I am filled with gratitude to be a citizen of America, “land of the free”, and a delegate to the Mrs. America Pageant. I am also very grateful to be born in Hawai`i, “the land of aloha”, and crowned Mrs. Hawai`i 2011. These two experiences I will always hold very dear to my heart.
I feel blessed as a Native Hawaiian that I grew up in a multi-ethnic environment that embraces the concept of `ohana (family) and diversity is celebrated. I was nurtured by strong woman who were able to balance family and career and taught me that if you strive for excellence (Kulia i ka nu'u) in all you undertake, everything will fall in place. As a flight attendant and professional Polynesian dancer, I was able to showcase the spirit of aloha wherever I traveled. I believe that globally when man learns to love one another we will live in a more peaceful and kinder world. My best friend and husband, Vance, and I, continue to pass on this tradition of “aloha” to my three year old daughter, Athena, and my six month old son, Titus, as we live and honor the many diverse traditions that make up our State of Hawai`i’s “Melting Pot” lifestyles.
Ke Akua, family and friends…Mahalo Nui Loa/ Fa`afetai tele lava! |
