Miss New York 2011 Spring Workshop

The Miss NY Class of 2011 gathered all together for the first time at the St. George Theatre in Staten Island on Saturday for spring workshop and orientation. Beyond turning in paperwork and talent requests, the girls had a chance to perform their talents in front of a panel, learn stage choreography and walking tips from Kent Parham, our show producer, learned all about pageant week and the production theme, and shared some time with me talking about interview and what it's really like to be Miss NY. It is such a beneficial day to really get informed, focused and motivated. But even more fun, I think it's great to meet all the girls! Take a look at a video of the day!!

NY1 video: St. George Theatre To Host Miss New York Pageant
SiLive.com: At St. George Theatre, Miss New York hopefuls get taste of new site

We took some fantastic photos in the theatre and you can see a few below. More on Facebook on the Miss NY Org page and my photo album. Official Headshots will go up on the Miss New York website shortly!!

All Miss and Teen Contestants - Miss New York 2011

"The Doctors" TV Show

At the end of February I was whisked away on an airplane one Sunday evening to Tampa, Florida. Just a few weeks prior I had been asked to interview on CBS's "The Doctors"!

Once I walked outside the airport in Tampa, I was welcomed by the warm Florida weather!

My mother served as my travel companion for this trip, and we were picked up from the airport and then taken to our hotel where I met with the producers of the show to plan for the days ahead! I was invited to film a segment about Alopecia. Once we began conversing about the segment in the weeks preceding the filming, I suggested we showcase the effects of Alopecia not only on your head, but inside as well. I didn't want this piece to just be about the "bald beauty queen", but rather the impact we can have as members in this organization.

My business manager had received a letter from an employee of a school in Plant City, FL. In the letter, she shared about Brooke, one of her students who happens to also have Alopecia. She has been isolated and bullied in school, and can't seem to find her way. Brooke, a twelve year old fifth grader, has had Alopecia since she was an infant.

Apparently, this school worker heard about a Miss America contestant who also had Alopecia, and so she did some research and brought in a handful of news articles for Brooke to see. Brooke became enamored and really wanted to meet me. So, the school wrote in to "The Doctors" about me, and how much Brooke looked up to me and within weeks, I received a call inviting me to film a segment with her!

Little did I know, I would be in on one of the greatest surprises of my life! Brooke had NO idea I was coming to see her. Her little sister was even in on the secret! The plan was for me to surprise Brooke at home Sunday evening, with the cameras behind me and without the wig. And just as I rang the door bell of her home and walked through the doors, she saw my face and knew exactly who I was, even without the crown! The expression on her face was priceless; she was speechless. I felt like I was witnessing a celebrity siting! It was then that I realized the true power of the crown. This young girl idolized me for being brave enough to be on national television and show people that it is okay to be different- even in the world of pageants.

That night, Brooke finally warmed up about fifteen minutes later and found her voice. And once she did, we talked all night. And when I had to leave to get some rest, she asked if I could just stay in her room that night! It was so sweet to see how easily she warmed up to me. We both talked about going around without a wig, and she asked about how I explained Alopecia to my friends and people I meet. She asked if I ever had a boyfriend, and if people cared that I was bald. Answering those questions are so important because I wanted her to know that her hair, or lack thereof, should never hold her back from being the girl she wants to be.

The next morning, and the second surprise, was that I would be visiting Brooke's school with her and giving a presentation in front of the whole school about respecting others. I met with Brooke to ask her what exactly she would like for me to talk about, and whether or not I should wear my wig. She decided that I should, and so as I spoke to her peers about the fact that each of us are very different, and if we were all the same, the world would be a boring place! Then, I asked Brooke to join me at the front of the hall, and I announced that Brooke and I have something very unique in common- and I took my wig off. From the looks on their faces, none of them knew I had Alopecia until that moment! It was priceless!

After taking off my wig, I educated the students on Alopecia and let them know that it is not contagious and it is not terminal. And when I opened the floor for questions, over half of them raised their hands. Some of the questions were very similar to Brooke's, and as an effort to get Brooke to open up to her peers and hopefully feel comfortable sharing her own story, I asked her to answer some of the questions. Over the three days I was in Florida I saw her gradually open up and feel more comfortable with herself, and this was the start of that process.

That afternoon was the third surprise of the trip! One of the two wig designers I work with happens to be based in Tampa- not far from Plant City. Bobbi Russell, owner of Hair Therapy for Women, creates one of a kind hair pieces for women with all types of hair issues, from patchy balding, to thinning hair and of course, total baldness. Bobbi designed some of my hair before the Miss Delaware Pageant, and later I referred Miss Nebraska to her before the Miss America Pageant. Bobbi still provides Theresa's hair to this day.

I called Bobbi and asked if she wanted to be involved and possibly show Brooke a few replacement options. Brooke loved my hair so much, but her family could not afford a natural hair piece. Bobbi said without hesitation that she wanted to help in any way she could. So, Brooke, her mother, the cameras and I visited Hair Therapy for Women and Bobbi surprised Brooke with a free wig of her choice! And the funniest twist of all, was that Brooke selected the same piece Teresa and I wear!

Brooke lit up the minute she tried on the wig- it was like she was a whole new, confident girl! Not often do I suggest wearing a wig to young girls with Alopecia, but I do believe it is a personal choice, and if it makes you feel more confident, then why not?

All in all, the trip to Florida was beyond successful- it was life-changing. I feel blessed to have been a part of this segment and cannot wait to be a part of Brooke's life from here forward. She has been text messaging me and staying in close contact. And while I was in Florida I learned that the teeny-weeny little town Brooke lives in is also the hometown of my good friend, Miss Florida, Jaclyn Raulerson. Ironically, her father is even the Mayor of the town! In all the towns throughout the country, I was sent to her hometown. So thankfully, we were able to get together and catch up. I have been missing my Miss America sisters, so I loved every second of our visit!

Brooke and I were excited to learn that we would be reuniting in Los Angeles March 4th for the interview segment with the stars and hosts of "The Doctors". When we made it to LA I called, Jennifer, a friend of mine from the National Alopecia Areata Foundation who has had Alopecia since she was an infant. I knew that Brooke had never met another person who had Alopecia before she met me, and so I wanted to introduce her to someone else who could relate to what she is going through.

Ultimately, the finished product was incredible. I loved watching the piece when it recently aired. I cannot thank the Miss Delaware and Miss America Organizations enough for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of this segment, and also to CBS and "The Doctors" for inviting me to be on the program. After quite a long month of not so great news from my own doctor, this piece renewed my energy and my spirit to continue my year with so much love and grattitude for this experience.

Thinking about it much later and really reflecting on the impact I made in Brooke's life, it brings me tears of such great joy. THIS is why I love my job. Is it always easy? No. Is it always fun? No. But, is it rewarding? Yes.

February 8-February 20

Hello Friends!

February was quite a busy month! And by far, one of the most interesting yet! It all began with a few exciting appearances, like the Rotary Club Meeting in Hockessin where I was asked to visit and speak about my platform, and my Miss America experience. Anyone who knows me, knows that 5:30am wake-up calls are not my favorite thing in the whole world, but this appearance was completely worth it! Thank you to the Rotary Club for being so welcoming and sincere! I had such a wonderful time.

That same afternoon was one of my favorite appearances of the year- the Miss CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) America Pageant at our local Children's Miracle Network Hospital. Every visit to CHOP always warms my heart, and reminds me of how grateful I am to not only be Miss Delaware, but also to be healthy and have the opportunity to give back, and change the lives of others. While at the Miss CHOP America Pageant, I had the fortune of reuniting with my Miss America sisters and friends, Miss NJ, Ashleigh Udalovas, and Miss PA, Courtney Thomas. The three of us performed our hearts out and absorbed every moment of that day. There were two parts to the competition- on stage question, and talent. The pageant was even broadcast live throughout the hospital so that all the patients who were not able to attend, could still enjoy the show!

Wednesday, February 9, I visited one of my favorite sponsors, Carrie at the Hockessin Day Spa. I was definitely in need of a facial and until this year, never fully understood the importance of upkeep for your skin! Carrie and I always talk the whole time and catch up on everything we have going on, so it's like productive girl-time! The rest of the day was spent running errands- yep, Miss Delaware's have to-do lists, too!

Thursday, February 10, I performed and spoke at the Milford Senior Center for a group of lively and welcoming seniors who LOVED my dancing. Thank you, Doris, for inviting me to visit that day, and allowing my father to be a part of the audience as well. I hope they all enjoyed the show!

The next two days were filled with meetings and even... Wedding Planning! After nearly five years together, Kevin proposed and so that weekend we were excited to start exploring wedding venues and options! Then, on Sunday I was delighted to spend the afternoon with the Miss Delaware's Outstanding Teen Contestants at their Contestant Orientation. Katelyn, MDOT 2010, spoke beautifully about her experiences during her reign and at the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant, her mother then spoke, and I was lucky enough to shed some light on the preparation process and the competition itself. It was important to me that the contestants know how much they will gain just from being part of the MAOT program. I competed in the very first MDOT Pageant in 2005, and placed 1st Runner-Up to the talented and lovely, Carly Economos (who led on to be selected as 3rd Runner-Up at the Miss Delaware Pageant this past year). Even though I was not selected as MDOT, the experience afforded me the opportunity to better understand our program, and get a jump-start on my preparations toward becoming Miss Delaware one day!

That week I was honored by the Insurance Commissioner's office, interviewed by FourPoints Magazine, and had a fashion show wardrobe fitting. But, I also experienced a medical emergency and therefore spent several hours in doctor's offices. I am on the road to recovery, but please do keep me in your prayers.

Saturday, February 19, was the start of a VERY busy week! I was starting to feel a little better but still needed to take it easy. That evening I co-emceed the Southern Lights of Life Event at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino for the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition! This is truly one of my favorite appearances every year! I have volunteered with these ladies for a few years now, and always leave this event very inspired. I usually visit the ladies during rehearsal and back stage without my wig. They all know my story, but it lets them know there are people out there who appreciate their bravery for sharing their experiences as well. Chris Saltalamaccio, Mr. Delaware 2008 and my dear friend, co-emceed the pageant with me and we had the time of our lives. To know these women (and one male) are all breast cancer survivors just brings me to tears each year when I see them confidently walk the same runway we, as contestants, walk at the Miss Delaware Pageant each year- it just warms my soul. I left feeling blessed for the opportunity to even share the stage with them, and completely renewed in my joy for my job as Miss Delaware.

Sunday, February 20, I visited the Bridal Show as a guest of Lady's Image who offers a discount for Miss Delaware. It was a beautiful show, and I loved seeing all of the dresses, and of course, cake testing! I got some great ideas for my own wedding!

Thankfully, Debbie from Lady's Image was understanding with time, because I had to leave rather promptly to get to the Philadelphia Airport to catch my flight to Tampa, Florida. Be sure to read the next update to hear all about my trip!

God bless you all, and thank you for continuing to be a part of this year in my life.

With love,

Kayla

January 16- February 7

Hello everyone!

Life has begun to calm down a little, but I have been keeping very busy! Miss America was such an incredible experience, but life after has been just as rewarding. On our flight home from Las Vegas, I was recognized by a stewardess and congratulated repeatedly. The text messages and emails just kept pouring in, and I felt the love and pride overflowing from our state! Thank you all for supporting me on this journey and for wanting me to become Miss America as much as my family and I did.

After I returned from Las Vegas I spent about a week catching up on rest... I'm serious! I didn't read a single news article, I didn't spend half a minute in the gym, or at the dance studio. And, I loved it! The next week, I spoke at North Georgetown Elementary School representing the Miss Delaware Organization's Platform- Character Counts and also at East Millsboro Elementary speaking on saying "No" to drugs! Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love children- so this was the perfect way to get back into the swing of things!

That weekend I was in Washington D.C. for my other job with Barbizon, USA to be a part of my students' graduation from the program. I never realized how maternal I had become toward my students until I felt an overwhelming sense of pride seeing them walk the runway that day. After days of rehearsals and the culmination of the runway show, I was fortunate enough to spend an afternoon with one of my Miss America sisters, Stephanie, Miss District of Columbia! Stephanie and I became great friends in Las Vegas (along with a handful of our other favorite states!) and I can't wait to reunite when I move closer to her in the Summer!

The first week in February was my ultimate catch-up week. I had been avoiding my to-do list which included the hundreds of emails pouring in, and many important phone calls- and it was finally time to return to business! I had a teleconference for my new position on the Marketing Committee for National 4-H Council, and met with my Executive Director and Business Manager to refocus and talk about what our goals would be for the latter half of my reign.

Then, it was back to business-as-usual on February 4th at Thurgood Marshall Elementary School in Newark as I read to the first and third graders my own personal favorite book from childhood to celebrate "I Love to Read" month! From there I left immediately to model in the "Go RED for Women Fashion Show"! I sported my favorite red dress and shared with everyone how important awareness and support has become.

Saturday Febuary 5th was also an exciting day as I had the chance to meet with my favorite Celebrity Stylist, Christie Maruka of FashionFixNJ! Christie was kind enough to drive down to Delaware with her super fabulous store on wheels and restock my wardrobe for all the important upcoming local and national television appearances! Christie has been a god-send this year, and has sent me beautiful designer clothes to wear not only while at Miss America but also for most of my TV appearances and magazine photoshoots!

The next day was not about me at all, and I loved it! We were celebrating the college graduation of my best friend, Julie Gravatt and could not possibly be any prouder! Julie is now a full time educator and I am proud to see her achieving her lifelong goal!!!

What a month! All sorts of exciting things were happening and were in the works. Looking back on my schedule like this just warms my heart, and reminds me of how important my job is, and just how blessed I am to be in this position.

Thank you for supporting me throughout this year, and I hope to continue to make you all proud.

With sincere grattitude,

Kayla

UBS Straight Ally Launch

Before I tell you about UBS, let’s back it up a day and fill you in on some mysterious twitter posts – this whole Yankees thing. Basically, a friend Jon Harris from Athlife (whose wedding I photographed a few years ago in NYC) has introduced me to multiple sports teams so that I can begin to build a relationship with the Miss NY Organization for some fun appearances like celebrity tip off at the Knicks game, puck drop with the Rangers, 1st pitch with the Yankees, etc. Well the Yankees said they have a million people ask about the pitch but would like me to audition to be a pregame hostess. So I did and just last week, I had my first few games on the big screen. It’s a lot of fun and just cool to be back behind the scenes at the scoreboard at Yankee Stadium! Thursday, I did an afternoon game, jumped on the C to the garment district for a fitting with Rolando Santana to borrow a few dresses for the GLAAD Awards in LA and then went home to change for UBS – I ended up wearing a Rolando Santana dress there too!

A few months ago, I had a mock interview at UBS - Wealth Management | Investment Bank | Asset Management - so naturally, I thought this speaking opportunity was because of that. However, to my surprise, I was brought into UBS independently because of my platform. UBS has an LGBT Affinity Group, Pride Americas, but felt they were lacking in providing an opportunity for people to identify as straight allies in the workplace. They started an initiative to open Pride Americas up to straight allies and officially launched the program on Thursday when I spoke. I was joined by Brian Hull, Senior Manager of Wealth Management, Rich Johnson and Chad Eisenberger. Chad is such a passionate ally who joined Pride Americas with so much support, but hesitation, wondering “Am I allowed to join since I’m straight? Am I welcome?” Those questions are natural, and show us that we need to create specific opportunities for people to self-identify as allies. At this launch alone, 90 people signed the Straight Ally pledge at UBS. Before the event, there were only 123 straight ally members total.

It is incredibly important to have senior management in corporations stand behind diversity and inclusion because it shows that supporting Pride Americas or your respective LGBT affinity group is not just an opportunity, but it is an expectation. This senior support sets the bar high, creating a safe, respectful and cohesive workplace environment, which we all know fosters the best practices, teamwork and productivity. It is exciting and necessary to witness a firm as large and influential as UBS doing this.

I often recognize the groundbreaking measures I have taken in the eyes of others, but refer to my advocacy as just “the right thing to do.” This concept was supported by the other speakers but also taken further to say in an investment bank like UBS, it’s also “the smart thing to do” from a business perspective. We had so many valuable and unique perspectives – I always recognize the elephant in the room of being a “beauty queen,” then thrive in blasting that stereotype out of the water by the end of my speech and Q & A. A very special thanks to Jason Shaw and Matt Koehler.

 

Fascinating people and conversations – once again reminded of two things I’ve thought a lot about lately: Opportunities like this is why I wanted to be Miss America, yet why I’m so incredibly happy that I am Miss New York and able to continue with every single opportunity I had planned for my year.

Miss A sisters in our Nation's Capitol

Last week, the Miss DC Organization organized a trip for the Top 12 of Miss America and friends of Miss DC to travel to and around Washington, D.C., in style of course. I left for the trip straight from the pageant in the afternoon and arrived in DC in time to catch the end of our dinner at Teri Galvez' house (Miss DC Exec Dir) for a chance to see all the girls and catch up! Monday we hit the ground running with meetings with our national platform organizations, so I went to PFLAG for a one on one meeting with Jody Huckaby (PFLAG National Exec Dir) followed by lunch with the entire staff. We had such a great meeting talking about new corporations coming on board with Straight for Equality and opportunities for me to work with them in the future beyond Miss NY.

After our meetings we went make to our host homes to get ready for the party at the Embassy of Croatia in honor of Teresa Scanlan, Miss America 2011 who is of Croatian descent. It was the first time that a lot of us got to see Teresa and really hang out all together again as a group, just reaffirming how awesome our class is. We had a wonderful party, lots of great photo ops thanks to Tom's awesome step and repeat :) and then afterwards we all went out to catch up in our normal, non-pageant lives!

Day two was at the Capitol as we arrived in the morning for a tour, stepping on the floor (no pics sorry) and in Speaker Boehner's office as well as the balcony with amazing views of DC. We had time to explore the Capitol to meet our senators - Sen. Gillibrand wasn't available and Sen. Schumer was speaking on the floor. Great lunch in the Senate dining room hosted by Sen. Strauss who spent the lunch hour talking about equality in a different way. He spoke of the inequality in the federal government that the District of Columbia has in representation and voting, along with Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Guam, etc.

Finished at the Capitol, we went to the Newseum to take photos with our home state newspapers in hopes they would publish our photos--we'll see Daily News. Then a quick change into pink dresses for the Cherry Blossom photoshoot. We got such great photos from our shoot - some definite framers!!

Continuum the marathon day, we went back to be primped and fed courtesy of Lisa Spies, W Salon and Anna Castillo, makeup artist. They were all sooo wonderful and made us up to be some sort of beautiful! Tuesday night was the Miss District of Columbia fundraiser at the Capitol Hill Club, again featuring Teresa with whom we actually got to spend a little more time. She is doing very well - full of what I'm convinced is an eternal energy and positivity. I had some really incredible conversations with people about my platform and the feeling in the DC area about it. Also I met people from our armed forces who shared their experiences and opinions on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" - a fascinating (and supportive of the repeal) insight.

Day three was sight-seeing for most, but I had the opportunity to go the Human Rights Campaign national offices to meet with Marty Rouse, the national field officer. Remember the talked-about Barbara Bush for marriage equality video? Well I got to film my own "New Yorker for Marriage Equality" video that will be released soon. So cool to join the support team of people like Barbara, Sens. Gillibrand and Schumer, Whoopi Goldberg, Cynthia Nixon, Julianne Moore, and so many more. I spent some time speaking with the interns and field staff and have received a lot of positive feedback already. What a great way to start the day?!

I jumped in a cab to the river for our boat tour hosted by Spirit Cruises and Kate Michael, former Miss DC, also known as K Street Kate. Good time just to relax with the girls before the night's festivities.

Now this was something I never thought I'd do, on many levels...I'll just say it. I sang the National Anthem at the National Republican Congressional Committee gala in their celebration of reclaiming the majority. Ok don't worry, I didn't song alone, but I was awkwardly close to a microphone. Out of 12 Miss States, luckily we had 5 singers to out-sing the 7 of us who are dancers :) It was definitely a very exciting and unique experience. Then we met Dick Cheney. (No, not Dick Cheney in the center of this photo...Miss Louisiana Kelsi Crain who was sick as a dog the entire trip and couldn't come til the last night :( )

Night's not over! We went to one last cocktail party at Rivers at The Watergate and then back to Teri's to unwind with a pizza party--the best pizza I have EVER had. (sorry NY) HUGE THANKS go to Teri Galvez and Trisha Morrin, exec dir and president of the Miss DC Organization, for their extreme time and energy in putting this trip together, Valerie Clemens from Miss Maine who organized, facilitated and photographed each day, to all of the Miss DC volunteers and hosts, many of whom I rode with or stayed with, and of course to my Miss America sisters for making our reunion just so amazing!! Yay DC!! Til next time in NY - I'll miss you all.

Gowns, gowns and more gowns...

It was a weekend of gowns. On Saturday, after a photoshoot, lunch with friends, roommate's Shakespearean show, I ran home to apply a smokey eye and pull out my Miss America competition evening gown. And then I smiled, being transported back to the Miss America stage with my Miss A sisters and all of the excitement of the competition and the Planet Hollywood stage. Sure last time I wore it, I was being judged on stage--well this time I was being judged in a different way--by drag queens!! And we all know they can be the hardest on a girl!

The ladies of RuPaul's Drag Race

It was The Imperial Court's Night of A Thousand Gowns benefiting he Ali Forney Center and the Trevor Project, I arrived on the Red Carpet St 6:30 and did not leave until 1:10am...and we left early! It was the best night ever with so much excitement and energy, confidence and celebration, sparkles and stones, velvet, hair, crowns that completely put mine to shame, and makeup. I was called on stage to say a few impromptu words, introduce an award and also the highlight...I entered into knighthood! As I walked on stage and they told me to kneel I was nervous that my dress isn't so much a kneeling (or sitting I found at dinner) dress with a slit hehe but good thing I had a pretty backless dress! So I am officially "Dame New York" or "Dame Claire Buffie." How fun?!

I received soooo many thanks and met excited fans who watched, cheered and voted for Miss America, and quite a few offers for appearances and offers to be involved with different organizations. I once again was able to meet so many new, fun people and reconnect with people I've met before like the cast of My Big Gay Italian Wedding. Such a great night!!!

Cast of My Big Gay Italian Wedding

The next morning it was up early for the last city pageant of the year. We had another great (and fast!) day at the Scandinavian House. Marina Montes, a former Miss NY contestant (2nd RU when I was 3rd RU in '09) who has come back to be an executive director of a local pageant - it is so key to have the commitment of these girls who are going back to a program that gave so much to them! Congratulations to Kasey Waters Miss Greater Gotham, Kaitlin Monte Miss Southern NY and Kate Perkins Miss Five Boroughs! It was a "K" day apparently!!

Kate Perkins Miss Five Boroughs | Kaitlin Monte Miss Southern NY | Kasey Waters Miss Greater Gotham

I want to take a second to explain something that is rightfully confusing... 2 weeks ago, we crowned Nardeen Billan Miss Greater Gotham in the state open sweeper. After that weekend, we decided to raise the money to give one extra girl a chance to compete at Miss NY by awarding 3 titles instead of 2 at Miss Southern NY. In brainstorming those titles' names, we asked Nardeen if she would like to be Miss Queens as it would be wonderful to have that borough specifically represented rather than just a greater NYC title. She was ecstatic and thought it would make her marketing during the year so much better, and we could also increase our visibility in the Queens community to get some new involvement in the Miss NY organization. So that's why we had the Greater Gotham sash/title still available and Kasey Waters, who lives in Astoria and works in Manhattan, took the more encompassing title. Make sense? I know we are all super excited and hope that clears things up for any of you who were wondering.

New titleholders with all visiting titleholders - Congrats ladies!

Even though I'm skipping past the week in DC-another blog- I want to jump to announcing that the last girl in the 2011 class was crowned on Saturday night! Congratulations to Lynn Tryon Miss Mohawk Valley!! So that makes the Miss New York Class of 2011 complete!! You can see their crowning moments on the Miss NY website under Local Competitions! After Orientation Workshop this weekend, we will be updating their new headshots and releasing lots of information about the 2011 pageant in Staten Island! Get excited!!