The concept of a pageant for the contemporary married woman was a vision hatched in early 1976 by the very charismatic television producer, David Marmel. His vision indeed became a reality in January of 1977 and 32 years later the Mrs. America pageant is now the “tradition”. Like they say, “We’re not the best because we’re the oldest; we’re the oldest because we’re the best.”

I originally became involved in 1987 as a first-time ever pageant contestant. While I didn’t win the title until 1989, each year I competed was an exercise in personal growth and self-discovery. It’s funny how competition stretches us in ways we never imagined.

This has been one of the principles that has guided me over the past seventeen years since taking over the directorship in 1992. Our new logo “Mrs. Colorado” ~ “Experience the Dream” reflects the journey that every state finalist is encouraged and empowered to take.

While every road to success has its peaks and valleys, I’ve been privileged to build this program along side some of the most outstanding women I have ever met. The Mrs. Colorado titleholders have spent countless hours promoting and supporting our communities and charities; spending their precious time with our aging veterans at Veteran’s Hospital to visiting the little ones at Children’s Hospital. They have made appearances ranging from judging chili cook-off competitions for civic organizations to judging speech and debate competitions for high school seniors. They’ve visited homeless shelters at Christmas and attended society gala’s raising money for worthy causes such as education, cancer research and heart health. They’ve ridden in parades and officiated over ceremonies celebrating Memorial Day, Labor Day and Independence Day, to name a few.

Ultimately we were recognized by former Governor Bill Owens with an “Honorary Proclamation” proclaiming June 13, 2001 as “Mrs. Colorado Day” in honor of our commitment to our communities and state.

But it’s not just the titleholders who have had an impact on this program but many of the women who have participated. With their permission here are a few quotes taken from letters written to me after the 2007 competition.

“When I just started out, I viewed the pageant as a competition; however, as time went on, it felt more like a celebration. Like every other contestant, I entered your pageant thinking that “the crowning moment” could be mine. As it turned out, I didn’t get to be “crowned”, but I did feel like a QUEEN!”