DC Pink Divas Kick-Off Brunch!

I LOVE supporting causes that are near to my heart, which is why I agreed to become an Honorary Pink DIVA over a year ago. Hearing the word 'love' before the words 'pink' and 'Diva' probably won't ever shock you coming from a Beauty Queen BUT what is awe inspiring is the story behind the Divas. DC Pink Divas focuses on educating, empowering, and impacting the lives or women in DC wards 7 & 8 and PG County, MD. For those unfamiliar with DC, Ward 8 alone has a breast cancer death rate that is 10% higher than the national average. Lowering this statistic is a huge task indeed, but with an extremely dedicated and knowledgeable lead team it's go hard or go home!



Slide Show: My Diva duties from almost a year ago!



Posing with DC Pink Divas Lead Team!

 The kick-off was the first of a series of educational seminars to equip area women with accurate and timely information about breast cancer so they, in turn, can go spread the word to women in their communities. I commend the women in attendance for showing up early on a Saturday morning fired up and ready to take charge in their communities. What a breath of fresh air!




Women Empowering Women!


I was very impressed with the variety of women in attendance and know they will serve as great lay health educators in their communities. There was so much strength, power and inspiration in the room that I was moved to share what intially inspired me to accept the position as Honorary DC Pink Diva. When I was 15 years of age my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Fortunately, it was caught in an early stage and after undergoing radiation treatment she was given a clean bill of health. Even before then, when I was in my tweens, my paternal grandmother had breast cancer, underwent treatment, had a recurrence and ultimately underwent a double mastectomy. Yup, you did the math right. Brest cancer has occurred in BOTH sides of my family when the affected women were relatively young. This frightening family history always lingers in the back of my mind. However, about ten years ago that tiny family fact became all too real. At the age of just 17 I had to have a lump removed from my breast for diagnostic purposes. I was blessed to learn that it was just a benign cyst, but since then have been extremely sensitive to the need for myself and other women to take care of their breast health. Hopefully, sharing my story and the resources below will help save the life of someone reading this blog or someone they know. Spread the info and save the tatas!! 
American Cancer Society- http://tinyurl.com/4yh7owd
CDC- http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/screening.htm
Susan G. Komen for the Cure: http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/GeneralRecommendations.html

Read this article in the Afro American Newspaper to learn more about DC Pink Divas:
http://www.afro.com/sections/news/washington/story.htm?storyid=74884

Who knew vital health info. could be so pretty?!?!


<3 Amina Lillie

Sip with Socialites fundraiser for the GI Film Festival

As a Queen I like to experience variety in my volunteer endeavors, which is why I gracefully jumped at the opportunity to volunteer at an Officer and an Auction, coordinated by the ladies of Sip with Socialites to raise money for a very noteworthy cause- The GI Film Festival.

Pictured with GI Film Festival Director, Laura Law-Millett 

The event was upscale, chic but not over the top which settled well with the more laid back Queen in me. The atmosphere was fun and somewhat hot as the eligible bachelors took the stage. The last bachelor to be auctioned off & the star of the show-"Argo" actor Scott Elrod- went for a hefty $1,700 price tag. This was no surprise to me nor the sea of women involved in the bidding war; given his charming personality, stage presence and devilish good looks! And what better motivation to donate to a great cause then to get a hottie in return??

It was a great evening of fundraising , socializing and of course working! Besides assigning bid paddles and mingling with DC's up & comers (and very fine military men)...I chatted it up with media reps and Beauty Queens alike. It was only natural, then, to take a break from volunteering to hit red carpet for a quick photo op!

I absolutely enjoyed helping at the event to benefit the GI Film Festival. However, observing the guests have such an awesome time clinging cocktails has me looking forward to just being a guest next time around :).

<3 Amina Lillie 

Holiday Happenings

The 2012 Holiday season brought very special opportunities for me! I participated in an amazingly inspirational event. Wreaths Across America is an organization that strives to remember and honor deceased Veterans by coordinating wreath laying ceremonies on a specified Saturday in December at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as Veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond. I was fortunate to share this very special appearance with other Queens and our own personal Marine escort!

A few days later, I returned to one of my favorite places...the Petworth area Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington! When I'm there no one gives me the side eye when I act like a big kid, argue with the little ones about who is "pretending" to be Santa Claus or profess that I am the original Santa's Helper. The children had a blast eating dinner, playing at the game stations and opening their gifts. I was just grateful to escape to the land of the carefree for a few hours. I will gladly return anytime!

<3 Amina Lillie

Christmas Parade + an Ode to Pageant Directors...especially mine!

Since being crowned Miss Exquisite International, I have discovered many things I love about the Exquisite International System. My amazing-ambitious-focused SisterQueens, traditional pageant values, focus on volunteerism but most importantly…Madam Director. I knew that Jonzetta “Pinky” Carter was a special kind of lady, but I witnessed her superpowers firsthand at the Baltimore City Mayor’s Annual Christmas Parade on December 2^nd.

I have met a few pageant Directors in my day, but none have displayed as much passion for her pageant system as Pinky does. The 2012 Exquisite International Pageant was the first time I met Pinky in person. She did not know me from Adam, but she did know that I had decided to enter her pageant and her appreciation was immediately evident. Since that day, she has gone above and beyond to ensure that her Queens have the resources needed for as best a reign as possible. She was even able to make 8 Corvette convertibles appear out of nearly thin air the day before the Mayor’s Christmas Parade. Now that’s what I call magic!

Shortly before the Parade, Pinky was notified that the accommodations had changed and cars were no longer being provided to all parade participants. Any other Director may have threw and the towel and had a load of disappointed Queens on their hands. But not Pinky! She had promised her Queens that they would be in the Mayor’s Christmas Parade and that is what was going to happen. I can only imagine how much effort went into pulling it off, but if you ask Pinky she will just say “God is good!” Of course I agree, but we only see the end result. All the Queens arrived at the Parade just in time to see the shiny black, red and yellow Corvettes line-up in anticipation. We did not see or hear of the work that went on behind the scenes to make it happen. That day, at the parade, I was once again reminded of how thankful I am to be a part of this system. And to all Directors (local, state, national), THANK YOU for all you do to keep your QUEENS happy! J

<3 Amina Lillie

Kappa Scholarship Endowment Fund event!

About a week ago I had the most AH-mazing appearance! I attended a Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity fundraiser for a scholarship program that provides monetary support to college students. The cause itself was noteworthy, but there was a delightful twist to this one of a kind event. It was also a Soul Food Feast/Silent Auction/Live Auction all rolled into one. So much to do, so little time! Auction items ranged from jewelry to fine art to vacation packages. But of course the main draw was the down home style feast which included fried chicken, baked fish, candied yams, collard greens, beans and rice and baked mac & cheese. YUM! I'm sure both my blood pressure and cholesterol spiked that evening...but hey it was all for a good cause so its OK...right?



Pictured with one of the organizers of the event

Though I believe the scholarship recipients and event organizers were the real stars of the night, there were actual celebs in the building including DC Mayor Vincent Gray, ABC News Anchor Cynee Simpson and Academic/Author Michael Eric Dyson.

Pictured with Mayor Vincent Gray

I left he event early due to the impending arrival of Sandy, therefore I missed what was potentially the most exciting part of the evening...the live auction. No worries though, I absolutely plan to be in attendance next year!

<3 Amina Lillie

NYC Lupus Walk 2012!

Earlier this month, Kaamilah's Krew walked in the Alliance for Lupus Research (ALR) NYC walk for the fourth time! This year we had new tees and all twenty something members of "The Krew" were as excited as ever. I do not want to spend too many words on this experience, because I rather you watch the video.

PREFACE: A great time was had by all, but it is important to remember the reason we were gathered in the first place. Lupus has repeatedly devastated my family over the past fourteen years. Both my sister and Aunt were stricken with the disease. A year ago, my aunt passed away due to lupus-related complications. She is survived by 3 sons (one who is only thirteen years old) and two young granddaughters. Unfortunately, this tragic story is not uncommon. I have taken on the responsibility of spreading awareness of this disease and even worked full-time as a Patient Navigator for a local lupus organization. Please join me in educating others about this terrible disease. If you have questions or think you may have lupus and are not sure where to get help, please visit www.lupusresearch.org.

We Will Survive Cancer Fundraiser!

On Monday, October 22nd, the who's who of the DC area philanthropic scene filed into Lincoln Restaurant. While the artwork by Marat was surely a sight to see, we were all there for a great cause- We Will Survive Cancer!

We Will Survive Cancer (WWSC) is a not for profit organization whose purpose is to provide support to families of cancer victims who lack the time, financial, or other resources to adequately address their needs.

Chatting with Photo journalist Diane Crawford (M) and Gloria D'Molina, Director of Public Relations for WWSC (R)

 

It was an eventful evening as I mingled with the guests. I was in awe to see who came together for the cause. There were executives, artists, and entrepreneurs among others in attendance. I even had the opportunity to chat with pop vocalist, Lilan, who will be performing at an upcoming WWSC event. Of course, the evening was made even more enjoyable by my fellow Queen and Health Advocate!

 



America's Miss DC 2012, Sarah Elizabeth Hillware!



Attending this particular fundraiser had a special meaning for me as both my Mother and paternal-Grandmother are breast cancer survivors. I understand very well the emotional and financial toll cancer can have on families. I encourage all my readers to visit the WWSC website- www.wewillsurvivecancer.org- to learn more about how they can get involved with this wonderful organization!

 



Pictured with guests at Lincoln Restaurant-DC

 

 

 

<3 Amina Lillie