Kentucky Woman

Stardate:  -308427.72

I am back home in Kentucky and already reminiscing the whirlwind of excitement that was the Mrs. International Pageant.  The week was full of smart and beautiful ladies, each with a purpose and a mission.

The first question people usually ask is, "How did you do?"  Naturally and without thinking your first response tends to be, "Well, I didn't win."  However, the truth is that I did win...in so many ways.

I had the once in a lifetime opportunity to represent the beautiful state of Kentucky, not just for a week but for the entire year!

I built a GEMS program out of literally nothing and had the whole community supporting the effort!

I walked across the national stage feeling confident and blessed!

Above all and most importantly the GEMS in my program will always and forever outshine the gems on my crown!

Being Mrs. Kentucky International has been a remarkable adventure!  It has truly been an honor representing Kentucky! 

-Jessica

It's the a Final Countdown!

Stardate:  -308480.43

In less than two weeks I will be representing the beautiful state of Kentucky at the Mrs. International Pageant!  Surprisingly, I find that I feel calm and relaxed as I prepare for this amazing opportunity.

When I arrive in Jacksonville, I will meet 65 other inspiring and driven women!  Make no mistake, this pageant is not about sizing up or getting the edge on the competition.  It is, and has always been, about having a dream and actively pursuing it!  My dream is to use the Mrs. International title to empower girls to dismiss the stereotypes that hold them back in the STEM fields.

This year I have tried to remember these simple steps:

1.  Never forget who you are.  It's easy to get caught up in what a pageant contestant should be.  In reality, you should be you!  Don't be afraid to hold back the things you love because it doesn't seem classy or glamorous enough!

2.  Never forget why you began.  My mission is one for girls and women!  So I specifically chose the International Pageant System because they support and encourage women in education, health, and civic responsibility.

3.  Never be afraid to publish yourself.  I mean this both figuratively and literally.  When I first began I didn't care for the idea of calling up organizations to showcase myself as Mrs. Kentucky International.  It seemed presumptuous.  However, I realized that I am not necessarily selling myself, but my platform.  It is called networking and it can be an amazing thing!  So, through this new found courage, I decided now is the best time to try to publish a children's book I have been working on.  It is directly inspired through the GEMS platform and I feel proud and confident with the opportunity!  

I am prepared and optimistic to compete at this year's International pageant!  Thank you sincerely to family, friends, colleagues, and community for your support!  

Tuesdays with Mobot at the Hosparus Lunar 5K in Elizabethtown, KY. 

-Jessica

Hooray for Heroes

Stardate: -308622.22

Here in Fort Knox we have something that is worth more than gold...our soldiers.  I doubt there is a single person living in this community that has not been touched by the courage, commitment, and sacrifice of our military men and women.  So, as you can imagine, our "Hooray for Heroes" Day is a pretty big deal!

We honored not only the soldiers that give so much of themselves, but also their families that sacrifice just as much!

A crown and sash has no comparison to these heroes!  I am blessed and honored to live in a community with these fine people!  

-Jessica 

Wednesday's Woman

Stardate: -308633.72

I have been very honored by the media support of my title and platform this year!  When my girls see their picture in the newspaper, they are just that much more excited and encouraged!

 

 I would like to thank The News Enterprise for their support and honoring me as Wednesday's Woman!

 

I am also extremely excited to be partnering with the Kentucky Science Center this summer!  More information to follow, stay tuned! 

-Jessica

Engineering, Designing, Dissecting, Oh My!

Stardate: -308702.53

This first year of GEMS club has been extremely successful. Our elementary girls have learned engineering and design principles that are not often introduced until late middle to high school.  Yet, despite this age gap, they have proven themselves ready for these challenges time and time again.

I am so very proud of these young ladies as well as the organizations that have stepped up to support them in this important mission.

In late March, I pitched a project on Donorschoose.org that included nearly 600 dollars of materials for GEMS club.  By early April the entire project had been fully funded and supplies had been shipped.

One donor wrote, "I am a female physician in Louisville.  I know how important science is to girls! Go get 'em ladies!"

With our donations we were able to get safety supplies, a full subscription to Time for Kids Magazine, a burner for experiments, and an owl pellet dissection kit!

If you are interested in supporting our girls, please visit the following websites:

www.gemsclub.org

www.donorschoose.org

www.febfems.org

Thank you for helping us to continue breaking stereotypes and building a better future for our girls!

- Jessica

She's Blinding Me With Science

Stardate: -308828.05

If I may, I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thank you!  

To all of you that have embraced GEMS and appreciate what we are trying to accomplish with these girls...thank you! 

For the wonderful articles in the News Enterprise...thank you! 

For the letters of encouragement and support...thank you!  

Most of all for showing these young ladies that smart is beautiful...thank you!!!

Our girls are exploring, experimenting, and engineering! 

 You don't have to be in the club to be one of my GEMS!  

I had an amazing time visiting these Girl Scouts! 

For more photos and news: Mrs. Kentucky International 2014 

-Jessica 

Spreading the Word

Stardate -309097.38

What an amazing start to the year it has been!  I have had quite a response from the community about GEMS!  It's really going to be something to see how far this program has come in just one year!  

A huge thank you to the following media organizations for their support:  

98.3 WQXE - Quicksie in Elizabethtown aired a wonderful clip about the GEMS Club in January!
Quicksie Website

WAVE 3 Listens Live- John Ramsey hosted a fantastic segment on Mrs. Kentucky International and GEMS Club!
Wave 3 Website

I also had the opportunity to start volunteering for a local organization called The Lord's Supper Soup Kitchen.  I can tell you that there is no greater feeling than feeding someone who is hungry!  It is more than just serving meals, it is reminding people that there are other people who care.  It is about restoring faith in others and in yourself!  Anyone who has the means, I highly suggest a donation to a food pantry near you!

This year is going to be so great!  Inspiring girls, community service, and breaking stereotypes!

Jessica