform work involved Special Olympics and special needs children.  I told her that I am their friend and my job is to help them to compete.  She sat for a moment and then told me she had a question.  She leaned forward and whispered into my ear "Will you be my friend? I don't have any and school is hard for me.  I want to be a special kid so you can help me."  I was taken back a bit.  To me this was a charming little girl who wasn't afraid to greet a complete stranger.

For the rest of her time at the event I made it my mission to treat her like my friend.  We finished off her bracelet and then enjoyed some ice cream together.  Next up was some face painting and then another question from my new friend.  This was one that I was ready for! She asked if she could wear my crown and be a princess too. Of course I obliged and everyone there made a big to do over her.  We walked around and took pictures and let the other girls try it on as well.  Last up was some dancing to "Happy".  Before we knew it it was time for her to leave. She hugged me good bye and waved as she walked away to her car.

I went to this event to volunteer on National Cancer Survivor's Day and left with a new little friend.  It just goes to show you that God puts you right where you need to be.  Did I need to go to fulfill a promise to a friend or did I need to go because this girl needed a friend for the day.  I say the latter!  Experiences like these are what being Mrs. New Jersey International is all about.  I have had some amazing opportunities and  have attended elaborate events with much more to come my way, but impacting someones life with a smile and a hug will always go farther with me.

Live What You Love,
Amber Mack
Mrs. New Jersey International 2015

Flame of Hope

I just returned home from my 55th appearance since being crowned on March 28, 2015.  I can say that this has been the most awe inspiring and emotional experience so far.  I have reconfirmed to myself that I am doing what God has intended for me.

I was honored to be a part of the Special Olympics Unified Relay for The Flame of Hope that is traveling from Greece to the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics games this summer in Los Angeles.  I was sponsored today by a wonderful friend and small business owner, Neelma Patel of The Cakebox by Neelma!  I took part in the relay on the Munich Re Insurance team (my husband's company) for Segment 32 of the Northern Route for the flame. We were also joined by two Special Olympics athletes, one who is competing at the state level and one who is going on to world games!

Our relay started by being briefed by the SO staff.  Then we were met by a special torch team who set up our team torch and explained our duty.  We were informed that the flame we would be carrying was lit according to ancient Olympic procedures.  In Greece, a parabolic mirror was used to bounce sunlight into olive branches to produce the Olympic flame.  The flame was then transferred to a torch and ultimately to a miners lamp to get transported to the United States via UPS.  The flame was then split 3 ways to make its way to every continental state.  They all will come back together to light the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony in Los Angeles.

Our 2 athletes had the honor of doing the torch "kiss" where we met the previous relay team.  Up next was my turn to hold the flame.  This is going to sound super cheesy but when I took the flame and proudly held it up into the air I felt like time stood still.  I was lucky enough to be running down State Street right in front of the capitol building.  I felt the encouragement of my team and athletes behind me, people stopped in their tracks to cheer and clap, others hung out of nearby building windows while taking pictures.  We also had law enforcement in front of, behind, and beside of us during our segment.  As I ran I could feel the heat of the flame and I had a slew of emotions wash over me.  I did my best pageant girl wave and I knew that at that moment I was doing what God had chosen for me.  I was one very small part in bringing the flame from Greece to the Los Angeles to start the Special Olympic games and there is no other place I would have rather been at that exact point in time.

If you were touched by my story there is always a chance to volunteer.  The state games are coming to NJ June 12, 13, and 14.  The world games are in Los Angeles the last week of July.  For more information on the torch run please visit www.unifiedrelay.org.  For more information on Special Olympic events near you please visit www.specialolympics.org.

Live What You Love,
Amber Mack
Mrs. New Jersey International 2015

Conquer Your Fears

A few months ago I was asked to be the keynote speaker for the Memorial Day Services for my hometown of Bordentown, NJ.  I was given very light instructions that I was the comic relief and to keep it light.

Having never written a speech on my own for a presentation, I was beside myself with the task.  I came up with a plan to interview my father, a Vietnam Veteran, and to try to incorporate my platform work, as well as a call to action to the people present that day.  Interviewing my dad was the easy part...putting in my platform info was not so bad either.  The tricky part for me was to tie at all together in a way that way interesting and informative.  I wanted to be patriotic and professional at the same time.

Weeks ticked by and I found myself busy with appearances, pageant prep, my family, and my costume business.  Finally after much anticipation I sat down the week of the event and started writing.  I incorporated the information that my dad gave me and I also scoured the internet for historically accurate information reguarding Memorial Day and it's meaning to America.  When it came to incorporating my platform work with the Special Olympics I found myself writing from the heart.  To me, my athletes carry some of the same traits that our brave soldiers have.  Lastly, I tied it all together by urging everyone to find a cause that they connect with.

The day of the event I was prepared and ready to go.  Little did I know that my 5 minute speech would have such a lasting impact.  The crowd was gathering and all the heroes of Bordentown startled to assemble, the band was there, and many members of the local and state government too.  In all 250 people gathered to pay there respects to our fallen heroes.  I was the first speaker of the day and I delivered my words with as much poise and confidence as I could muster.  Up next was a retired Master Sergeant and when he got up to speak he said that he was nervous to follow my speech, what a compliment!  

The ceremony ended after much pomp and circumstance and I was filled with emotion.  The event organizer as well as several uniformed service members told me that I was suprisingly refreshing.  I think that when I showed up in crown and banner they all expected something very different.  I'm glad that I was able to exceed their expectations and educate everyone there.  For days afterward I received emails, messages, and thank you's from people in public.  

What I learned from this whole experience is that is okay to step out of your comfort zone and do something you're not quite ready for.  By taking a risk I was able to impact the lives of the people in attendance that day.  

Below is an excerpt from the closing of my speech

"Today I would like to challenge all of you to become an everyday hero and answer the call of duty. Find a charity that interests you, volunteer at a local church or school, and support your community organizations and small businesses. The smallest efforts on our parts can make the most profound impacts in the lives of others."

Live What You Love,

Amber Mack 

Mrs. New Jersey International 2015