| |
2009 Mrs.
Plus America
Monique Bruner
Photogenic shot |
Finals Introduction |
Fashion Pant Wear Top 15 |
Evening Gown Top 15 |
Being Crowned Mrs Plus America
|
Monique & Her Court |
Q&A With The New
Mrs. Plus America!
| MPA |
What made
you enter MPA? |
| Monique |
I’ve never been in a pageant but secretly I always wanted to
know what it would feel like to wear a crown. I have two girls
that love glamour, fashion and the spotlight and I want them to
know that regardless of your appearance you can do whatever you
set your sights on. When I won the Oklahoma Plus America
Pageant, I was hooked. |
| MPA |
How did
you feel as you were traveling to the pageant? |
| Monique |
I was nervous but ready. I rode with Ellaleilani Wiggins (Ms.
Oklahoma Plus America 2009) and we talked about interview
questions, looked at last year’s pageant and questioned if we
had all of the proper attire. |
| MPA |
What was
your favorite part of the pageant? |
| Monique |
Meeting everyone and getting all glammed up! All of the
delegates had their own interesting story while Marie (Miss Teen
Ambassador) won a special spot in my heart. The parties were
great too – the Pajama Party was a hoot as we were able to let
our hair down and be silly while the Viva La Diva Party was a
time to bring out that hidden diva. This diva could get used to
all of that attention – flashing cameras, interviews with Jeremy
on the Taboo staff and the great food. |
| MPA |
Tell us
about the new friends you made. |
| Monique |
The sisterhood reminded me of my sorority (Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority, Inc) as we all had something in common – we were all
QUEENS! The differences were appreciated, celebrated and
accepted which rarely happens to a plus size diva. |
| MPA |
What was
the toughest part of the competition? |
| Monique |
Learning the opening number. Concerning that I don’t have much
rhythm learning the dance steps and trying to be cute was a
little overwhelming. I found myself going over the movements
over and over again but never felt quite sure. I still need to
see the video – still praying that I didn’t get too off beat. |
| MPA |
What was
the most difficult question to answer in interview? |
| Monique |
How do you feel about tenure? Since I teach at a community
college, tenure is important but I have a different view on it.
I was really unsure how the judges would take it. I guess it
went over ok. |
| MPA |
How did
you feel during the opening number? |
| Monique |
Like I said before, dancing is really not my thing. My family
and friends said I did a good job and they couldn’t tell if or
when I messed up. Maybe they were just trying to make me feel
good – well that worked. |
| MPA |
What was
the mood back-stage? |
| Monique |
Everyone had their game face on and had the confidence that they
would win. There was a helpful spirit in the dressing room and
true compassion when feet started hurting. |
| MPA |
What was it like knowing that
National Geographic was filming you? |
| Monique |
At first, I was concerned that they would try to highlight the
negative aspects of being plus sized. But they were really
interested in how we felt, what went on at the pageant, how the
behind the scenes worked and after a while the camera faded into
the background. |
| MPA |
What was the first thing that went through
your mind when you heard your name called for top 15? |
| Monique |
I thought girl you did it now you really got to strut your
stuff. Then I started sweating like I never had before. |
| MPA |
Describe
your crowning moment. |
| Monique |
I remember standing there holding Toniette’s hand and telling
her make sure you let me know how I can help you in your
reign. When they called her name I said congratulations you
will be a great queen. Then someone behind me said Monique you
won and I started screaming and jumping up and down even though
my feet were numb. I said me, did they say me. I would so
excited and thankful. |
| MPA |
What
plans do you have for your year's reign? |
| Monique |
More than anything I want to HAVE FUN! I want to talk to
everyone about MPA and the sisterhood it involves. I can’t wait
to talk with women about loving themselves and showing others. |
| MPA |
How do
you plan to promote your platform? |
| Monique |
Promoting Civic Engagement and Encouraging Students to Get
Involved in their Community
I plan to educate students how they can make changes in their
community, their schools and country. I want them to learn
about how our government works and feel comfortable in starting
projects in their community. |
| MPA |
What
advice would you give to anyone looking to enter the Miss Plus
America pageant? |
| Monique |
Pray about it, talk with your family (you will need their
support) and do something you have never done before…as tomorrow
is never promised and you will learn more about yourself by
participating in MPA! |
Choose The Month You Wish
To Read!
(Updated Monthly)
Reflections on the Road To The
Crown!
My Road to the Crown
May 2 was the day I won the
Oklahoma
Mrs. Plus America title and I met two of the greatest women I've
ever known - Miss Plus Oklahoma Candace Scott & Ms. Plus Oklahoma
Ellalelani Wiggins. It was the most exciting yet stressful time in
my life. Trying to find what to wear, learning how to walk in high
heels, reviewing thousands of
interview questions, and
trying to get sponsors. That also leaves scheduling appearances,
working and keeping my household together. The lessons were all
worthwhile.
The days leading up to the national competition solidified the
bond between the three of us with hourly phone calls, multiple text
messaging, waiting for dresses to arrive via FedEx and questions
being hammered at us by Lady Joyce (our interview coach). For a
while I had memories of being online and the flashbacks made me
shudder. But when I got to Monroe I realized all the
long nights
and hours of walking in heels was well worth it.
As we settled into the hotel, we rested and prepared our minds
for competition. Like everyone
else we came to win and have fun.
The practices seemed easy for Ella & Candace but that opening number
had me nervous. The continuous banter with the other contestants
shook my confidence a few times - it's hard to keep your game face
when among so many beautiful & talented women. But Ella, Candace &
Joyce were always there to either put me in my place or give those
much needed words of encouragement.
The most exciting part of the week was being interviewed by Jeremy &
the National Geographic team. Candace & I were the background to the
Ellalelani. She is so talented with her fashion design, line of
makeup and hair design experience and overall
know-how-to-make-it-right pageant queen. Ella performed with ease
making Oklahomans & plus size ladies from around the world proud. I
hope we make the cut and are featured in the show.
The dreaded prelims - had us all sweating bullets. Ella & Candace
hit the stage while I went through the interview process. Then we
switched the next day. The night before the pageant we kicked it
at the Viva La Diva party. We danced had a great meal, enjoyed
talking to our family & friends that made it in and stayed up late
working on changing up some our outfits. Oh and don't let me forget
the million or so pictures we took.
The day of the pageant was nerve racking for me. I still didn't have
this dance down and my feet hurt. My family got lost in Monroe and
I was hungry. As the day turned to evening and time to report to
the dressing
rooms
tension was high because the contest was up for grabs. After the
opening number, I signed a relief because I only got off a few
times. When they started calling the top 15 my stomach was
turning flips as the Oklahoma contingent was called forward. I was
on cloud nine but I knew God was on my side.
Pants wear was first & my hat with mink stole sponsored by Koslow's
Furs in Oklahoma
City was off the chain. Like they say always bet
on black. Ella & Candace made them to notice as well. Oklahoma was
showing out.
The
evening gowns
competition was very elegant. The gowns were all different fitting
everyone’s individual personality. My dress was a Tony Bowls
turquoise beaded gown. The rest they say is history or as I like to
say “herstory”. My family was so excited for me. Check me out –
I’m Mrs. Plus America!!!
Ready to Serve,
Monique Miles Bruner
Mrs. Plus America
July Diary Entry
The first month of reign
as Mrs. Plus America has been AWESOME!!! The day after the pageant
I went on my yearly family vacation. As we drove over 4200 miles,
every place we stopped I was telling people about Miss Plus
America. I talked to over 100 people about MPA and how it has
changed my life.. Telling my story so many times helped me feel
more comfortable about talking about the MPA pageant and
encouraging women to participate. In my travels, I talked with
Amish teens, toured the Delaware Capital, and toured possible
Underground Railroad sites. I also used a portion of my
Catherine’s/Lane Bryant/Fashion Bug gift certificate at the Dover,
DE, Fashion Bug (we don’t have that store in Oklahoma City).
The local Kiwanis Club
welcomed me as a new member. I will be working with them to
establish a Circle K club at Rose State College. Circle K is the
youth /collegiate arm of the Kiwanis. This is a perfect fit with
my platform (promoting civic engagement). I will keep you updated
on our progress.
There is much more to
come…I have already been asked to do a photo shoot with the Miss
Black Oklahoma, to Host the Miss Black Oklahoma USA pageant, and
autograph photos at two back to school celebrations. Wow, I can’t
wait to see what happens next.
Get Involved!
Monique Miles Bruner
August Diary Entry
Mrs. Plus America
and Oklahoma Plus America Queens
Help with Quayle United Methodist Church Back to School Block Party
Monique Bruner, Mrs. Plus
America along with Ellaleilani Wiggins, Ms. Oklahoma Plus
America and Candace Scott, Miss Oklahoma Plus America served as
volunteers at the Quayle United Methodist Church Back to School
Block Party on Saturday, August 8, 2009. The Block Party took
place from 10am to 1pm with hundreds of people in attendance.
Coordinators of the event said they had record attendance and ran
out of some food and many of the supplies by noon. The event
included back packs with school supplies, food, games, activities,
and health fair. Local students and their parents enjoyed
participating in the activities which were all FREE. The other
community partners that helped to sponsor this wonderful event
were: Community Youth Outreach (CYO), Rising Star Baptist Church,
First Christian Church of Edmond, St. John Missionary Baptist
Church, and Friends from Church of the Servant United Methodist
church.
Gwen Keeton, Program
Coordinator of CYO, commented that the Plus America Queens were
the main attraction at the party. She said that many replied
about how nice and patient the Queens were in answering questions
about their crowns and taking time to take pictures with the
youth.
August
Supplemental, First Edition
Ella, Candace and
Myself took some time out to take some fun photos at Wal-mart a
few weeks ago...thought I would share a few with you. We love
each other very much and will be sister queens forever...thanks
for giving us the chance to know each other.
August Supplemental,
Second Edition
On Saturday, August 15, 2009 from 9 to
1p the Urban League of Greater Oklahoma City hosted its 2nd
Annual Back to School Bash. Dr. Valerie R. Thompson, CEO and
President of the Urban League of Greater OKC said "Thank you
to everyone who rolled up their sleeves, donated cash and
goods, volunteered friends, co-workers, and family. Thank you
to the many board members who arrived early and stayed late."
She personally thanked me for walking around talking to the
crowd while they waited to get back packs, hair cuts,
manicures and health checks. I also gave away hip hop view
books to those that could name an old school hip hop artist.
The hip hop view books were a hit with old and young alike -
this led to many laughs and conversations that started with
"remember when".
Dr. Thompson also sent me these
statistics from the event:
-
Gave 1029 Backpacks
with school supplies to 1029 children
-
Gave over 200
hair cuts to young boys
-
Provided 170 health
screenings to the adults
-
Saved 5 lives. 5
adults were referred to ER as a result of the screenings.
This
was a huge success. It worked because of the hard work and
dedication of those that work at the Urban League of Greater
Oklahoma City and the countless volunteers that gave their
time. The volunteers gave their time not only the day of the
event but the entire week before...not to mention those that
purchased supplies, food, and much more. These volunteers
realized that it takes everyone to help to the community and it
doesn't always take money - your time is most important.
As a
board member for the Urban League and President of the Urban
League Young Professionals, I spend a lot of time at the UL
because I believe in their mission - To assist
African Americans, other minorities and the poor achieve social
and economic equality. We work to accomplish this mission
through advocacy, bridge-building, research and program services
in five major areas: children and families; employment and
training; affordable housing; minority entrepreneurship; and
urban health. Check out the Urban League in your
area and see what you can do to help. Feel free to check out
these websites -
www.urbanleagueok.org
or
www.okculyp.org or
www.nul.org.
Enjoy a few
pictures from this wonderful event! Get Involved
in Your Community!
Monique Bruner
Mrs. Plus America
August Supplemental,
Third Edition
My platform is encouraging civic engagement and
promoting community service. I’ve been looking to get involved in
an international organization that has the same mission. I found
one Kiwanis International –
www.kiwanis.org.
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to
changing the world, one child and one community at a time.
The name “Kiwanis” means “we trade” or “we
share our talents.” It was coined from an American Indian
expression, Nunc Kee-wanis. Kiwanians are volunteers changing the
world through service to children and communities. Kiwanis members
help shelter the homeless, feed the hungry, mentor the
disadvantaged, and care for the sick. They develop youth as
leaders, build playgrounds, raise funds for pediatric research,
and much more. No problem is too big or too small. Why? Because
working together, members achieve what one person cannot
accomplish alone. When you give a child a chance to learn,
experience, dream, and succeed, great things happen! Kiwanis
Membership is about 8,000 clubs in 96 countries, with more than
260,000 adult members, and approximately 320,000 youth members.
Each year, Kiwanis clubs, sponsor nearly 150,000 service projects
and raise more than $107 million. Their Global Results have
contributed more than $80 million toward the global elimination of
iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), the leading preventable cause
of mental retardation.
As a new member of the Midwest City Kiwanis Club, I will be
in charge of establishing a Circle K International Club at Rose
State College. On Wednesday, August 26, 2009, I was invited to
attend a Circle K meeting at the University of Central Oklahoma.
The students and their advisor were extremely friendly and helpful
in pointing me to the material/information needed to build a
chapter at Rose State College. I have attached a couple of photos
from our meeting together – again thanks to the students at the
University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Oklahoma.
I will keep you updated on the progress of the clubs development
and my service to the Midwest City Kiwanis Club. Working Hard in
the Community!
Monique Bruner, Mrs. Plus America
|
September Diary Entry
Mrs. Plus America
Emcees the Miss Black Oklahoma USA Pageant
The Miss Black
Oklahoma USA pageant is under the direction of Ms. Patrice
Stephens and GE Productions. The mission of the pageant and
GE Productions is to “energetic women that encourage,
empower, enlighten our communities, states, and nations.”
Their mission falls in line with my platform and their
community involvement proves it. The young ladies spent four
days together, getting to know each other, practicing,
attending the Urban League Young Professionals cookout,
planning and teaching young girls how to be a princess and
so much more. The key sponsor of the pageant was Higher
Learning Clothing Company (hlclothingcompany.com)
- they will provide scholarships, modeling opportunities,
and clothing for the winners.
As emcee for the
pageant, I was able to attend the activities, watch
practices, and dine with the ladies. This involvement proved
helpful in keeping the show rolling. I was able to share
this experience with fellow emcee - Ellaleilani Wiggins. As
in any show, there were a couple of technical difficulties
but we were able to smooth over them. Two ladies were
crowned at the pageant: Miss Nikki Ajeh, Miss Black Oklahoma
USA and Miss Madison Hamilton, Miss Black Talented Teen
Oklahoma USA. You can find out more information about the
Miss Black Oklahoma USA system by reviewing their website at
www.geproductions.org.
This was a
wonderful experience, thank you Patrice for believing in me
and supporting my platform. Don’t you think the audience
appreciated my mini-lecture on the importance of giving back
to the community?
Encouraging,
Empowering and Enlightening the Community,
Monique Bruner
September Supplemental First
Edition
|
Britton Street Mall Antiques & Collectibles held its
grand opening on Saturday, September 12, 2009. The mall
features unique booths full of antiques and
collectibles. They had a live band, door prizes and
free food for all that attended. I had a great time
meeting new people, taking photos and signing
autographs. I couldn’t believe the people that were
waiting on me and wanted to hear about the MPA system.
You can get the location, mall hours, and view items
showcased at the mall by checking their website
www.brittonstreetmall.com.
Bonnie (the owner), Melvina (booth with spiritual gifts)
and Wilma (my mom and distinguished antique dealer)
made me feel like a famous model – helping me with
something to drink, showing me their booths and making
sure the table was set up for me to sign autographs.
The one shop that really made me stop and shop was
Inspirational-Expressions (thanks again Melvina). You
can see some of her spiritual and inspirational gifts at
www.inspirational-expressions.com.
Bonnie, Melvina
and Wilma we didn’t get a picture all together but we
will before it’s all over. Now I know what to look for
in an antique…you never know I may need to get a booth.
I will have to bring my Girl Scouts up there so they can
appreciate the antiques, learn about the value of things
and consider going into business for themselves.
Female Business
Owners Rule – Make Sure You Give Back!
Monique Bruner
Mrs. Plus America
September Supplemental 2nd
Edition
|
Integris Health (Oklahoma’s largest not-for-profit health
organization) sponsored the African American Women’s Health
Summit on Saturday, September 12, 2009. The summit is a
community outreach event to educate African American women
on health issues that plague their community. Over 1,300
women gathered to discuss the plight of African American
female health in Oklahoma, meet doctors, learn about health
organizations, and other companies that care about women’s
health.
There was a long question/answer period where a panel of
doctors answered questions from the audience. Some of the
doctors on the panel were: Charlyce Davis, family med;
Nichole Washington, psychiatry; Marilyn Appiah, OB/GYN;
Sharon Smallwood, family med; Courtney Gray & Angela Selmon,
emergency medicine.
Several services were discussed but most interesting was
that Integris Health offers free medical services on a
regular basis. They ask that you call for an appointment
(405) 951-2277. They see patients every Monday except the
first Monday of each month. Amazing what you find out at
free seminars. Several statements were made that made me
think but these really stuck out for me:
·
Women must carefully choose their doctor like you search for
a great hairstylist.
·
Is your doctor board certified?
·
Do they spend time answering your questions?
The status of women in Oklahoma is really scary. Check out
these Oklahoma statistics:
·
#1 in women in prison & in child abuse
·
#4 in divorce & women murdered by men
·
#6 in teen births
These numbers are not OK. What can you
do to change them? Check out the following website:
www.oklahomawomenscoalition.org
and ask them how you
can help.
More importantly, I shared information about the Miss Plus
America pageant with hundreds of women. Oklahoma State
directors (Franchesca and Virginia Thomas) set up a booth to
recruit women for the state pageant. I talked about my
platform, discussed my journey and took pictures of those
interested. We had more than 30 women fill out interest
cards. Plus, I took a picture with one of our Corporation
Commissioners – Willa Johnson!
Educate Yourself and
Encourage Others!
Monique Bruner
Mrs.
Plus America
October Diary Entry
On Friday, October 9,
2009 the Science Museum of Oklahoma hosted a Girl Scout
Lock-In. They welcomed over 200 Girl Scouts and their troop
leaders to a night of fantastic science adventure. As the
leader for Troop #630, I embarked on this “Science Live”
event with 5 Girl Scouts. We had everything we needed –
sleeping bags, snacks, pillows, water, laptop, IPOD, and
open minds. Angelique was called to assist in a fire
explosion experiment – boy was that entertaining. We
learned about combustible material and how to safely perform
dangerous experiments. Drew, the Science Guy, was extremely
entertaining and really good at keeping the young ladies
interested. The video interaction, the encouragement of
loud screaming and yelling along with old school music and
dancing is the way I like to learn about science. You know
my girls wanted to take a picture with Drew, make sure you
check it out below.
Then we saw the movie,
“Wild Ocean”, about the wild sea on the coast of South
Africa. The movie was in a dome theater and made you feel
that you were really on the oceanfront. Reminded me of the
Soarin ride at Disney World – you could almost spell it and
feel it. After learning about the yearly migration of
sardines and the animals that hunt them we were asked how we
can help keep the ocean pure. We talked in a small group
about 10 minutes about the changes we could make and plan to
write our Congressman to ask for their support in protecting
America’s oceanfront property.
We rounded out the night by
playing with all of the science experiments on the museum
floor, climbing the rock wall, take pictures, and watching
movies. Oh, we also worked on several badges by doing
experiments ourselves. The following are projects we
completed: Movers – pinwheel & paper copter; Science Wonders
– bubbles & magnet hunt; Science Sleuth – crystals,
fingerprinting, water science, & complex machines; Science
Discovery – water tricks, visit a museum & friction fun; and
Making it Matter – spaghetti towers and bogers. The staff
was great with the girls, patiently answering questions,
telling jokes and taking time to let them know that they
cared.
The extra fun part was
camp-out without the ’little house on the prairie’
experience – this is the type of camping I can handle. As
far as sleeping, well I’m up at 2am typing this so how much
sleep in my lounging beach chair do you think I got? But I
wouldn’t change the experience for anything in the world as
the girls had the ‘bestest’ time (at least that is what they
said). Here are a few comments from the Girl Scouts:
Tykea – “seeing the Science Live made me want to be a
scientist”. Angelique – “I loved playing on the Gadget Tree
and climbing the rock wall”.
Well that’s enough about my
night at the museum. What have you done this month to
inspire a young girl? Email me and tell me your story – I
would love to hear it. Big thanks to the staff at the
Science Museum of Oklahoma (www.sciencemuseumok.org) and the
Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma Council (www.gswestok.org).
Take a minute to enjoy the pictures.
Until next time…
Monique Bruner
Mrs.
Plus America
October Supplemental First
Edition
Mrs. Plus America Participates in AIDS Walk of Oklahoma City
October 11, 2009
Why is Monique so passionate about the
HIV/AIDS education? Its simple HIV/AIDS disproportionally
affects the African American population, particularly in
Oklahoma. My friend and sorority sister, Terrainia Harris,
is the Vice President of the AIDS Walk of Oklahoma keeps me
informed (www.aidswalkokc.org).
We have been working to educate Oklahomans about HIV/AIDS
over 10 years. She works in the community everyday while I
help out in events like this one.
Since 1998, the AIDS Walk of Oklahoma City has distributed
more than $400,000 in grants to local non-profit
organizations providing critically needed services to
individuals living with HIV or AIDS. You can help stop the
increase of HIV/AIDS cases by sharing educational
information, helping an organization that provides services
to those with HIV/AIDS, or donating money to the cause. Go
to
www.aidswalkokc.org
for more details.
These statistics blew my mind and make educating individuals
even more paramount.
“Over
the past eight years, Oklahoma has seen a 76% increase in
black adults living HIV. Although the black population only
accounts for approximately 7% of the Oklahoma population,
they account for 34% of the cases of HIV.” Oklahoma State
Health Department, Dec. 2008
“Approximately 85% of black people living with HIV are
between ages 20-49 years of age. During the past eight
years, there has been a 125% increase in living HIV cases
for black Oklahomans ages 30-39. The most dramatic increase
was observed in those ages 40-49 years of age.” Oklahoma
State Health Department, Dec. 2008
“There has been a 113% increase in black females living with
HIV in Oklahoma. The rate of black females living with HIV
in Oklahoma for 2007 was 13 per 100,000 while white female’s
rates were 1.3 per 100,000. Black female rates have increase
from 6 living HIV cases per 100, 000 population in 2000 to
13 per 100,000 population in 2007.” Oklahoma State Health
Department, Dec. 2008
Do what you can to make a change that betters the world.
Monique Bruner
Mrs. Plus America
October Supplemental Second
Edition
Mrs. Plus America Emcees DOVE Princess Tea Party
October 11, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009 was a busy
day for me (church, AIDS walk and Princess Party) but it was
well worth it. The DOVE Princess Test Party was sponsored
by DOVE and Community Youth Outreach (CYO). This tea party
was the 2nd part of the DOVE’s Self-Esteem
project and was held at Langston University – OKC campus.
Mrs. Flossie Thurston conducted a workshop on Self-Esteem
and the media. The girls watched a video on how much work
goes into producing an advertisement for magazines (the
make-up, hair, lighting, and computer digitized changes)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hibyAJOSW8U
or check out this video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWzbIVwGd1E.
Even though the party started a few minutes late, we had a
GREAT time. After introductions, we ate healthy snacks and
punch, met everyone at our individual tables (which were
organized according to age), watched the video and Mrs.
Thurston’s presentation, developed a poster about what/how
we saw ourselves, had a empowerment discussion, presented
the posters to the group and ended the afternoon with tons
of prizes. Mrs. Thurston taught us a song that started out
with this – “Be happy with the skin you are in…” and we had
to shout out what we liked about our skin it was so
refreshing to hear what the young ladies had to say. I was
honored that one of the groups added my picture to the
center of their poster and said “they saw me as a picture of
true beauty both inside and out” (it almost made me cry and
that wasn’t even my group).
I LOVE CYO and the work that they do. Mrs. Gwen and the CYO
staff works hard to provide educational yet artistic
activities for the youth in Oklahoma City. I look forward
to helping with many other events. I also want to thank
Miss Oklahoma Plus America, Candace Scott, for supporting
this event and offering her time to mentor several young
ladies in the program.
Remember what The DOVE Self-Esteem Fund says, “Things won’t
change until we change them”.
Monique
Bruner
Mrs. Plus America
More To Come!
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