An Interview With Kanesha

What made you enter MPA? In August 2011 I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Nanette Watts the founder and consultant for Pageants Unlimited Plus. After receiving confirmation and gracing her presence, I entered this pageant because I admired the confidence and I enjoy the association with beautiful women from around the world who represent all women of equity.

How did you feel as you were traveling to the pageant? I was excited with anticipation with great expectation of a wonderful time and the experience of a lifetime.

What was your favorite part of the pageant? My favorite part of the pageant was establishing everlasting friendships while learning valuable information that can be used in all walks of life.

Tell us about the new friends you made. My new friends and I shared commonalities in all aspects in the transformation of the women of equity we are today. My sister queens and I grew an amazing bond that will forever impact our lives as we travel together through this journey of being positive role models in society.

What was the toughest part of the competition? The toughest part of the competition was witnessing my state queens, whom I grew to adore, not make it to the top 15 during Finals. Each and every lady was graceful and kind as they continued to route me on. I knew at that moment I was to grace the stage with confidence and assurance that my walk would not be in vain.

What was the most difficult question to answer in interview? Not one question was difficult for me to answer. My judges were amazing and I truly felt as if I were holding an intellectual conversation with my fellow peers. I was able to deliver my answers with passion and conviction.

How did you feel during the opening number? I had such an amazing experience during the opening number. I had the pleasure and opportunity to work exclusively with my sister queen Mrs. Kentucky Plus America 2012 (Lisa Strange-Kuiper). We were so busy supporting one another, attempting to get the opening number together, once we were able to nail it on stage it felt like we had both made a TOUCH DOWN through teamwork. I will never forget walking off stage feeling as if we had conquered the world through love.

Was everyone supportive of one another? I can definitely attest to having nothing but support and love directed my way. Not one single sister queen made me feel less than another sister queen. To see my sisters surround me with nothing but love and encouragement reminded me that I did not make it this far without Faith.

What was the first thing that went through your mind when you heard your name called? Actually I never heard my name being called. I felt as if I were watching a movie and I saw my director, whom we graciously call “Mama Nette,” cheer and jump in excitement as if her baby girl “Me” had just received the gold medal at the 2012 Olympics. At that moment, I realized her words of wisdom, love and comfort along with blood, sweat and tears had finally paid off that very moment as I was crowned the 2012 Mrs. Plus America. The pounding of my heart could only express the joy in which I felt at that very moment.

Describe your crowning moment. As I stood with conviction, I knew that I was representing every young lady who had been told they were beautiful but not thin enough to make a change in society. But here I stand, a woman of equity, poise and grace who now has a greater opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others.

What plans do you have for your year's reign? I plan to touch the lives of every individual who has been ridiculed and tormented throughout their lives because of their physical appearance. The majorities of women, young and old, are considered plus size. As a result, this pageant is responsible for lifting the self-esteem and self-confidence of many women who have been made to feel "less than." Therefore, I have accepted the challenge to build and promote confidence in the lives of women as well as families in hopes of them embracing their self-worth.

What is your platform? My platform is “Strengthening Families One Step At A Time”

How do you plan to promote your platform? I currently have made advancements towards strengthening families within my community. My objective is to reach out to father's who may feel they have not had the support they need to become better providers for their family; to extend encouragement to the mother’s on how to nurture their children; while bridging the gap between home and school in order to inspire children to become high achievers. Once the school, the church and the community network together; we can build solid families to overcome obstacles, barriers and everyday challenges.

What advice would you give to anyone looking to enter the Miss Plus America pageant? Confident individuals produce greater outcomes. As a contestant, confidence is nonnegotiable. When transforming into a woman of equity, one commands the positive attention from others. As a woman striving to become the next national queen, I suggest that your passion for this competition be your aura that others see as your defining attribute.