Chenese Lewis
Miss Plus America Ambassador

Chenese Lewis made history on Saturday, August 23rd and became the very first "Plus America".  At the judges' exit interview, one judge said, "Chenese was such a lively spirit.  Her smile was very infectious. Her Cinderella dress fit her to a "T" and made her look like a princess."  Another judge said, "Chenese's  platform, of Positive Body Image, followed her throughout the entire pageant.  Her confidence level was only matched by her natural beauty and since of style. In an era where rhinestone's and sequins are the natural choice for the most serious competitor, Chenese choice of gown ( a baby pink antebellum gown complete with a full hoop skirt) was a bold move . Positive Body Image plus a Positive Roll model equal a Positive choice for Miss Plus America."  Below is a little bit about one of the women who will represent all full-figured women for the next year.

Biography

"Oh!  The name of the movie is 'Runaway Jury' staring three superstars in film.  They are Oscar winners, Dustin Hoffman and Gene Hackman as well as rising superstar, John Cusack.  It's scheduled to come to theaters in the Fall 2003.  Working on the set is hard work!  I had to stand and walk on my feet in high heels for 11 hours.  After that, I needed some rest; but, I know I will be seen in the movie a few times and so it was all worth it!  This has been a wonderful experience and will be a great addition to my budding Filmography." she said, as if she were already a superstar herself.

The world is open to Chenese, a twenty-three year old native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pursuing a B.A. in English with a concentration on creative writing and a minor in Speech Communications.  "I have several options that I will explore, I refuse to limit myself.  I have plans A, B, and C for my life.  One is to explore a career in entertainment, but I am also realistic in knowing that it is a very hard industry to break into and guarantees are rare in life." she smiled.  "Having something to fall back on or a plan B, is very important to me, which is where secondary education comes in.  After graduation, I may attend Law school.   However, I might find that it is not for me, and since I will have my English degree, I can always teach!  Teachers are in demand everywhere, and I could always relocate to a bigger city to act or model and/or be a full time teacher or substitute.  I think the more options one creates for oneself, the happier he or she will be." she continues.  "Wherever my life takes me, I want to be successful.  If I become a actress, I want to win the Oscar.  If I become a teacher, I want to be "Teacher of the Year".

"My motto, 'Confidence shows when you walk into the room, remains as you exit, and is admired by all' is something that I strongly believe in.  Believing in yourself is having confidence.  My parents are wonderful and I attribute much of my success to them.  But I realize that ultimately, it's up to me to believe in myself and have the courage to pursue anything I choose."

Chenese's platform is "Positive Body Image".  She confessed that she chose this platform because there was no other subject with which she could speak on that summed up one of the biggest reasons full-figured women today have poor self-esteem.  She believes that being a confident full-figure woman, who thinks she is beautiful, intelligent and capable could be example and an inspiration to another who, for many reasons, may see themselves in a lesser light.

"If I had the choice," the bright-eyed and dynamic actress/model/Lawyer/Teacher and motivational speaker begins, "of course I would choose a career in entertainment and I have been putting one hundred percent in my pursuits.  But if that is not meant to be, life will go on, and so will I.  

Chenese describes herself as outgoing and confident.  But to Coronet Productions, Miss Louisiana Plus America, is certainly a "class act."