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Showing posts from January, 2025

Taking Steps Closer to the Crown and Building Inclusive Communities

The 2025 competition season has been nothing short of amazing, and I’m so excited to share my experiences from two incredible local competitions: Miss Hoosier Valley and Miss Southern Indiana. Competing alongside so many talented and driven women has been both humbling and inspiring. I’m thrilled to share that I was honored to receive the People’s Choice Award at both events—a testament to the incredible support of my community. These moments are more than just titles; they’re steps closer to the Miss Indiana stage and opportunities to continue advocating for inclusive environments and sharing my “Live Without Limits” message. As the local competition season begins to wind down, I can’t help but reflect on how much this journey has meant to me. With each competition, I’m reminded of how special the Miss America organization is—not just for its scholarships but for the chance to stand beside women who empower and inspire one another. My hope is to punch my ticket to Miss Indiana soon, w...

Reflecting on Miss Southern Indiana & Local Season Thanks

This past weekend, I had the incredible opportunity to compete in the Miss Southern Indiana competition. It was such a joy to not only showcase my passion for the Miss America Organization but also to share my personal journey of being diagnosed with ADHD at a young age. Living with ADHD and navigating the challenges it brings hasn’t always been easy. However, these experiences have shaped me into the person I am today—someone who is determined to show others that mental disabilities don’t have to define or limit you. One of the most important messages I shared on stage is that many disabilities, like ADHD, are not always visible. It’s easy to overlook what someone might be going through when it’s not something you can physically see, but these unseen struggles are just as valid. I hope my story serves as a beacon of hope for anyone diagnosed with a mental disability. Your diagnosis doesn’t have to hold you back; in fact, it can become a source of strength and inspiration to others. I ...

Back Into Local Season: Sharing My Story and Living Without Limits

We’re fully diving back into Miss Indiana local season, and I could not be more excited! This past weekend, I had the honor of competing in Miss Hoosier Valley, where I was thrilled to win Miss People’s Choice! With that award came an amazing opportunity: a photoshoot with Concept B Photography. A huge congratulations to the newly crowned titleholders—I’m so proud to be part of such an inspiring group of women. Reflecting on the competition, I felt so confident and empowered during the interview portion. I was able to share my story of living with ADHD, the inspiration behind Live Without Limits, and the journey of publishing my children’s book, Carla’s Journey: Embracing Differences with Friends. Connecting with the judges and sharing my message reminded me why I’m so passionate about this platform. And on stage, I felt incredible—fueled by the overwhelming support from my community. That energy is what I’ll be carrying into this coming weekend as I compete in Miss Southern Indiana an...

Happy New Year from Live Without Limits!

I hope everyone had a joyful, fulfilling, and inclusive holiday season surrounded by your loved ones. As we start this new year, I’m excited to share some updates and invite you to join me in an amazing cause. The Special Olympics Indiana Polar Plunge is quickly approaching, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to participate again this year! Last year, I had an incredible experience meeting so many inspiring individuals, including fellow participants and some of the Special Olympics ambassadors. The energy, camaraderie, and support at this event are truly unmatched. This year, I would love to see even more people join our team or contribute to this amazing cause. Whether you’re brave enough to take the plunge yourself or would prefer to donate to help our team participate, every bit of support makes a difference. This event is a celebration of inclusion and the incredible strength of athletes with intellectual disabilities. Participating is not only fun but also deeply meaningful, as it he...