Update!

So much has taken place since my last blog entry. I can say that next month I will be graduating from Spelman College and am so thankful for that. Graduating from college means the starting of a new chapter in my life! I am blessed to say that thanks to my support system and God I secured a job with a top fifteen company in a fast-track program. Starting this summer I will be employed with AT&T as a business account executive. What is amazing is that throughout my interview process a lot of the skills that I gained through pageantry were transferable and ultimately led me to my success and for that I am thankful and encouraging anyone who is thinking about entering a pageant to do so because the payoff is amazing!

I also was blessed to take part in another Race for the Cure Walk. I must say that these are some of my favorite events of the year because they allow me to not only work with my personal platform, but to also connect with people who have similar passions as me and are motivated to make a difference. Please remember that these walks are held year around across the country and is one of Susan Komen's main fundraising initiatives. The time and donations that you place towards this initiative could ultimately save lives and I encourage you to donate!

Finally this past weekend I was able to use my speaking skills in order to be the mistress of ceremonies for The American Diamonds Pageant. A pageant that is christian based and strives to showcase the talents of young girls between the ages of 4 and 18 who are committed to being exemplary role models in their community and believe in giving back. I was honored to host the event and meet girls across the country who are outstanding in their own right and illustrate the bright future that our country has in store. In the upcoming months I have more events planned so please stay tuned!

Love,
Dymond Elise

The Heart Truth

Heart Disease is the leading cause of death amongst men and women. It contributes to one in four deaths. And finally 935,000 Americans will suffer a heart attack annually.

The Miss Black USA organization understands the severity of these statistics and has a partnerships with the Heart Truth Campaign. This campaign is one that aims at "giving women a personal and urgent wake up call about their risk of heart disease." Today was the official "National Wear Red Day, in hopes of not only being "fashionable" but also in hopes of serving as a reminder. A reminder of the urgency and need to take action in hopes of improving one's heart health. Although this day reached millions from corporations to my own school it should not stop here. It is important to remember this year around and I therefore encourage each and everyone of you to "live red." While also protecting yourself along with those who you hold near and dear to your heart!

For more information on this wonderful cause please visit their website: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/educational/hearttruth/

Respectfully,
Dymond Elise

More Queen Fun!

Since my last blog a lot has happened! I am in the process of completing my final year in college for my undergraduate degree. Part of my prize package of winning Miss Black Texas USA was an official photo shoot with photographer Elroy McDaniel. Chandler (Miss Black TX Talented Teen) and myself had a ball getting dolled up and taking pictures in some of our favorite outfits. While doing so, we were able to catch up and continue to build our sisterly bond. I truly enjoyed because the relationships that you gain in pageants is what really makes them worthwhile.

The following day I also had the opportunity to take part in the Martin Luther King Festivities in downtown Houston by being a Grand Marshal in Houston's official parade. Thanks to a heat wave, it was "perfect" parade weather and I also got to catch up with Shunte, our Ms. queen. We not only made the Houston Chronicle (Houston's #1 newspaper) for our appearance, but were also featured on Fox 26. However, my personal favorite highlight of the day was being able to bond and connect with so many young girls and illustrate to them that there are positive role models in the community and that no dream is too big!

I want to end this post with something that caught my eye recently. President Barack Obama created an initiative to encourage citizens to be involved in community service on January 19. I spent that day at a local food bank. However, would like to encourage each and everyone of you to take this initiative of "giving back" and extend it beyond the month of January!

Until Next Time!
With Love,
Dymond Elise

Reflection

This past holiday season was a great one for me. I spent it with the people that matter the most to me, my family. One holiday tradition that my family participates in annually is visiting the Gaylord resort in Dallas, TX. At this resort they transform it into a magical Christmas wonderland from a large ice land to cookie decorations and supper with Shrek. They also have a meet and greet with Santa and the largest gingerbread house in the World (which happens to be human-sized). I had the pleasure of doing all of these things while also creating priceless memories that will truly last a lifetime. Outside of this fun tradition I was able to get all of my family together for Christmas dinner which was the best present that I could receive because it takes a lot of planning and compromising to make this happen!

Also with the end of this year and the start of another I reflected on all of the things that happened to me this year from being a senior in college, to winning Miss Black Texas USA. It was a year that means a lot to me and will never be forgotten. The good times and the bad times that were presented in front of me has led to the formation of the women that I am today and for that I am thankful and blessed. This upcoming year is definitely something that I am looking forward to and I hope that you all had a great holiday season and wish you a virtuous New Year!

Love,
Dymond Elise
Miss Black Texas USA

Tis' The Season

Tis' the season to be jolly and thankful for all of the blessings that have been placed in our lives. I have been blessed enough to spread to holiday spirit around the great state of Texas as Miss Black Texas USA. This month I was able to catch up with my sister queens Chandler and Shunte. Being able to get all of us together in one space and be able to share the stories of our lives is something that is always sentimental to me.  One of the events that we all participated in collectively was Sheila Jackson Lee's 18th Annual Toys for Kids Celebration. This was the best event that I have participated in by far due to the amount of children that I was able to reach. From a children's dance troop to a group of 3rd graders they were all ecstatic to see a real life princess that just wanted to see them smile and listen to the stories that they had to tell. Those smiles are the best presents that I will be receiving this year. While there I was also able to connect with the congresswoman herself, a fox anchor, and my personal favorite...Mr. and Mrs. Clause. My sister queens and I were able to be Santa's Helpers by being presented onstage and by distributing some of the fabulous gifts to a few of the 3,000 children that were in attendance.

 

 

Another event that I was honored to be a part of was an event known as the Santa Ensemble event. The Miss Black Texas USA organization had the honor of taking part in this event last year and I was excited to continue the tradition! The events goal is similar to the toy distribution in the hopes of improving the holidays for children within the Houston area. Those in attendance had the opportunity to watch a play, decorate ornaments, meet Santa, amongst other activities. Shunte, Chandler, Miss Bay Area USA, and myself helped out with check in and were available for photos as well. I must say that I enjoyed both of these events and look forward to what the rest of my year as queen has in store for me.

 

 

Until Next Time!

With Gratitude and Respect,

Dymond Elise

Miss Black Texas USA