KALYSA WILSON, EMAGE STUDIO

Two of the ladies who mentored me encouraged me to run for Mrs. Florida America. I never even knew that there were pageants for married women. This platform was a great next step for me to get more exposure for our health initiative. My family, friends, and local businesses sponsored me to compete in my first pageant. I also had an incredible team of people help me prepare.

On May of 2014, I was crowned Mrs. Florida America and my family immediately began traveling across the state to serve others through speaking, educating, and empowering leaders to utilize our curriculum. We partnered with organizations and made a great impact in the lives of many. Being crowned Mrs. Florida America led me back into television where I served as an On-Air personality and Community Outreach Coordinator. The time that I spent serving and volunteering prepared me for this position.

Now I work with Salem Media Group Orlando putting on major events to celebrate those who serve the Central Florida Community and host my own show,“ Authentic Living.” All of the skills I gained volunteering helped prepare me to be where I am in this season of my life. I always encourage others who are searching for their purpose to take the time to volunteer and serve in an area that might be of interest to you. You will gain new skill sets, experiences, relationships, and build a solid foundation for your future.

A lot of times we want to start out getting paid what we want and have a greater level of influence without the experience. There is nothing to lose and everything to gain by serving others. You never get to a point in your life where you arrive. We always have something new to learn and grow from. The best kind of leaders are those who don’ t mind rolling up their sleeves and serving others. My mission is to serve others weekly through“ Authentic Living” by inspiring, educating and empowering others to find their authentic voice and share it with the world.

What defines you? Many people are defined by the opinions of others; financial success, accomplishments, accolades, relationships, and material things. I’ ve learned how fickle and subject to change all of these things in life can be. I think we all long for something stable and unchanging in our lives. I personally found that void can only be filled by the unconditional love of my Heavenly Father. Love is what defines me. When someone is loved with an unshakable immeasurable love there is nothing they can’ t go through and grow through in this world. Being loved, and loving others, is what defines me.

What is success to you? Success, for me, is knowing at the end of the day that I gave my all; loving, serving, and giving towards my family and those who cross my path. If I do the difficult and allow God to do the impossible, then that was a successful day.

What are you most thankful for? I am most thankful for my family. They are my heart and safe place. My family knows me better than anyone else on the Earth. They see me at my most vulnerable, walk with me through the fire, and love me no matter what!

If you wrote a book this year, what would be the title and why? Find Your Authentic Voice. My book will be out early fall of 2018. It is my life’ s mission to help others find their authentic voice and share it with the world. There is nothing that brings me greater joy than to see someone step out in faith and share their story with others.“ We overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony” – Revelation 12:11.

How do you relax? I love to read the Bible, journal, take walks with my family, go to the beach, and exercise.

How do you celebrate success? I love to celebrate major milestones with a family meal. Coming around the table with my why reminds me of the purpose behind stretching, growing, and conquering new territory. Everything I do is to blaze a trail of fearlessness and leave a legacy of faith and freedom for my family.

Words of wisdom to another woman … Life is precious, tomorrow isn’ t promised, embrace the moments, and practice His presence in the present! Slow down and breathe in the joys, sorrows, ups, downs, and in between seasons of life. Choose to release unforgiveness, bitterness, and hurt. Receive God’ s unconditional love and peace that passes all understanding. Embrace truth even when it hurts. Don’ t allow the pain of your past or present to paralyze you from walking into a glorious future. Knowing the truth will make you free. Always know that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. There is and there will never be another you. Choose to wake up every day and share your authentic voice with the world!

— Courtney Dawn Shaw

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