Pageantry Beyond Borders: Leading Global Impact in a Digital Era

By Shaunie Cousins | Founder of Rise & Reign™

There was a time when global pageant leadership looked like a woman in heels, shaking hands across continents and boarding flights as often as she blinked. That model served its moment. It inspired generations.

It also excluded many women, especially those with real-life responsibilities like raising children, managing careers, or caring for others. Not every crown fits inside a carry-on. Not every leader has the flexibility to jet-set for months on end.

Thankfully, pageantry has grown up. So have we.

Today’s titleholders reflect a broader, richer spectrum of womanhood. We are wives, mothers, CEOs, creatives, and change-makers. We are women who lead at 9 a.m. staff meetings and bedtime stories. We are showing the world that leadership does not require constant travel, full availability, or a blank calendar. It requires purpose, creativity, and a bit of audacity.

Why This Shift Matters

This conversation is not just about logistics. It is about access, inclusion, and sustainability. It is about redefining what influence looks like in a digital era and who gets to wield it.

Leadership Should Reflect Real Life

Historically, leadership roles in pageantry favored those with maximum availability and minimal outside obligations. That expectation quietly filtered out many of the women most equipped to lead: those with lived experience, deep resilience, and strong roots in their communities.

Women are not stepping away from their lives to lead, they are bringing their lives into their leadership. That distinction is not just symbolic. It is transformative.

Sustainability Makes Space for Longevity

True leadership is not about doing everything all at once. It is about doing the right things with intention and care. A full calendar might impress people for a season. A sustainable platform builds impact that lasts.

Some of my most impactful moments came from behind a screen. I have facilitated donation drives, shared resilience stories, coached women across the country, and served with globally-reaching organizations all while still making it to dinner with my family. 

These were acts of purpose, folded into the life I already lead.

Exhaustion is not a prerequisite for influence. Boundaries and clarity are far more powerful.

The Digital World is Where People Gather

The audience is already online. They are tuning in during school pickups, streaming content while folding laundry, and saving posts that speak to their reality. If your message is not accessible where people actually spend time, it will not go far, no matter how powerful it is.

Social media gives every titleholder the chance to share her mission, connect with new communities, and lead without limitations.

How to Build Global Presence Without Going Global (Physically)

Here is the good news: you do not need to go everywhere to reach everyone. You just need to show up on purpose.

Show up with clarity, not perfection. Perfection is exhausting. Presence is magnetic.

Your community does not need flawless posts. They need real ones. They need to understand your why. They need to see you living it. I post when I have something to say that matters, or when I need a break from email and want to feel cute for a minute.

Meaningful visibility comes from showing up consistently and speaking with purpose. That is what builds trust.

Collaborate beyond your ZIP code

Some of the most exciting initiatives I’ve been part of started as conversations. 

The Sash Sister Collaborative began with the simple idea of uniting women across systems through shared service. It grew because the need was real and the connection was sincere.

Through my 9–5, I have had the privilege of supporting humanitarian efforts with Medical Teams International. These opportunities remind me that service is not confined to the size of your platform. It begins the moment you say yes to showing up.

Virtual panels, social challenges, nonprofit collaborations, global awareness days, these are all avenues for impact. They require intention and follow-through.

Be consistent enough to be credible

Anyone can show up once. Leadership is built in the showing up again.

Your message gains momentum when people see you carry it forward over time. They start to believe in it because they see that you do. You do not need a viral moment. You need a visible mission.

Consistency does not mean you never pause. It means you return with purpose. That is what sustains influence.

My Journey to This Moment

I am a wife. I am a mother of eight. I am a strategist, a survivor, a speaker, and a woman who has learned how to rise again and again.

My story did not begin with a polished path or a straight-line success. I spent years navigating survival, rebuilding after personal hardship, and holding my family together through seasons that nearly unraveled us. I do not come from ease. I come from endurance. That background shapes how I lead, how I serve, and how I show up.

When I re-entered pageantry, I didn’t have endless time or unlimited resources. I had a purpose. I had a voice. I had a deep need to turn hard chapters into meaningful impact.

Over the last year, I launched a statewide Hope and Healing drive, reignited my creative life, began building a digital community for service-minded titleholders, and connected with women I never would have met if I had waited for the 'perfect' opportunity.

None of this happened by accident. It happened through alignment, intention, and action.

Your impact is not limited by your crown’s label. You can be a local, state, or regional titleholder and still lead with global purpose. What matters most is how you choose to use your voice—and how willing you are to show up with heart and consistency.

This Is the Future of Pageantry

We are no longer waiting to be discovered. We are creating visibility through our platforms. We are not waiting for a microphone. We are building our own stages. We are not asking for permission. We are leading anyway.

Today’s titleholder does not have to leave home to have global impact. She just has to decide her story is worth sharing and start telling it.

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Shaunie Cousins is a writer, pageant queen, healthcare policy expert, and resilience strategist known for her ability to lead with both purpose and heart. With nearly two decades of experience in human services and legislative policy, she blends advocacy, storytelling, and community-building into every platform she touches.

As the founder of Rise & Reign™, Shaunie is passionate about redefining what modern leadership looks like, especially for women balancing real life with big dreams. Her blog, Crownwork, explores the intersections of pageantry, purpose, and personal growth, while her deeply personal writing appears under the pseudonym Phoenix Unchained in Monster Behind the Mask: Surviving Mr. Hyde, a survivor’s blog rooted in truth and healing.

Shaunie’s most important roles remain wife, mother of eight, and proud woman of resilience; living proof that with alignment and intention, we can rise, reign, and write our own legacy.

www.shauniecousins.com/blog

survivingmrhyde.blogspot.com

What is Anorexia?

By Valerie O'Neill 

Today I would like to educate you all on Anorexia; what it is, what the warning signs and symptoms are, and the difficulty of having it. This subject is very personal to me as not only is it my platform that I have aimed to raise awareness for as a titleholder, but I also have Anorexia. Anorexia nervosa is more than just an eating disorder, it’s a battle that consumes both the mind and body. It’s a relentless struggle with self-worth, control, and an internal voice that convinces you that you’ll never be enough. I know this because I have lived it. For the past nine years, I have fought against anorexia, facing its darkest moments and the toll it takes on every aspect of life. It has brought on me, depression, intense anxiety, suicidal thoughts, social anxiety, and one too many health issues that keeps on adding to the list as I get older. 

Now, as a titleholder, I am using my platform to bring awareness to this silent and often misunderstood illness. Too many people believe that anorexia is purely about wanting to be thin, but it goes far deeper than that. It is a complex mental health disorder, one that affects millions of people regardless of age, gender, or background. Through my advocacy, I aim to educate others on the warning signs, break the stigma surrounding eating disorders, and provide resources to those who are struggling, so that we might bring the fatality rate down. 

No one should have to fight this battle alone. My mission is to be a voice for those who feel unheard, to show that recovery is possible, and to create a world where those suffering from anorexia can find the help and hope they deserve. Anorexia has taken too much from us and it’s time to take our lives back and be in control again. 

So, let’s get into it! 

What is Anorexia? Anorexia is a serious and complex eating disorder and mental health condition characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and extreme food restrictions. People with anorexia often go to great lengths to control their weight, including excessive dieting, compulsive exercise, or purging behaviors. Despite being dangerously underweight, individuals with anorexia typically perceive themselves as overweight and struggle with deep-seated feelings of inadequacy and self-criticism.

What are the warning signs of Anorexia?  

Refusal to eat certain foods or pushing foods around on the plate, frequent to extreme dieting, avoiding public meals or finding excuses not to eat, obsessing over the number of calories taken in, constant weighing and counting calories, the inability to maintain a medically appropriate body weight, low energy, fatigue, feeling cold constantly, insomnia, mood swings, withdraw from social activities, dizziness, anemia, heart problems, intense anxiety, low self-esteem, hair loss, bone loss, kidney problems, and low/high blood pressure. 

Now that we know what the warning symptoms of Anorexia are, let discuss the importance of acting quickly if a diagnosis is made. The longer someone lives with Anorexia, the harder it can be to counteract the disorder. This may seem like a minor problem, but Anorexia is a dangerous disorder that can cause death. In fact, it is the highest-case mortality rate for mental illnesses out there. 10,200 people die a year from Anorexia. This number really pushes the importance of getting treated right away if you suspect you or a loved one is suffering from anorexia symptoms. Because not only can Anorexia also make other health risks pile up such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, ADHD, and suicidal ideation. It also has long-term effects if left untreated. These being, malnutrition, vitamin/mineral deficiencies, loss of bone mineral density, hormone imbalances, fatigue, slow healing, and increased risk of stress fractures, cardiovascular issues, and memory loss. I really want to push the importance of catching anorexia and getting the help you need in the early stages. Because I did not catch my Anorexia in the early stages. I did not ask for help or let anyone know I am struggling and because of that, I am past the point of early recovery. Now I get sick very easily and it takes me a lot longer to recover than most, I have reduced bone density, hair loss, memory loss, and a lot of stomach issues. I personally know firsthand the setbacks Anorexia can cause in your life and that it why I am here. Because I do not want anyone to go through what I have. I want every individual struggling with an eating disorder to get the help they deserve and make a full recovery. Okay, now let’s now discuss the importance of a strong support system. 

The Power of a Strong Support System in Anorexia Recovery

Recovering from anorexia is not a journey that should be taken alone. Eating disorders thrive in isolation, and one of the most important factors in healing is having a strong, compassionate support system. Whether it’s family, friends, therapists, or support groups, the people surrounding someone with anorexia can make a life-changing difference in their recovery.

Why Support is Crucial

Anorexia is more than just an obsession with weight or food, it’s a deeply rooted mental health disorder that can be incredibly isolating. Many individuals struggling with anorexia experience feelings of shame, anxiety, and fear, making it difficult to reach out for help. An eating disorder such as anorexia cannot be treated like a common cold or headache; you can’t simply take a few aspirins and expect the outcome to become positive. Instead, the individual’s emotional, physical, and psychosocial health must be all treated, but for eating disorders, a person’s relationship and family dynamics are key causal factors, and they also can act as triggers for disordered behaviors.

This is why having a support system is so important:

Emotional Support: Eating disorders often come with depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Encouraging words, patience, and understanding can help someone feel less alone.

Accountability & Encouragement: Recovery is full of challenges. A strong support system helps keep an individual motivated, whether it’s reminding them to eat, attending therapy with them, or simply being a listening ear when they’re struggling.

Recognizing Warning Signs: Loved ones play a key role in noticing when someone is relapsing or struggling. Because anorexia often convinces a person that they don’t need help, having trusted people who can gently step in and provide guidance is vital.

Breaking the Stigma: Many people with anorexia suffer in silence due to fear of judgment. A compassionate support system reassures them that their struggles are valid, and they deserve help without shame or guilt.

How to Support Someone with Anorexia

If you know someone struggling with anorexia, here are ways to be there for them:

Listen Without Judgment: Let them share their feelings without trying to "fix" them or dismiss their emotions.

Educate Yourself: Learn about anorexia so you can better understand what they’re going through.

Encourage Professional Help: Gently suggest therapy, nutritional counseling, or medical support if they are not already receiving treatment.

Be Patient & Avoid Pressure: Recovery is a process. Avoid making comments about their weight, appearance, or eating habits. Instead, focus on their well-being, progress, and strength.

Remind Them They Are Loved: Many people with anorexia feel unworthy of love and support. Reminding them that you care and are there for them, no matter what, can be incredibly powerful.

You Are Not Alone

For anyone struggling with anorexia, please know that you don’t have to fight this battle on your own. Finding people who support, uplift, and encourage you through the highs and lows of recovery can make all the difference. You are worthy of healing, of love, and of a future free from anorexia. 

If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t be afraid to reach out. Help is available, and there are people who care and want to see you thrive. Recovery is possible, and you are never alone.

There are plenty of resources out there to support and give you the help you need. Such as, ANAD, NEDA, Eating Disorder Hope, Open Path Collective, and ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders & Severe Malnutrition. 

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Valerie O'Neill is the current Miss City of Sunshine (OR). You can find her on her title's Instagram.

She has been kind enough to write several posts for Section 36 Forevers. Be sure to read all of her guest blogs.

Forgotten to Fearless: Rising Above Poverty and Neglect

By Allyssa Defillipo

One of my favorite quotes is, “Attitude determines altitude.” It’s a mantra that carried me through some of the toughest moments of my life. I remember taping the windows of our trailer, the air thick with the scent of unwashed laundry, my hair tinged green from well water. Depression and self-harm were battles I fought silently, seeking refuge in the hallways of school. But even there, whispers and rumors scrawled across bathroom stalls followed me from day one. Still, I often relied on school lunches and food bank boxes, making school a reluctant sanctuary.

Thankfully, I had my guardian angel—my grandmother. Her gentle voice and generous heart were my safe haven. She supported me as much as she could, offering warmth and love in a world that often felt cold. But this year, cancer took her from me. The home I found in her embrace is one I’ll never feel again.

My childhood was a blur—bouncing between homes, sleeping on friends' couches, visiting my mother in visitation, and watching my father build a new family which I struggled to feel a part of. But those hardships forced me to become my own advocate, even when I felt utterly alone. I made a choice: to change my attitude and build a life I could be proud of—one that would propel me toward my dreams.

At 16, I worked tirelessly—stocking the salad bar at Sizzler, balancing cheerleading, and keeping my grades flawless. I bought my first car, saved every penny, and moved out the moment I turned 18. After high school, I became a teacher at Head Start, dedicating five years to early childhood education while earning my associate degree. It was during this time that fate introduced me to a woman on the Miss Klamath County Board of Directors, who encouraged me to enter our local MAO pageant. After just one practice, something clicked. For the first time, I felt a sense of purpose—I had the chance to use my perseverance and passions to inspire my community. In 2022, I won my first title: Miss City of Sunshine.

Health and fitness became my anchor. I had witnessed chronic illness and addiction growing up, and I was determined to break that cycle. At 18, I committed to lifting weights, eating a plant-based diet, and prioritizing my well-being like never before. It became my source of empowerment—something no one could take from me. Through connections at the gym, I found my way to the National Physique Committee, stepping onto the bodybuilding stage for the first time. I won my class, and from there, everything changed.

Wellness isn’t just a hobby—it’s my foundation. I track my workouts, habits, water intake, sleep, and nutrition, all with the goal of optimizing my performance and feeling my best. This commitment to self-improvement translated into my pageant journey, fueling my confidence in ways I never imagined. Before my NPC competition, I never believed I could win Miss Oregon. I was grateful just to be there, but deep down, I didn’t think I belonged. Losing a regional pageant only reinforced that doubt. But between that loss and Miss Oregon, something shifted. The dedication and discipline I put into my NPC show transformed me. Four weeks later, I placed in the top five at Miss Oregon.

That moment was a turning point. My confidence soared, and with it, my passion and determination. Since stepping off that stage in 2023, I’ve dedicated myself to growth—honing my skills as a speaker and singer and using my platform to advocate for nutrition access and education. Now, I help provide for people who are struggling just like I was, raising 6,000lbs of food for my local food bank, providing nutrition education to students, and creating free wellness events and supply kits in my community.

 

Winning titles in the Miss America Opportunity isn’t about the crowns; it’s proof that the struggles, the sacrifices, and the relentless work are for a greater purpose. It’s an opportunity to share my story on a larger platform, to show people that “Attitude determines altitude.” 

I feel closer to my family now more than ever, and have welcomed new siblings just this year I cannot wait to watch grow and thrive and be a stable person in their lives.

Our dreams—whether they involve a pageant title, streaming video games, or becoming a surgeon—don’t define our worth. We do. It’s our mindset, our internal dialogue, and how we treat ourselves and others that truly matter.

At the end of the day, we all face adversity. We all have moments where life tests us. But we have the power to rewrite our own narratives. So be kind—to yourself and to others—because we’re all on our own journey, discovering just how high we can soar.

With love and applause for you, wherever you are in your journey of life,

Allyssa Defillipo, Miss Klamath County 2024

2x 4th Runner Up at Miss Oregon

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Allyssa Defillipo is the current Miss Klamath County (OR). You can follow her on her title's Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.