World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to welcome amazing Queen Robin Marie Brown 2021 Mrs. World America.
Full name: Robin Marie Brown
Title/Year: 2021 Mrs. World America
2019 & 2020 Mrs. Washington World America
2018 Mrs. Mason County
Pageant System: Ms World International
Age: 41
Education Level: Medical Assistant schooling
Zodiac sign: Gemini
Hobbies: Volunteering, gardening, fishing
Platform: Making invisible illness and disabilities VISIBLE
Years competed: 3
Countries visited: 3
Likes: Working with all types of people and organizations to bring awareness to a variety of important issues and causes. Dislikes: people who lie, fruit on my pizza, and negativity
Status: Currently preparing for Mrs. World International 2022 competition
World Class Beauty Queens: Please tell us about yourself.
I am a 41 year old wife, mother and disability advocate. My family and I live on a small property that we've been transforming into our own little farm in Washington for the last few years. We grow fruits, vegetables and berries. We also raise a large flock of chickens and enjoy fresh eggs while donating all the extra farm goods to local food banks and the senior center. We love the outdoors and when I'm not on stage you'll probably find me somewhere with a fishing pole in hand because this queen loves to fish!
World Class Beauty Queens: Please tell us about your education.
Before becoming disabled I worked as a certified Medical Assistant for nearly 14 years, graduating my program at the top of my class in 2000. Since then I have become an inspirational speaker, sharing my story with schools, clubs, support groups and large corporations.
World Class Beauty Queens: What does women Empowerment means to you?
To me women Empowerment is not just supporting other women, although obviously support is huge! But, its even more than that, It's lifting women up(especially when they're down) and reminding them how powerful and valuable they really are, to their households, society and the world.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your pageant history. My history is a relatively short one. I began competing 3 years ago. First in the Mrs. America system as Mrs. Mason County. Then I became Mrs. Washington World with the Ms World International pageant. With my Mrs. Washington World title, I competed in Miami in August 2021 and am proud to say I came away with my current title Mrs. World America
World Class Beauty Queens: What inspired you to do your first pageant? About 6 months after having surgery to place a colostomy bag, I was lost. I had never felt less like myself. I had determined that with my new accessory I would never, and I mean NEVER be beautiful again. Before surgery I swore I would never wear a swimsuit again, much less a bikini and proceeded to toss away most of my wardrobe as I would probably live out my days in sweat pants and baggy top. Que my tribe.. they were not going to let me sit in the dark and hide away from the world! Someone suggested a Mrs. pageant to continue my community work, share my story and raise awareness and maybe boost my confidence a bit and be reminded of my strength. I thought it over and said NO! Then a week or so later a random message from a high school friend again suggesting a pageant. I knew then I'd better not slam the door on the idea this time and applied for my first title, Mrs. Mason County
World Class Beauty Queens: Why did you choose to compete for your current title? I was looking for a system that celebrated Beauty, diversity & philanthropy and Ms World International (MWI) fit that bill! I love that they celebrate all ages, shapes and sizes. Plus, they have a larger focus on modeling than other pageants I had looked into. The modeling portion was important for me because of my desire to literally put it all out there and make INVISIBLE, VISIBLE.
World Class Beauty Queens: To those unfamiliar with your pageant system please tell us what is it about? MWI is an all inclusive pageant experience and reality series filming event. That means in addition to the standard judged portions of competition, they have tons of fun optional activities like a yacht party, beach photoshoot, and Segway races. All with the intention of bring contestants together, & having fun while the crew captures it all, providing high quality photos and videos for each contestant.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are you being judged on during the competition? This year there were four phases of competition. Evening gown, swimwear, interview and photoshoot. Each phase was scored by a panel of 40 judges from around the world.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your experience during the competition.
I had an amazing time spending nearly a week at the amazing beach side resort, giving many opportunities to get to know my fellow Queens, the director and crew. Each day was filled with a little bit of competition and a whole lot of fun! There was typically one scored event each day followed by fun optional events, Red carpets and photoshoots. Having the competition portion spread out instead of all in one day made for much less stress too.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your platform or what cause do you volunteer for.
I am proud to represent those living with an ostomy but also to bring awareness to all types of invisible illnesses and disabilities. I love volunteering and have been involved with the United Ostomy Association of America, and was even named the Ostomy Awareness Day Champion for the 10th anniversary of Ostomy Awareness Day 2020. I volunteer with many local food banks and my local HUB center for seniors. I've volunteered with various Rotary clubs across Washington state, and I read to and speak with elementary students with my anti-bullying campaign.
World Class Beauty Queens: What appearances have you done with your title?
There are so many to choose from but I always enjoy being a judge for a local scholarship pageant, The Forrest Festival Royal Court. I love seeing young men and women become an active part of our community, celebrating accomplishments, service projects and academic performance. They are always an amazing group, with a huge outpouring of love and support from local businesses, individuals and families. It's a fun way to come together and support and celebrate our youth.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are some of your achievements?
Aside from my current achievement of Mrs. World America, I've had many opportunities to make change. In 2020 I was named ostomy awareness day champion by the Ostomy Associations of America. I was honored to be the face of the 10th anniversary of the Ostomy Awareness Day campaign! This year I was nominated for 5 WeGo health awards for my advocacy efforts - including "Best Kept Secret" & " Rookie of the year" In addition I was also nominated in the U.K. for Woman of the year, presented by Kylie Rose Boutique. I was first runner up and was beyond proud to have been a nominee.
World Class Beauty Queens: What makes you stand out from all those other beautiful girls?
Quit isn't in my vocabulary. Following my accident in 2014, I've endured over 30 surgeries, 4 in the six months leading up to the Ms. World International pageant. I walked the runway in a bikini, with my ostomy pouch proudly displayed, just 8 weeks after having multiple surgeries to restore blood flow to both my legs. Since quarantine began in March 2020, I have lost both of my parents to cancer, endured 6 surgeries (one an emergency, the day my mother passed), began homeschooling, and continued to live with chronic illness and disabilities. Then just to add a bit of extra, I was robbed at gunpoint while traveling to the Ms World International competition. But, I knew this was my opportunity to bring attention to all the causes I am passionate about. I remembered all those who had supported and encouraged me for nearly 2 years as we waited for the pageant to be able to be conducted safely. I knew that just like all of the other challenges I had faced on my journey to the stage, that this would not stop me either.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about the moment your name was called out as the winner.
At first I wasn't sure I heard it, because I was saying my name over and over in my head as we waited for the announcement! Once I realized, I moved forward to be Crowned and all I could think was "We did it"
World Class Beauty Queens: What does it mean to you to be a Beauty Queen?
For me, it was never a lifelong childhood dream of mine to be a beauty queen, but honestly I think that was mostly due to my lack of confidence! That being said, being a queen means an amazing opportunity to do even more good things! Bringing more exposure to important issues and causes. The bigger the crown, the bigger the voice!
World Class Beauty Queens: How did competing in pageants helped your life? Following my ostomy surgery, I was depressed to say the least. I no longer recognized the shell of a woman staring back at me. I was hiding. Hiding from society as I didn't want their judgment on my new "pouch", hiding from my husband a man that had been by my side for over 15 years for fear he would find me as disgusting as I did. Hiding from my own reflection, as I couldn't look in the mirror without crying. Then one day I was working in the garden, in the August heat wearing my sweatshirt and pants to hide my new body, and something changed in that moment. I was sweating my face off, dirty and miserable doing something that used to bring me so much joy...all because of a surgery and device that saved my life??? Oh no, I don't think so! I decided then that I would never be ashamed for being alive again. I would go on to not only change my wardrobe, but wear a swimsuit again for the first time...on stage...asking to be judged. I have never been more confident or proud of myself, and it's because through life and pageantry I've learned to appreciate this body, my body & no longer allow it to stop me from being unstoppable
World Class Beauty Queens: How did pageants helped your selfesteem and body image?
The first time I stepped on stage I was nervous but excited and terrified all at the same time. I knew my platform would be announced with my introduction, which meant the entire theatre would know I had a colostomy. I felt amazing. Interviews went well, evening gown and swimsuit went off without a hitch and
World Class Beauty Queens: You are an inspiration to all the girls out there. How does it feel? It feels surreal! It's amazing to feel the excitement from the girl and boys too that look up to you from the moment they see you. It's a firm and fast reminder that as a Queen we have the ability to really make an impact with our youth, and that should never be taken lightly.
World Class Beauty Queens: What is your on stage strategy to win the judges over? The three S's have served me well...SELF - be true to you and bring your best self to the stage. STRUT - Don't ever doubt the power of a good, or bad walk! It can make or break your final placement with the judges. SPARKLE - Go out there and own the stage, know with confidence that your hard work will pay off, that you are amazing and don't forget to leave a little sparkle wherever you go!
World Class Beauty Queens: How did you prepare for your competition? This year's prep was VERY different for me as a result of my health. Due to numerous surgeries in the months leading up to pageant my goal of being in "the best shape of my life", quickly fell out of reach, and my new goal became being able to walk the whole stage without stopping or my legs giving out. Once I got my regular gait back. I then had to work on my runway, stage and red carpet walks. It was challenging, and painful literally. But, I did it. I did it well and without my story as background most would never know just a few months prior I was fighting for my life and my legs.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for learning better pageant walk? Of course the age old saying goes....practice, practice, practice! But also record yourself doing it. Mich like an athlete watches playback films its important to see yourself and your walk as the judges would. Wear the shoes you'll be wearing, along with wardrobe or something similar to practice how to move in that particular wardrobe. It also NEVER hurts to hire a coach...even if just for one or two sessions! It can really make a difference getting tips from a professional!!
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for choosing right pageant dress? Be you and find something that makes you feel ABSOLUTELY FAB-U-LOUS. While it's also important to consider the "style" of the particular pageant your part of, I think its even more important to find a gown that makes you carry yourself like royalty simply by putting it on.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for winning interview? Know who you are and what you want to make sure the judges know about you. Then no matter how simple the question may be, like what's your favorite color? You can be prepared to tell them with confidence that it was green for a long time but has since become Blue because that's the color for Ostomy Awareness, and you have spent much time advocating for that cause over the last year. So it's become your favorite. Using a simple question to draw attention to what you want the judges to know! Knowing that it eases the stress I used to feel in interviews because I know just who and am excited to share that with the judges
World Class Beauty Queens: What is one mistake that you've done during competing you wish you could redo and fix it? My first pageant I didn't hire a makeup artist. It seems like a simple thing most experienced competitors know but I did not. I wish I would have as on stage and on film you could clearly see who invested in a good MUA!
World Class Beauty Queens: What other mistakes are made by girls during the contest? I think honestly the biggest mistake is competing with the other contestants. For me I focus my energy on what I'm doing and how to do MY BEST, not how to compete with them the best. No one has ever said to me, I'm so proud you beat her (insert name here) but I have often know that win or not, I will be proud of myself and so will my amazing tribe
World Class Beauty Queens: Any modeling or acting experience? While I pursued acting in college, I ended up going what some consider a more practical route and entered the medical field. I have had the opportunity since pageant to participate in numerous photoshoots and am actively pursuing modeling. At the Ms. World International pageant I had many photoshoots, filming events, runways and red carpets, giving me tons of available media and experience to get started.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your plans for 2021/22 as a Queen? Honestly!?!? Anything and everything I can get involved with, or bring attention to I get excited about. My ostomy outreach plans are constantly growing, I have multiple speaking events to uplift and inspire others to stand up and LIVE, podcast interviews, radio appearances, fundraisers and anything else I can possibly squeeze into my schedule. I'd like to maximize on this opportunity to do as much as possible, to help many as possible, and to reimagine what's possible when I connect with others trying to do the same.
World Class Beauty Queens: What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
While I think many dream their contributions to the world will change history -I think most will have a more modest approach that may not alter the world forever but will leave a lasting memory for those who's lives you've impacted. So my hope is to leave a legacy of kindness, and perseverance. The legacy that "won't quit" just like me. I know I've left this legacy for my children as they have seen the journey, and if I have improved or changed even one other person's life, I am humbled and grateful
International Director/ Executive Producer: Shelley Lacerda
Pageant website: www.msworldinternarional.com
Name of the Photographer and other credits Sheila Harris with Epic Studio productions
Thank you to my sponsors:
Huge thank you to Naomia May for sponsoring my amazing headshots for pageant and Sheila Harris photography for some great shots as well , Kylie Rose Boutique for making all my dress dreams come true, and my amazing team Cassie Modrell and Tamara Lords for being the best Glam Squad ever! A special thank you to my husband Mike who loves and supports every endeavor! Last but far from least I have to give an ENORMOUS thank you to my amazing, supportive & encouraging tribe, I can't imagine this journey without each and every one of you!
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to say thank you for this wonderful interview. Interview by Derek Tokarzewski Owner/Editor in Chief of World Class Beauty Queens Magazine.
Robin Marie Brown 2021 Mrs. World America, World Class Beauty Queens Magazine, Pho to by Sheila Harris with Epic Studio productions
Interview by Derek Tokarzewski Owner/Editor in Chief Mr United Nations 2018 Platform: Women Empowerment Ambassador to International Foundation for Orphans iffocares.org
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