My journey to pageantry was through a promise I made my daughter who was leaving for college. She made me promise that I would compete since I was already very active in our community and she through it would be a great way to distract me since she would not be home. I have been mentoring my daughter and her friends for years and always telling them to not be afraid of stepping out of their comfort zone and I was now being mentored by my daughter to do the same.
Last February, I was honored and blessed to be crowned Mrs. Maryland International 2011 and what an amazing journey and a blessing to represent you with passion and purpose. I have been afforded an opportunity to use my title to continue promoting the idea that community service and volunteerism is a way of life. As an Ambassador for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the National Capital Area (BBBSNCA), I collaborated with them to recruit mentors to change the odds for high-risk children across the region and to actively promote and highlight their efforts across the State of Maryland. I have collaborated with Comcast to secure a grant for BBBSNCA, produce and air PSA’s that ran on CNN across the Region to millions of customers in our efforts to recruit mentors.
One of the most memorable moments this year was interviewing Venus and Serena Williams at the South East Tennis Foundation 10 Year Gala celebration. They were both involved in the ground breaking ceremony and came back to support the organization for the gala. They shared their experiences of growing up playing tennis and how that can be an outlet for our young people in helping them follow their dreams. The second was being selected as one of City Year’s 2011 Idealists of the Year Awardees for my volunteerism and community service locally and nationally.
Passion: My Passion runs deep in wanting to see that there is support, guidance and love for our young women. They are buds and petals waiting to blossom into full roses and should be given every opportunity to reach their full bloom. It comes from my daughter asking me to help some of her friends who needed someone to help guide them and to talk to when they felt unsure. I knew what that was like as a teenager and wanted to make sure I did what I could in order for any young woman I met did not have that feeling.
Purpose: My Purpose is to be a conduit from which we can help develop positive characteristics in our young women that will help them be exemplary citizens. I am thankful, humbled and give honor to God who has blessed me with the ability to make a difference in the lives of others through mentoring and empowerment. I acknowledge that through faith, hard work and determination, I have been blessed professionally and personally. For that reason, I operate under the notion that it is my duty and purpose to give back and help others. “To who much is given, much is expected”.
One of the gratifying benefits has been having DeShawn Shepard as my State Director. DeShawn has been amazing, dedicated and diligent in guiding me through my year and preparing me for Nationals. Thank you for your faith and confidence in entrusting me to represent our wonderful State. I love you and appreciate your friendship and kindness and thanks for sharing your family. To my prep team for Nationals, Deanna McCreary-Madison Donovan Group, Tracey Jamison - Pageant Perks and Hassana Blackwell- Artisty by Hassana, thanks for all of your work in getting me ready and I love you all.
I was blessed to share my year with Ciji Dodds, Miss Maryland International 2011 and went on to be crowned Miss International 2011. I am so proud of her and know that the world will see her commitment and passion for her platform and making and being a difference in the lives of others. Everyone thought we were sisters when we did appearances and that is what I have felt over the year my Sister Queen. I look forward to supporting you through your year as Miss International 2011 and cannot wait for our next appearance. Just know that “Pretty Girls Rock”!
I was able to share this amazing year with my wonderful husband Kenneth Grier. He has been by my side at most of my appearances and events and shares in my passion and purpose. I could not have made it through this year without my best friend, supporter and confidant. Thank you for being the better part of me and for being there with me through my journey. To my daughter Saniel, I love you and want to thank you for mentoring, inspiring and reminding me that determination and commitment in everything you do is why you are my hero. Thanks to my family, friends, sponsors and mentees for all of their love and support before, during and after Nationals.
Good luck to my successor Mrs. Maryland International 2012. I wish you all the best in your journey representing our state. You will have a phenomenal team preparing you for and through Nationals. You will have an amazing year and it will go quickly so enjoy every moment.
Sincerely
Sandra Bryan Grier
Mrs. Maryland International 2011
Mrs. Maryland International 2011
