Thursday March 24th, 2011 is a day that will always live vividly in my memories. It was my Inaugural Cocktail Party as Ms. Maryland United States 2011. Not only was it special because so many came out to enjoy this wonderful occasion and wish me well, but it was dear to me because each non-profit partner that I reached out to was in attendance.
Washington Area Women’s Foundation, Mary’s Center for Maternal & Child Care, and Literacy/ Leadership Cares PG County Reading Initiative all stood proudly to represent their organizations. Representatives provided a brief background of their organization and let attendees know first-hand what they could personally do to contribute to each cause.
As I was standing before my guests I couldn’t help but notice a row of teenagers sitting against the back wall. They all had the largest smiles on their faces and the biggest gleam of hope and innocence in their eyes. Looking at them took me back to a time when the world too, was at my feet, and the only thing I wanted to do was go out and conquer all of my dreams. They were students from Northwestern High School in Hyattsville, Maryland, who are a part of the Literacy Cares program. They also have a passion for mentoring and voluntarily spend their Saturdays reading to elementary students. When the event wrapped up each of them came to greet me and told me how proud they were to be in my presence; but I had to tell them how proud and humbled I was to be in theirs.
That night wasn’t about me; sure like any girl, I love the glitz and the glamor of dressing up, wearing a crown, and meeting people, but that night belonged to them and to each non-profit organization that proudly and tirelessly fights for their causes. Speaking to each of the students reminded me of the speech given at my undergraduate commencement ceremony. To sum it all up, the speaker said “It’s no longer about you any more, it about them”. Meaning we as college graduates had reached a point in our lives where it was time for us to step out into society and contribute and recycle the blessings that had been bestowed upon us. We had received the fruits of labor of our parents, mentors, & forefathers, and now as we left college and stepped out into the real world, it was time for us to return the favor. That favor being to Inspire, Mentor, & Contribute to “them.” “Them” being the next generation of Leaders, of “Ms. Maryland’s’”, of “Non-profit Founders”, and “Dream Conquers”. Thank you to Washington Area Women’s Foundation for doing your part to Inspire, Mentor, and Contribute.
Tiffany Parker is Ms. Maryland 2011. She has partnered with Washington Area Women’s Foundation to make women’s empowerment part of the conversations she has with the community during her reigning year.
Photo Credit: Gedalia Vera, Mundovision Media Productions.