Laurel Barrett
As the reigning International Ms Colorado, Laurel centers her dedicated platform on volunteering and community engagement. A lifelong commitment to service has garnered her numerous awards, and she annually contributes a minimum of 500 hours and raises substantial funds for diverse charities. Laurel actively inspires others to identify and support causes they are genuinely passionate about, impacting thousands of lives over the years and promoting happiness while fostering healthier lifestyles.
Beyond her personal contributions, Laurel advocates for community involvement and recently launched the Global Volunteer Recognition Program. This initiative strives to underscore the importance of every individual's efforts, ensuring widespread recognition and appreciation for their invaluable contributions. Personally, the joy derived from giving back motivates Laurel to persist in this meaningful journey, driven by the positive impact it brings to both individuals and communities.
Marissa Bolado
Marissa Bolado is not just a dedicated community leader and educator; she is also a single mother of two. Currently serving as the Community Outreach Coordinator at Project Angel Heart in Colorado Springs, Marissa brings a deep understanding of supporting individuals with diverse needs, drawn from her previous experience as a Para Educator in a Significant Needs SPED Room at District 8 Fountain Fort Carson HS. Marissa's commitment to education has been evident throughout her career, having previously worked as an Adaptive Aquatics Swim Instructor with the Colorado Dolphins and a CSDA Swim Coach.
In addition to her educational roles, Marissa is actively involved in various philanthropic initiatives. She serves as the Pikes Peak Region Team Captain for Operation Homefront and as the Director of Operations at Kiwanis International, where she plays a pivotal role in addressing food insecurities and supporting military families in the community. Marissa's dedication to service has earned her numerous accolades, including the Molly Pitcher Award and the Fort Carson Steadfast and Loyal Volunteer Of The Year.
Furthermore, Marissa's impact extends beyond her local community. She has been recognized nationally for her contributions, such as being named the Benning Army Spouse Of The Year and receiving a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition. Her passion for service and commitment to making a difference have led her to win back-to-back titles for Non-Profit of the Year for Operation Homefront while at Fort Benning, raising over $100,000 for military families. This achievement underscores her dedication to philanthropy and community service.
Despite juggling her roles as a community leader, educator, and single mother, Marissa remains committed to her education, pursuing a Bachelor's degree with Texas A&M System Center. Her tireless efforts, compassionate nature, and unwavering dedication to serving others make her a true asset to her community and beyond.
Amanda Pedrianes
Amanda shines brightly in the political realm, driven by her dedication to public service. Her unwavering commitment to her community fuels her advocacy for various causes.
Among her notable achievements, Amanda made history as the youngest woman to join her hometown's Business Board. There, she spearheaded sustainability efforts and spearheaded business recovery initiatives amid the challenges of the 2020 pandemic. Additionally, she contributes her expertise to the Arts, Sciences, and Humanities Council.
In the realm of cancer advocacy, Amanda's efforts have led to unprecedented fundraising success and notable television appearances. She currently holds a board position at the University of Colorado’s Cancer Center, where she tirelessly works towards finding a cure.
Recognized as a beacon of leadership for marginalized voices in her community, Amanda continues to inspire with her passion and dedication. The future holds great promise for her endeavors, and we eagerly anticipate her next steps!
Saryna Ritter-Keddy
Saryna Ritter-Keddy was born and raised in Illinois. She went to Indiana University for photography. She started Go Bling Yourself specializing in all things Bling and providing exceptional jewelry and pageant clothing at affordable prices. Wanting to expand her reach in the field of fashion she started working in the prom and pageant fashion industry as a senior editor, curator, fashion merchandiser, and Sales Director for the last ten years. Currently, she works for Browning Associates. They are the most successful Executive Career Management Firm in the nation as a Senior Partner. She also has a huge heart for service and is always giving back to the community in any way she can. She has earned Global recognition for her humanitarian work from L.M.A. and We Dream in Color. She is the President and CEO of “You Gotta Have Faith” a charity organization providing support, care packages, and essentials to families in need globally. In her free time, she enjoys swimming, cooking, and designing. She is happily married to Darren Keddy world world-famous guitar tech...fun fact he works for TAYLOR SWIFT currently. They welcomed their daughter Maxine on Thanksgiving day in 2020. For the last 22 years she has been an active pageant coach, judge, and competitor...most recently International Mrs Illinois 2024.
Go Bling Yourself Bio
Go Bling Yourself was established in 2008 by Saryna Ritter Keddy. Currently, they sponsor 50 state, national, and international pageants for 2024. Each year Saryna presents " The Bling Girl Award” to highlight a woman or girl that truly embodies pageantry from the inside out. All jewelry is made by women, and designed by women to empower women. Together we can support one another and Bling on!
Tiffany Wells
I love getting my “skirt in the dirt” with a mission to rebuild homes and lives, by providing safe and healthy homes for veterans in need. Raising over $1 million in grant funding for veterans, disabled, and seniors across Illinois.
I am a former Mrs Illinois American, as well as a multiple state, national, international titleholder.
Today, I work for Wells Fargo as a quality, assurance analyst, and Illinois volunteer leader. In my spare time I am either spending time with my family, volunteering, or at the gym.
I am most proud of the recent accomplishment of losing over 70 pounds and competing in my first bikini fitness competition in March.
Ginarose Neff
Ginarose is not just a dedicated community leader and PTSD advocate; she is also a 7 year Law Enforcement Police Officer, a daughter to a U. S. Marine, wife to a United Stated Army Military Police Veteran and 25 year retired Police Officer who served as a Sergant and Police Explosives K9 Handler, mother of two very active and vocal boys 12 and 13, with her third boy expected in April, a step-mom to two girls 6 and 11, a volunteer assistant coach of her sons football team, and huge community service volunteer, working throughout the Northeast from Maine to Florida. She has an online organization known as The New England Cowpoke, where she works with brands throughout the south and western areas, bringing the current trends into the northeast helping small businesses as a paid influencer and model.
Currently, serving as New England Petite Mrs. Mystic Connecticut 2024. Ginarose will be taking the stage and competing for the Mrs. New England Petite 2024 title in just a few weeks along with her step daughter who is in the Pre-Teen division. Ginarose is doing this at 34 weeks pregnant! Although she states, it’s her most vulnerable time she’s ever competed, she states backing out is not an option and she hopes to bring positive vibes and energy while inspiring women who feel that being pregnant limits them. Her platform is “Never Judge a Book By its Cover”, which is a PTSD Awareness and K9 Partnership Relief program.
As a law Enforcement Officer, Ginarose brings a deep understanding of supporting individuals with diverse needs, drawn from her previous experience as a victim as well as a PSP( Peer Support Person). What that means is she is trained to provide both day-to-day emotional support for department employees as well as to participate in a department’s comprehensive response to critical incidents. PSPs are trained to recognize and refer cases that require professional intervention or are beyond their scope of training to a licensed mental health professional. In order for her to have been considered, her peers had to vote for her anonymously. Considerations for selection of PSP candidates include, but are not limited to, previous education and training; resolved traumatic experiences; and desirable personal qualities such as maturity, judgment, personal and professional ethics, and credibility. Her goal is to finish her career out as a Detective finding closure for families and solving cold cases. Between that time she hopes to be a K9 Handler.
Ginarose’s commitment to her community does not stop there. Although she is passionate for her first responders and K9s, she also has a licensed and trained K9 in emotional distress detection and psychological support. A German Shepherd named Karma. Karma has worked with helping in the Children Cancer units, and Veteran Hospitals throughout New England. Ginarose also volunteers her time with today’s youth as a volunteer as a Junior Achievement instructor for grades K-5. During an awards ceremony, Ginarose was presented with “The Good Apple Award” by the East Hampton (CT) Town Council, Superintendent and School Principals. She was a volunteer Firefighter prior to becoming a Police Officer and was formerly crowned Mrs. Connecticut America 2021. Ginarose also has a therapeutic horse named Nitro, who helps children, who have lost a parent in the line of duty. Ginarose is an active member in Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America where she was a big sister. She has been a judge for many pageants systems throughout the years. In 2009 Ginarose won the United States amateur rhythm and world mambo title where she went off and assisted with Dancing with the Stars. She is a recognized volunteer with the CT and New England Food Banks of America, K9 Olympics, Special Olympics volunteer, Tim Tebow Foundation, The Hometown Foundation, Mission 22, and more.
In her spare time Ginarose loves to meet new people and eat new cuisine. while volunteering and hanging out with her family and animals. She loves spending the day with her husband in Little Italy where her uncle owns one of the world famous bakery’s. She is excited to travel with her husband and soon to be born to Ireland in 2025. She is currently working on creating coloring / sketch books with a publisher to drop off to all the Veteran hospitals and Children hospitals and help those who suffer, especially those who are suffering in silence with PTSD and mental health.
Although Ginarose juggles many roles and despite wearing many hats, Ginarose states, her proudest moment(s) is getting through the challenges of life and never giving up. Being resilient is not an easy thing, but sure feels good when the odds are against you and continuing to thrive.
Whitley Nabintu Marshall
Whitley Nabintu Marshall is a multifaceted force in the realms of art, fashion, dance, and activism. As the first openly pansexual International Mrs USA of 2022 and Maine's World Top Model, she embodies diversity and inclusivity in all facets of her work.
As the CEO & Editor-in-Chief of Artlovelifestyle Magazine and the creative mind behind Artlovelifestyle Attire, Whitley is on a mission to redefine beauty standards and amplify underrepresented voices both in print and on the runway. Through sustainable fashion events like Flowers that Feed Art and Fashion showcase and True Beauty NYFW, she creates platforms that celebrate compassion, resilience, diversity, and authenticity while emphasizing inclusion.
Despite facing multiple near-death experiences and periods of adversity, Whitley has transformed her pain into purpose, spearheading the Compassionate Leadership Project. Additionally, she is the founder and director of the Rhythm Rebels Dance Collective, captivating audiences worldwide with her performances.
Through her Mind Body Compassion Coaching, Whitley adopts a holistic approach to empower her clients, aiming to cultivate authentic and compassionate leaders within pageantry, the fashion industry, and beyond.
Her impact extends beyond her professional endeavors, as she graces the covers of prestigious magazines such as Vogue, Success, Forbes, Los Angeles Business, and more. Recognized as a top woman leader to watch, Whitley's accolades include the Director's Leadership Award, the Inspirational Woman Award, and the Spirit Award presented by Pageantry Magazine, among others.
Whitley's dedication to fostering compassion, resilience, and inclusion serves as an inspiration to individuals worldwide, making her a true trailblazer in her field.
Yuan (Tracy) Tian
Tracy, originally from Rapid City, SD, serves as a dedicated member of the military. She earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics and chemistry from Black Hills State University before pursuing graduate studies in Infectious Diseases and microbiology research at the University of South Dakota. Currently active in the South Dakota National Guard, Tracy passionately volunteers for non-profit organizations, finding fulfillment in helping her community and connecting with others who share her interests.
Elisah McGee
Elisah McGee is a dynamic leader, carving a renewed path. She unabashedly pursues
life, to be an example for her four children, to balance a hard work ethic with time for
simple joys.
A visionary, she founded Freedom Defense Group (FDG) in 2019 alongside her
husband to raise the standard of innovation of mission-ready solutions for the
Department of Defense, and state, local, and federal agencies with a mission to get our
warfighters home safely.
CEO, Elisah strategically aligns her company to exceed mission objectives by building infrastructure, guiding philosophy, positioning growth, and empowering leaders.
Securing certification as a woman-owned small business in a majority-male industry,
Elisah persistently strives to lead with honor and integrity, encouraging her team and
peers to do the same.
She faithfully pursues challenges to catapult personal growth and shift paradigm
thinking. Moving their beach family to a barren 95-acre farm in rural Brookneal, VA in
2020, Elisah and her husband rapidly renovated and built structures, and adopted a
growing variety of livestock. Two short years later they founded a 501(c)3 nonprofit
organization, Mission Freedom Farm, to set the framework for a healing place for
leaders to rest and reinvigorate their missions. She and her husband recently
purchased a third farm where she plans to expand her nonprofit.
Elisah is an avid philanthropist and community advocate. She has served as an election
official with the Virginia Department of Election since 2021, was Mrs Virginia USA Earth
2023, is a board member of Keep Virginia Beautiful, and is the 2024 Ms. Virginia
Continental Worldwide.
A University of Virginia graduate, she is also a big-picture, creative thinker, and writer.
She transcribed one hundred World War II letters between two sweethearts for her
community, serves as a caretaker for two different century-old cemeteries, and has
been entrusted with another World War II military journal to transcribe and preserve. Her
mission to share nature’s healing elements with guests and followers of her nonprofit
and education learned as Mrs Virginia USA Earth set her on a journey to write and
publish her first children’s book in 2023, Be Kind To Nature. She is currently writing a
chapter in the upcoming 3rd edition of The Joy-full Entrepreneur.
Kristianna Mrjenovich
Kristianna Mrjenovich is a college graduate, loving wife, mother of 3, and entrepreneur/dual business owner who enjoys advocating for mental health and domestic abuse recovery.
Her platform "Second Chance Queen" encourages women who are currently or previously experiencing domestic violence and abuse to give themselves a second chance at happiness. She is also expanding her platform in 2024 to work with building confidence in younger generations and providing warning signs of abuse to watch for.
As a domestic abuse survivor, she recognized the importance of having a role model and cheerleader saying "it gets better" on the other side of abuse. She strives to be the example that other women need to see that they CAN rebuild and rebrand themselves into the women they want to be and have the happiness they dream of. She has won the "Iconic Impact Award" for 2024 for her work as Mrs. Colorado USA Earth 2023 with the aluminum can recycling initiatives serving over 340 homes in 3 communities. She collected over 20,000 cans in 2023 and has collected nearly 14,000 cans to date in 2024. The funds from these cans are donated to nonprofit organizations.
Kristianna is committed to serving as a professional and personal role model for girls and women on a global level and strives to be a friend and support person for all.
"You have a second chance queen, let's take it."
Carrie Flock
My journey is a testament to resilience, courage, and the power of determination.
I’m known as Charlotte's First Female professional boxer, a dynamic figure that has transcended various roles throughout my life. Im the Co-Founder of the Women’s Health & Resilience Foundation, which dedicated to empowering women's health and well-being. I currently hold the title of International Ms. NC, making public appearances representing my commitment to empowering others and speaking on women’s health.
I was honored to be voted “the Most Influential in 2023” and recognized as one of Charlotte's Top 50 Dynamic Women.
Beyond the ring and the boardroom, I pursued my passion for visual storytelling, earning a degree in Photography & Public Communication from CPCC. I became my own CEO of Ravishing Memories Photography, capturing moments of a lifetime, and the Founder of Christian Fit, promoting both physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
I Retired from boxing, then faced a new battle when diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2023. ( 4yrs after my mother passed from Breast Cancer) Despite the challenges, I chose to emerge and was selected as an advocacy Ambassador for Susan G Komen for the year 2024, advocating for breast cancer awareness and taking concerns to the White House.
I aim to empower young girls and women to overcome their trials with transparency and resilience. My personal story from overcoming Suicidal Depression has served as inspiration to many, reminding us of the importance of strength, faith, and community support.
With determination, grit, and a heart for making a difference, I continue to push boundaries, inspire others, and champion the causes close to my heart.
As a breast cancer survivor and Minister in Christ, my journey embodies perseverance and faith. Not only am I a mother and nana but also a big sister and daughter, emphasizing the importance of family and relationships."
Jennifer Fortin
Jennifer Fortin resides in maine with her husband and three children. She is an Executive Assistant, high school cheer coach, and avid volunteer.
Jennifer's commitment to uplifting those in need has accumulated 1,249 hours over the past year; this includes the Sexual Assault Crisis and Support Center, Sisters in Arms Center, Rotary Club of Augusta, The Maine Chapter of American Mothers Inc, and the Windsor Fair.
Jennifer was awarded the national title of SLICC Ambassador (Success Through Leadership, Integrity, Character, and Confidence) with the USA Ambassador Pageant in 2023. SLICC is a community service title, dedicated to serving others.
Jennifer Fortin's contributions to the Sexual Support and Crisis Center have had a profound impact on the individuals it serves. As a survivor of sexual assault, Jennifer has turned this personal tragedy into a passion to advocate for those who have been abused. She has served as a volunteer advocate for the past two years.
The Sisters in Arms Center is dedicated to providing housing and help for woman veterans, where Jennifer serves as a member of the Board. Over the last two years, Jennifer has supported the Center in a variety of ways, including advocating for women who are survivors of military sexual trauma (MST). This past year,
Jennifer joined the Rotary Club of Augusta making an impact in her community by ringing the Salvation Army bell during Christmas, making baked goods,helping with a community build of insulated window inserts and, organizing an essential needs drive.
The Windsor Fair had a long tradition of its coveted Apple Queen Pageant, before the program went dormant for nearly 10 years. Determined to revitalize the Apple Queen for young women, Jennifer fully rebooted the Program in 2023 to achieve renowned success.
Jennifer is Secretary for the Maine Chapter Of American Mothers Inc. and is a 2023 Maine Merit Mom.
Jennifer was recently honored with the 2024 Maine Volunteer of the Year at the Governor’s Service Awards for Service and Volunteerism.
Angelena Taylor
Angelena resides in Detroit Michigan with her dad and her cat. She is a behavior analyst, caregiver to her dad, pageant queen, world traveler, care advocate, and more.
Angelena is passionate about uplifting others in her community from all walks of life, from children to elders, through health and illness, and education and caregiving. Her community involvement includes volunteering with United Way of Southeastern Michigan, Vista Maria, Lung Force, American Heart Association, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and Make-A-Wish Michigan.
As a caregiver, Angelena strives to help other caregivers along their journey. Through lived experience and not having proper support and education on needed resources, she noticed the need for various resources in family care and became an advocate and avid supporter of improving the care infrastructure.
Angelena has served as a family caregiving fellow with Caring Across Generations, where she assisted family caregivers with voter registration and accessing needed resources during the pandemic, as well as lobbying with state leaders to pass important care bills and acts that would vastly improve the lives of caregivers and their loved ones. Her work continues as a military caregiver fellow with The Elizabeth Dole Foundation Hidden Heroes Community where she has lead panel discussions on caregiver mental health and caring for aging veterans, engaged in Capitol Hill meetings with elected officials, lobbied for the passage of home-based community care acts, and co-facilitates caregiver mental wellness workshops.
Angelena is the recipient of the 2021 Caregiver.com Young Adult Caregiver Visionary Award, and is a 2023 Caregiving Visionary Award nominee for Military Caregiving Advocate of the Year.
In recognition of her excellence as a role-model, community advocate, and leader in the City of Detroit, Angelena has received The Spirit of Detroit Award from Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield, and community ambassador honors from Wayne County Commissioner Monique Baker McCormick and Senator Mary Cavanagh.
As 2023 Ms. USA World Universal Ambassador, Angelena leads with Universal Love and spreads the importance of diversity, inclusion, philanthropy, and belonging in pageantry and the community at large. Angelena started her Crown The Caregiver initiative as a way to recognize and empower family caregivers. She hopes to one day turn it into a non-profit that assists caregivers with their mental health and respite care needs. She will compete for the international title of Ms. World Universal in June 2024.
Tina Silver
Tina Silver, the woman with a mission to make sure that all individuals create self value within themselves. I find it important that each individual finds value within themselves. I find this possible by releasing stereotypes, labels and what others think we should be I’m a woman, here to say we are all alike. We are all similar just because we’re a different size a different color or of different ethnicity does not make us different as far as being human.
As a modern renaissance woman, Tina volunteers 8760 in home hours and another 250 plus community hours annually #modelwithamission
But it doesn’t stop there. Tina is an award winning Esthetician. Who offers Complimentary Birthday Facials. To enhance self value and stop self sabotage. #selfvalue
Tina says, “My female sisters, It’s not a brick I hand you to keep you down, but rather, a stepping stone to help you reach the top!”
Sai Ramaswamy
Sai is an eight-year-old Third grader from Sartori Elementary School in Renton School District, Washington State. Sartori is a STEM Elementary school in the Renton School District. Sai is proficient in Mathematics, he also got 98% percentile in the Highly Capable Program (HCP) the school district conducts. Sai is also a talented Piano player and an avid dancer. He has done 5 dance recitals on a big stage in front of a big audience at Kirkland and Renton Performance Centers. He has done 3 Piano Recitals in the last couple of years. He is also a trained swimmer at Level 4.
Madeleine Smith
Madeleine Smith is a class of 2025 high school student in Florida who is passionate about giving back to her community. As an honor student and IB-diploma candidate, Madeleine’s academic achievements are second only to her desire to make an impact on the world.
As the president of the Teen Advisory Board for Kids Helping Kids, Pasco, Madeleine has spent several years working alongside others to improve the lives of low-income children and families right in her own region. Earlier this year, she founded and led a walk team with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention which raised over $7600 for suicide prevention programs. And for the past 2 years she has volunteered over 150 hours at Moffitt Cancer Center, working alongside the incredible clinical staff to provide service to patients going through cancer diagnosis and treatments.
In her spare time, Madeleine is a theatre kid at heart. She has been involved in performing since 2nd grade and now finds joy both onstage and off, winning Critics Choice awards twice for her district thespian competition submissions in the Costume Design event. Most recently, she was the stage manager for her high school production of Mamma Mia, the musical. She has served as Vice President of her school’s Thespian Honor Society where she proudly works with an incredible group of teens and teachers.
Madeleine is the recipient of the Congressional Award (Bronze), AP Scholar with Distinction award, and has won 1st place for 2 consecutive years in the Clinical Specialty event at HOSA (health occupations) regional competition. Her goal is to ultimately pursue a career in the medical field where she can use her outstanding communication skills and love for serving others in a meaningful way every day.
Abigail Hays
Abigail is a rising 8th grade student at Duchesne Academy in Houston, TX. With her quick wit and infallible spirit, she has found volunteering to be a fun additional to teenage life. This year Abigail has volunteered with Easter Seals to assist with Friday Night Out respite services, at Camp Honey Creek helping with Mother-Daughter weekends, and gave of her summer time to assist with DECATS for three weeks. Finally, she helped foster two bottle fed kittens through the Bureau of Animal Regulation and Control (BARC) in her hometown, Houston. Abigail cannot wait to find new opportunities to continue her volunteer work in the fall and winter.
Sara DornBrook
Sara is running for USOA - Mrs. Wisconsin November 9th!
She is a wife, a mother, and a business owner! Her and her family are pillars in the community and do everything they can to help give back to others.
Her USOA platform is Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD).
Sara’s husband suffers from this awful disease and was in need of a kidney transplant. Miraculously, they discovered that she was a match for him, and was able to give him her kidney!
This is also a genetic disorder that can be passed down to their children, so Sara has made it her mission to help end this disease! Every dollar raised is given back to researchers to help find a cure! Her and her family are so excited to share that they wrote and published a children's book about their own PKD story, in hopes of helping other families.
It's called. "We're going to be Okay" and can be found on Amazon.
On her USOA Journey last year, Sara won the People’s Choice Award which helped contribute to the $5,000 she was able to raise for the PKD Foundation!
She was also offered an ambassador role for the Milwaukee’s annual PKD Walk! She is now working on finding sponsors and helping coordinate the walk. The Milwaukee Chapter has an exceptional team!!!
Please consider attending an event, becoming a sponsor, or voting in fall!
On top of working daily on her platform, she truly enjoys helping her Sister Queens by supporting their causes as well. Along with getting involved in every community activity that she can.
Since deciding to join USOA for a second year, she has helped 35+ different causes and has investing hundreds of hours!
United States of America's pageant is a motto that she lives by on a daily basis as her own personal motto is LIVE TO INSPIRE. The name of her salon is even Desire to Inspire!
She is so thankful and blessed to be on this journey and will continue for as long as they will have her!
She truly appreciates everyone’s support and hopes to make you all proud!
Sara DornBrook - USOA Mrs. Washington County
Grace Grell
Grace Grell is a graduate student in rehabilitation counseling at Saint Cloud State University. As a project specialist with Saint Cloud State's Center for International Disability Advocacy and Diplomacy, Grace is actively helping to make positive changes in the world. Grace has a nonprofit named Gift with Grace that helps charities on an international level. As a disabled young woman, Grace's goal is to create a more inclusive and accessible world for everyone.
Jennifer Wilde
45 years old, Married for 11 years, corgi mom, veteran and nurse of 14 years, I am currently working as an oncology infusion nurse. I recently completed my Masters degree in nursing education through Grand Canyon University. I have been engaged in pageantry since 2019 and value the sisterhood and giving back aspects. I am currently the reigning Arizona Ms. for International United Miss and created the platform, "Power Of Love By Jennifer", which is dedicated to spreading love and kindness. My mission stemmed from my personal journey of overcoming past traumas both in my childhood and adulthood. I have found a way to turn my pain into a commitment to love and show kindness towards others through my volunteer and random acts.
Dylan Lipset Padilla
Hello, my name is Dylan Lipset Padilla, I am a tenth-grade student at Florida Atlantic
University High School and 15 years old. I dedicate myself to academic excellence, taking
honors college dual enrollment courses, maintaining a 4.78 weighted GPA, and being a
part of a handful of clubs like student government and the undergraduate research society.
Outside of school and clubs, I dedicate much of my time to volunteering in order to better
my community. I spend a lot of time at my church where I aid in various events including
food packing and donation drives, along with serving at mass every Sunday. I also
volunteer at the Palm Beach Gardens library where I help little kids to read and help
organize and clean up the library. Almost every Saturday, I go to Loggerhead Marine life
Center in Juno Beach, Florida to take part in weekly beach cleanups. I believe that my
passion for community service has shaped me as person and taught me plenty valuable
lessons. Giving my time for the greater good allows me to develop character, fostering
generosity and care for others, something that I feel is the basis of being a good person.
Paige Polchowski
My name is Paige Polchowski and I am from New York State.
My drive for volunteering and giving back began when my Papa taught me that, “it doesn’t cost a nickel to be kind”. Since that time 22 years ago giving back has been part of my daily life! In the last five years, I have dedicated over 1,000 hours to volunteering not only my community but in communities across our country! I have my own platform called “The Daley Sparkle” in which I donate “Sparkle Bags” filled with comfort items to those battling cancer. I have created “The Daley Sparkle Ambassadors Program” to encourage girls in other communities to give back where they live. I currently have ambassadors in 20 states, and I hope to expand globally verysoon! I am excited for this opportunity.
Rishona Pearleen
Rishona Pearleen is a dedicated student at American High School in Fremont, California, with a GPA of 3.50. She has taken challenging AP courses in subjects such as Chemistry, Biology, Calculus, and Government, and is active in clubs like HOSA, the American Red Cross, Youth Alive, and the French Club.
Through an internship at Personal Remedies, Rishona researched the impact of nutrition on diseases, while also promoting the company’s findings via social media. Her passion for service extends to volunteering as a musical instrument tutor, teaching young children music basics, and as part of the Youth Ministry at Christ Church of India, where she has taught biblical stories and served underprivileged children at Vacation Bible School.
Rishona's achievements include the AP Scholar with Distinction Award, Merit in the Grade 2 ABRSM piano exam, and success in Bible Quizzing, where she led her team to a regional 2nd place finish. She has also participated in the Nylf Summer Program, gaining hands-on medical training and CPR certification.
With leadership experience both on and off campus, Rishona’s diverse background in academics, music, and community service showcases her commitment to excellence and personal growth.
Anshuman Roy
Anshuman Roy is a freshman at Bridgewater-Raritan High School in New Jersey. He is a dedicated volunteer with Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity and the Somerset Public Library system, and strives to make a positive impact in his community. Anshuman actively participates in competitive mathematics, science, and tennis, and he has a keen interest in pursuing STEM-related competitions to explore opportunities in the medical field.
