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"Don't Judge Me Because I Judged a Beauty Pageant: Myth-Busting the Pageant World"

by Karen S. Exkorn 

Best-selling author/corporate training consultant

I was asked to judge a beauty pageant. Actually, it was Miss New Jersey's Outstanding Teen Pageant (you'll note that the word "beauty" is no longer included in the title). My first response was... really? It's 2014. Isn't this concept a bit dated, not to mention anti-feminist? My second response was... why me? I'd never been in a beauty pageant, and the only contest I'd ever participated in was the Teen Miss Dance of New England competition in the mid-1970s. I assumed no one really remembered that except for my parents and my former dance teacher, Charlotte Klein, from my days growing up in Worcester, Massachusetts.

When I received the phone call asking me to be a judge, I thought that maybe it was meant for someone else. It was not. Apparently, a producer of one of the major TV networks had recommended me because of my consulting work as a presentation skills and media coach. So, in the spirit of trying new things, I decided to go for it.

What I'd assumed was going to be an exercise in mindless frivolity turned out to be serious business. I was surprised at the level of professionalism that went into the preparation for this pageant. These young women aged 13-17 were required to create extensive bios, hone their talents, and then engage in rigorous individual interviews before appearing onstage to perform in front of hundreds.

So much for my preconceived notion that pageantry was anti-feminist. In fact, it seemed to be quite the opposite. These young women were developing life skills that would serve them well as they entered their professional lives, whether in business, arts, technology or academics.

Let me share with you some of the general misconceptions about pageants that were shattered during my day as a pageant judge.

Myths of Teen (Beauty) Pageants:

1. Pageants are for the pretty but not-so-smart.

Yes, the winner of Miss New Jersey's Outstanding Teen Pageant 2014 is pretty, andshe plans to attend M.I.T. She also promotes a program called STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) to encourage young women to enter fields that are typically dominated by men.

2. Pageants promote eating disorders.

It was made clear to both the contestants and judges that Miss New Jersey's Outstanding Teen would need to be a role model for a healthy, strong body. Instead of stick-thin contestants parading around the stage in bathing suits, these teens each jogged onto the stage in work-out clothes that consisted of a t-shirt and shorts, and had to demonstrate their fitness level by performing a routine that included aerobics, sit-ups and push-ups.

3. Pageants are just so shallow.

Contestants were required to have a "platform" that demonstrated their commitment to community service. Each chose a cause that she felt personally connected to; one had a sister with autism, another had family members with skin cancer, others took on bullying and teen drinking. These young women organized walkathons, community gatherings, and school awareness programs to promote their causes.

4. There are no real world skills that can be learned from being a pageant contestant.

When was the last time you had to stand up in front of seven judges and answer a barrage of questions ranging from your future goals to your thoughts on political matters such as the controversial lane closures on the George Washington Bridge? (This was New Jersey, after all...). These teens had to demonstrate their ability to think on their feet and present their thoughts in an articulate and concise manner. They also exhibited self-motivation, determination, organizational skills, and public speaking skills.

5. Pageants are anti-feminist.

In addition to offering significant life skills to young women, Miss America's Outstanding Teen Inc. is one of the top scholarship providers for young teens in the United States. Founded in 2005 with a strong commitment to higher education, they have made available approximately $5,000,000 in cash and in-kind scholarships that have allowed pageant winners to attend such prestigious schools as Harvard University, Brown University, Cornell University, and more.

6. Pageant winners don't go on to be successful in life.

Really? Tell that to Oprah Winfrey (Miss Black Tennessee 1986), Halle Berry (Miss Ohio USA 1986), Sharon Stone (Miss Crawford County 1976), Michelle Pfeffier (Miss Orange County 1978), Vanessa Williams (Miss America 1984), and Diane Sawyer (American's Junior Miss 1963).

So the next time you judge a pageant, even if it's as you're sitting on your sofa in your living room watching TV, think twice before you judge too harshly.

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Miss Teen USA hacker jailed for 18 months

Source: BBC News

An American teenager who blackmailed young women with compromising images grabbed by hacking their webcams has been jailed for 18 months.

Jared James Abrahams broke into about 150 online accounts over a two-year period to commit the crimes. More than two dozen women in the US, Ireland and other nations had their computers hacked by Abrahams.

One victim was Miss Teen USA 2013 beauty contest winner - Cassidy Wolf. Abrahams was arrested in early 2013 and pleaded guilty to one count of computer hacking and three of extortion in November.

In a statement about the sentencing, the US Department of Justice said Abrahams had targeted women he had known personally or found by hacking their Facebook pages. Abrahams took over email, social media accounts and computers and used this access to remotely turn on the machine and grab pictures when his victims were naked.

Abrahams had then extorted cash from victims by threatening to publicly post nude photos and videos, said the DoJ in a statement about the sentencing. "As digital devices, email accounts, and social media accounts now contain the most intimate details of the public's daily lives, the impact of this type of hacking and extortion becomes more pronounced, troubling, and far-reaching," wrote DoJ prosecutors in a document filed in advance of the sentencing hearing. "In some cases, this type of criminal behaviour can be life-changing for the victims - especially for vulnerable victims who may feel it is impossible to rebuild their tarnished reputations," said the document. 

People should be careful where they posted images and videos to avoid becoming a victim of extortion and escape the risk of compromising content being stolen, said the DoJ. In addition, it said, people should choose hard-to-guess passwords, keep security software updated and avoid opening unexpected attachments. Lastly, it said, people should keep webcams covered when they are not in use.

What's it like to be a pageant winner from Central Minnesota?

by Frank Lee

Kimberly Stommes knows what it’s like to win with a wave and a smile. Competing in her fourth pageant, the 26-year-old wife and mother from St. Cloud was crowned Mrs. Minnesota 2014 at the March 8 competition hosted by St. Cloud State University. “It’s a really great experience,” said Stommes, who will represent Minnesota at the 2014 Mrs. International pageant in July in Jacksonville, Fla. The Sartell High School graduate began competing when she was a teenager and was named Miss Minnesota Teen in the 2005 National American Miss pageant.

“Some people may have an idea of pageant stereotypes, but I have really made long-lasting friendships through the pageants I have done,” she said. “I think a lot of people assume that a pageant is all about beauty, and that you need to be thin and gorgeous to do a pageant and to win a pageant.” Stommes recently graduated from the University of St. Thomas School of Law and was admitted into the Minnesota State Bar Association. “A pageant really gives you a sense of confidence and a sense of getting to know who you are as an individual,” said Stommes, a judicial law clerk. Stommes is an avid volunteer with the American Diabetes Association and Sauk Rapids Riverside Lions Club. She began volunteering at a young age as a pageant contestant.

“Competing in pageants really made me want to be a better person, not only academically but also in the community,” she said. The Mrs. International pageant system recognizes women “for their commitment to family, profession and community stewardship,” according to a news release. “The beautiful thing about the International system is that they really are looking for women that are intelligent and involved in the community,” Stommes said. “The women that are competing are really being an advocate for something, and so for me, I’m an advocate for diabetes because my father has diabetes.” Stommes is a treasurer in the Lions Club, and also first vice president, when she isn’t doing special presentations and assisting with civic and nonprofit projects. “I think as a pageant contestant, there can be a lot of pressure involved to be well-rounded and to be smart but also physically fit and healthy, and I think I deal with those pressures by just being who I am,” she said.

Miss Amazing Pageant: Breaking down ableism in beauty ideals

Celebrating women with special needs, the Miss. Amazing Pageant aims to promote a positive special-needs community.

Written by Emily Bland

Long legs, perfect tan, big blonde hair and a perfect smile: In the pageant world, this has long defined beauty. Ableism—prejudice against people with disabilities—is often used to hold individuals back from being considered standardly attractive. Florida’s Miss. Amazing Pageant aims to break that mold and prove that everyone can be beautiful. With the help of Nicole Miller, The Miss Amazing Pageant will have its first ever Florida competition for those with disabilities. Miller, the State Director for the Miss Amazing project here in Florida, defines not only how the pageant celebrates participants talents, but gives them a platform to become vocal and influential citizens in their community. While the pageant culture is also often regarded as being costly, this pageant works to make this event not only affordable, but also impact to the community around it. “The Florida Miss Amazing Pageant for girls and women with disabilities celebrates each participant’s unique abilities and talents,” Miller said.

Open to girls ages five and up, the entry fee for participants is five cans of food—alleviating any socioeconomic barriers preventing people from entering. Once the cans are collected, the six division winners donate the money to their local homeless shelter or food pantry. “Our hope is to inspire the Miss Amazing queens and princesses with this community service project to put their talents to work and give back in their own way,” Miller said. Although the Miss. Amazing Pageant is a nationwide event, prior to Millers involvement, Florida had never held its own competition. After Miller saw a post about the Miss Amazing pageant from the campaign ‘Everyone Matters’—a global inclusiveness campaign, she researched the pageant and eventually became the State Director for Florida.

Along with bringing the competition to Florida, Miller’s responsibilities range across the entire program focusing on ensuring a positive experience for its contestants. Miller’s job as State director requires approximately 6-8 months of planning, recruiting volunteers and participants and raising at least $25,000. They also work closely with the six queens as they raise funds to attend the Miss Amazing pageant in Omaha. Similar to the traditional pageant, the contest involves various categories for participants to compete in before the crowning at the end of the night. The areas of participation include interview, introduction, eveningwear, with an optional talent showcase. The Junior League of Tallahassee donated dresses for the event, and while one representative of each age division is selected as queen, every participant is crowned as a princess.

As the goal of the Miss. Amazing pageant and programs, Miller hopes to encourage those with disabilities in order to affect their self-esteem in the future. “We believe that all people should be given the opportunity to reach their full potential,” Miller said. “Through the structure of the Miss Amazing pageant and other Miss Amazing programs, we hope to give girls and women with disabilities that opportunity. In an atmosphere built around encouragement and support, we believe the Miss Amazing pageant can bring the community together and encourage further inclusion for individuals with special needs.”

In order to get involved in the pageant, Miller says they are still looking for aid in nearly every aspect of the competition. Those interested can email her at nicolemiller@missamazingpageant.com.

Located at the Downtown Community Church, the cost to get through the door is a donation for other Miss Amazing projects. “These donations will offer a life-changing experience to young ladies with special needs in our community, and will ultimately circulate back to community organizations,” Miller said.

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Marline Barberena is the New Miss Nicaragua 2014

Marline Barberena of Chichigalpa was crowned Miss Nicaragua 2014at the conclusion of the national pageant held on March 15th, 2014 . She will represent Nicaragua in the Miss Universe 2014 pageant later this year. Marline, 26, holds a degree of Bachelor in Business Administration. She was a semi-finalist in Nuestra Belleza Latina 2013 pageant.

Silvia Alejandra Argudo Crowned Miss Universe Ecuador 2014

Silvia Alejandra Argudo was crowned Miss Universe Ecuador 2014 at the conclusion of the Miss Ecuador 2014 pageant held on March 15, 2014. Silvia, representing Manabi, is 21 years old and stands 1.77 m. She will represent Ecuador in the Miss Universe 2014 pageant.

Alejandra Argudo is studying psychology at the University of Kansas, United States. Her hobbies are playing sports, reading, traveling and learning about different cultures. 20 contestants competed for the title. The panel of judges includes Ximena Navarrete, former Miss Universe 2010 (head of the jury); Mario Espina, manager of Di Mario; Daniela Kronfle, Ecuadorian designer; Rodolfo Perez, Yanbal communications manager; Yuko Takahashi, Japanese make-up artist; and Luis Los Reyes, Renault manager.

Behind the scenes at the Ms. Senior Arizona Pageant

By Sarah Eberspacher

After documenting the 2013 Ms. Senior Arizona Pageant, Daily News-Sun staff photographer Jarod Opperman summed the event up as a little bit serious, a little bit silly, but totally fun. Between costume changes and a few deep breaths backstage, the elegant, all-60-or-older contestants shrugged off their nerves and put on a show that should not be missed.

Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder.

Donald Trump reveals Baton Rouge will host Miss USA 2014

by Scott Stump

The Miss USA competition is headed to the bayou this year.

Donald Trump, the owner of the Miss Universe Organization, announced Thursday that this year's contest will be held in Baton Rouge, La., on June 8. The contest will air on NBC from 8-11 p.m. ET. "[It's] just a place that really wanted us,'' Trump said on TODAY Thursday. "We had about 12 places that were fighting for the rights, and we just decided that's sort of the home of pageantry, it's sort of the home of the whole beauty thing. They're terrific people, and they're going to put on a great show. Usually we go to Las Vegas. We never fail in Las Vegas. It's great, but we thought we'd move it."

Baton Rouge hosted a Miss Teen USA competition in 2005, but the pageant couldn't return in 2006 due to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina, "when the population doubled overnight due to people in damaged areas seeking safety and shelter,” Miss Universe Organization president Paula Shugart said in the release. “The sense of community that Baton Rouge has is incredibly inspiring and the hospitality shown to us while we were there was second to none. I am looking forward to bringing an event back to Baton Rouge to experience the charm of the Capital City.”

The competition will feature contestants from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, who will be judged in the categories of swimsuit, evening gown and interview. "It is an honor to host the Miss USA pageant in Louisiana," Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne said in a statement. "It is an incredible opportunity for Baton Rouge to shine on a national stage and I expect the delegates will enjoy our unique culture and joie de vivre."
Last year's champion was Miss Connecticut, Erin Brady, who appeared alongside Trump on TODAY Thursday to discuss her future plans with her reign set to end in just over two months. "I'd love to get involved in the entertainment business,'' Brady said. "I do have a finance background, so I'm hoping to kind of embrace the best of both worlds and take that a step further." Marissa Powell, Miss Utah, also made headlines last year for an incoherent answer during the interview portion. She later appeared on TODAY for a second chance at the question.

Miss USA 2014 expected to be crowned in Baton Rouge in June

By Chelsea Brasted, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune

It looks like Miss USA will be crowned in Baton Rouge this year. A number of rooms at L'Auberge Casino and Hotel have been blocked out for the pageant between May 25 and June 9, 2014, which was made apparent after a call to the hotel's reservation desk confirmed the dates. City and state officials are expected to announce March 13 "that Baton Rouge will host a major live entertainment event this year," according to a press release. Those officials, however, stayed mum when a comment was requested on the room reservations. A "special announcement ... about the 2014 Miss USA competition" is also expected from Donald Trump, who operates the event as a co-venture with NBC Universal, and current Miss USA Erin Brady on the Today Show at 7:30 a.m. CST on March 13.
Neither representatives with the Lieutenant Governor's office, Visit Baton Rouge nor L'Auberge would comment, instead deferring to tomorrow's press conference. "Everyone will just have to come to the press conference tomorrow morning," said Katie Guasco, a press representative with Visit Baton Rouge. 
Baton Rouge is apparently not the first city to have been considered for the 2014 pageant. Doral, Florida, was a previous choice according to the Miami Herald, but the Doral City Council did not approve a resolution to allow that city's manager to work with pageant organizers to produce the event.

A pageant blogger posted the room booking information on his Facebook pageearlier today (March 12), theorizing that would place the pageant date on June 8, 2014. The Miss USA pageant would be no newcomer to Louisiana. It was previously held in Shreveport in 1997 and 1998, according to the pageant website. The televised coverage of Miss USA in 2013 garnered 4.6 million viewers.

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Miss Alabama USA 2014 Jessica Ahlberg, Miss USA 2013 Erin Brady meet fans at Birmingham Chinese Laundry event

by Mia Watkins

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama--A line of fans gathered on the first floor of the Van Maur store in Riverchase Galleria Saturday, March 8 to get some personal time with Miss Alabama USA 2014 Jessica Ahlberg and Miss USA 2013 Erin Brady. Brady and Ahlberg were on hand from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. for an appearance on behalf of the Chinese Laundry shoe brand, an official sponsor of the Miss USA pageant. “We here to model and show off the spring line for Chinese Laundry,” said Brady. Fans were able to meet and take pictures with the two. The first 100 in line also got a special gift from Chinese Laundry. DJ Rob Everette from 99.5 Vibe also spun tunes for the crowd during and before the meet and greet. Nine-year-old Janna Calhoun said she wanted to come to the event to meet the two. She said she enjoyed getting her picture taken with Ahlberg and Brady. “This was the first celebrity I was going to meet,” she said. Brady said her reign as Miss USA has been great.

“It’s been unbelievable,” she said. “I really didn’t know what to expect and it’s been everything I could have expected and more. I got to compete in Miss Universe and made it to the top 10. It’s crazy that the year’s almost over and I’m trying to figure out what’s next in my life.” She said she wants to get into hosting. “I’m hoping to get involved in some kind of hosting career,” she said. “I was a financial accountant before this so maybe tying in the finance aspect of my life too, but we’ll see I still have a couple more months left.” Ahlberg, who was crowned in November, said her time so far as Miss Alabama USA has been a fun experience. She will compete in the Miss USA pageant in the summer. “I’m still trying to get used to it, “she said. “I’m having so much fun and it’s been the coolest experience so far. Getting to hang out with Miss USA all weekend, I mean, and just getting to make an impact on our community and meeting all of the kids that I’ve been working with has been a really great time.” She hopes that appearances such as the Chinese Laundry event will encourage other young girls to think about the Miss Universe system.

“I really would like to get people involved, let people see us and learn about us and get more of a support system going and hopefully get those girls to want to compete,” she said. Olivia Stiznani, 8, is an example of one of the girls in the crowd Ahlberg hopes to inspire. She and her mother, Lisa, came across the event while shopping for pageant shoes. Ahlberg and Brady wished Olivia luck on her upcoming pageant and gave her an autograph. “I just thought it would be neat for her to see some role models like this,” Lisa said.