American Heart Association Annual Heart Walk

Last week I able to work at a designated station for the American Heart Association at an annual Heart Walk in Ocean City, NJ. It was in the middle of the starting point of the walk.  My task: Challenge everyone who passes by my station to name the F.A.S.T signs of stroke. Every individual who came by stepped up to the challenge and were able to name almost all the signs. Many had a challenge naming the 'T' sign. So we are all educated on the signs, here they are:

F - Face Dropping

A - Arm Weakness

S - Speech Difficulty 

T - Time to call 911

Many people who were able to name all of the signs, also shared with me stories about what made them aware of the signs and why they strive for being heart healthy. I was glad that I was able to share information with these people & encourage them to get the to remain vigilant in living a heart healthy life. In addition, as a dancer I was tasked with co-leading the warm-up exercises (this is a task I happily accepted). 

The American Heart Association is the largest voluntary health organization working to prevent, treat and defeat heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. These diseases, the Nation's No.1 and No.3 killers, claim more than 865,000 American lives a year. Thanks to all our walkers, donors and volunteers who have accepted the challenge to help fight heart disease and stroke. We cannot achieve our mission without each one of you!

Best
Stacey Greene
Miss St. Kitts and Nevis International

Kittitian and Nevisian Association (KANA) Annual Mother's Day Gala

Every year the Kittitian and Nevisian Association (KANA) recognizes the dedication and love of Kittitian and Nevisian mother's by hosting their annual mother's day gala and awards ceremony. This year the event took place under the distinguished patronage of St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas at East Manor in the Bronx, New York on Sunday May 11th (Mother's day).  This year the New York-based group honored three mothers.

One of the honoree's being presented by KANA contestants and the Prime Minister, Dr. Denzil Douglas 

Special Guests included Attorney-at-Law and Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, His Excellency Delano Bart who made brief remarks. Other guests included reigning national carnival calypso king Mr. Richie Buntin and past carnival calypso king, Pungwa. Prime Minister Dr. Douglas delivered the feature address after he was introduced by the Ambassador Delano Bart.

With Prime Minister Hon, Dr. Denzil Douglas 

Yours truly was the Mistress of Ceremonies and it was truly my pleasure to be involved with such an event.

Best

Stacey Greene

Miss St. Kitts and Nevis International

ZIZ Upfront Television Interview

Having the opportunity to speak to an entire nation is mind blowing however, I was ready for the task.  On April 24th 2014, I had the invaluable opportunity to be interviewed on the national network of St. Kitts and Nevis the ZIZ Boardcasting network in my beautiful home country of St. Kitts and Nevis.  I was interviewed by Karla Berridge which can be seen in the link below from (31:09):  http://zizonline.com/ziz-evening-news-23-april-2014/

The interview was aired twice during the national news to the entire twin island federation.  While at the station, I was able to meet individuals such as my former teacher in the form of Mr. Jason Davis, the network's general manager Mr Clement Ogarro and several others. Afterwards, I received a tour of the station.  Thank you to the entire team for such a warm reception. 

Best
Stacey Greene
Miss St. Kitts and Nevis International 

On the Set with my interviewer Miss Karla

Miss PA International Pageants

Current Miss, Teen and Mrs Contestants with the reigning Miss International, Jesse Ladoue 

I feel so very  blessed to be a part of the International organization.  I had the chance to speak with several of my fellow contestants who will compete with me this summer for the title of Miss International. Being able to speak about our platforms, allowed us to bond over community service and community involvement.  I also watched as three deserving women gained the opportunity to represent the state of PA as the Teen, Miss and Mrs PA International. In addition to enjoying the pageant, at the end I was able to speak with a young lady who was ecstatic to learn of my platform: Dance your dance, improving lives through dance therapy.  She was almost brought to tears, sharing with me how the healing power of dance has helped her overcome many personal obstacles.  She is now set to begin her training at Drexel University in the Fall of 2014 for her Masters of Dance Therapy Degree. 

Best
Stacey Greene
Miss St. Kitts and Nevis International

Miss North East International 2014 and I taking a moment to show our dance moves

A future dance therapists who is slated to begin her masters degree in Dance Therapy at Drexel University Fall 14

Sandy Point Benevolent Society - Taste of the Caribbean Easter Breakfast

The Sandy Point Benevolent Society will host its Taste of the Caribbean Easter Breakfast on April 19th.  I will be on hand to volunteer at this event.  The funds rasied through this event goes towards the development of St. Kitts and Nevis as well as towards scholarships for primary and high school students within the federation.  All are encourgaged to come out to this event.  I attended as an invited guest last year and the food was absolutely amazing (definitely money well spent all around).

Best
Stacey Greene
Miss St. Kitts and Nevis International

Launch Event - American Heart Association Heart Walk

This past Tuesday night, the American Heart Association of Southern, NJ, held their Southern NJ  Team Captain Kick-Off and Networking event in Linwood, NJ .  I was there to support the Kick-off of the American Heart Association "Heart Walk."

Empowering individuals to take control of their health is the mission of the American Heart Association and it was my pleasure to join them in bringing that message to the public.  This coming Wednesday, April 2nd mark the official National Walking Day. Be sure to keep this day in mind and do your part to remain heart healthy.   On this day,  all you need to do is take at least 30 minutes out of your day to get up and walk. It's a great way to raise awareness of the importance of physical activity and to get your family, friends and co-workers started on a healthier way of life. So let's get up and move and while you are at it why not #DanceYourDance


Best

Stacey Greene

Miss St. Kitts and Nevis International 2014

Posing with American Heart Association Executives

Jeffrey DuBois
2014 Southern NJ Spring Heart Walk Chairman,
President - South Jersey Gas

Daniel Santos
South Jersey Gas
American Heart Association Survivor Ambassador

Deborah C. VanSant

Regional Director, Southern New Jersey

American Heart Association/American Stroke Association

New Jersey International Pageant!

There is always a certain level of joy that one experiences through seeing someone else’s dreams come true. This weekend I attended the New Jersey International Pageant in East Brunswick, New Jersey and was blessed with the opportunity to see the dreams of three spectacular women come true. Several dignitaries were in the house, including the reigning Miss International, Jesse Ladoue.
 
All of the contestants worked incredibly hard.  I could sense their passion for their platforms and desire to represent the International System.  At the end of the night, only one person gets to walk away with the crown, but everyone walks away with a life changing experience. It would be remiss of me not to give a huge thank you to state directors Jodi and Scott Cessna for making my visit to the pageant such a rewarding experience.

Congratulations to the new New Jersey International Queens!

Miss International 2013, Jesse Ladoue

NJ State Directors, Mrs. Jodi Cessna and Mr. Scott Cessna



Miss PA International 2013, Rachel Syktich

Best
Stacey Greene
Miss St. Kitts and Nevis International 2014

Happy International Women's Day

Annually on 8 March, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and to celebrate the  achievements of women and girls. The International Women's Day has been observed since in the early 1900's. The United States even designates the whole month of March as 'Women's History Month'. The purpose of Women’s History Month is twofold.  First, it is to honor the legacy of women who have made an impact.  Second, it is to address the needs of women across the world.  The idea is that by honoring the strides that women have made and by highlighting the work that still needs to be done, the status of women throughout the world will be elevated.  This is a cause that we all can recognize the importance of. 

Each year, a theme is chosen.  The International Women's Day 2014 Theme is: "INSPIRING CHANGE." Women's equality has made positive gains but the world is still unequal. International Women's Day celebrates the social, political and economic achievements of women while focusing world attention on areas requiring further action.

So make a difference, think globally and act locally !! Make everyday International Women's Day. Do your bit to ensure that the future for girls is bright, equal, safe and rewarding.

Happy International Women's Day!

Best
Stacey Greene
Miss St. Kitts and Nevis International 2014

Journey to Miss International

We are officially 143 days away from Pageant week and 148 days until a new Miss International is crowned.

 

Jesse Ladoue, Miss International 2013

 

Every day is filled with breathtaking anticipation, beautiful moments, incredible opportunities and TONS of excitement (and I love excitement)!

The journey to the Miss International Competition has not only given me the opportunity to continue with my charity work and community service, but, I have also been able to develop new skills and improve upon a few others. Skills such as discipline and leadership, which I acquired through my work with the Toastmasters International organization, continues to grow through this journey.  Working more closely with the American Dance Therapy Association through my platform of Dance Therapy is quite rewarding and fullfilling.

When I started this journey, I knew I wanted to make an impact, and I knew I wanted to enjoy this moment.  Even before I get to the actual pageant, I can say without hesitation that the latter action of enjoyment has already been fullfilled. Participation in and future calendar bookings for speaking engagements, dance performances, charity walks and opportunities to host events, coupled with direct advocacy with the American Dance Therapy Association have all served to surpass my expectation and I know this journey is changing my life for the better.  Bringing awareness to Dance Therapy is equally rewarding and the wealth of knowledge that surrounds the field is tremendous.  I never get tired of learning more about how dance therapy improves the lives of every individual who partakes in it. Which is why I encourage everyone to "dance your dance."

Best
Stacey Greene
Miss St. Kitts and Nevis International 2014

W.I.S.E Annual Bob Marley Dinner

Carnival in the Caribbean is a very special occasion. It's all about unity, togetherness and "FETE". It was carnival time again at the Drexel University as the West Indian Student Establishment (W.I.S.E) celebrated their annual Bob Marley Dinner under the theme "Carnival".  Every year the W.I.S.E hosts this event, which is their main event annually.  Students, teachers and community leaders are invited to celebrate the occasion through honoring the life and legacy of Bob Marley while also highlighting the unique culture of the Caribbean.

I had the pleasure to host this wonderful event. I wore a red dress in honor of the National Wear Red day along with a carnival head piece which both fit in perfectly with the theme of the event. As the hostess of the event, it was my duty to ensure that the program ran smoothly and that the crowd remained engaged and entertained.  Based on the feedback received throughout and at the end of the program, I am sure that I completed those tasks.

President of W.I.S.E Ashlee Douglas

With Team a few members of Team Jamaica Bickle

Best
Stacey Greene
Miss St. Kitts and Nevis International 2014

American Univerisity Caribbean Circle: Sixth Annual Ambassadors Dinner

I had the pleasure to be a special guest along with several Caribbean Ambassadors to American University’s (AU) Caribbean Circle. This 6th Annual Ambassadors Dinner was a night filled with discussion, entertainment, food, and interaction with the Ambassadors.

With US Ambassador of Haiti, Excellency Paul Altidor

The dinner is an annual event created to serve as a forum between university students and diplomats. It allows Ambassadors and community leaders to engage in dialogue with students, faculty and alumni on issues about the Caribbean region.

This year’s topic was “Why Go Back Home” focusing on how young professionals can get involved either by creating jobs or being trained to facilitate new industries throughout the Caribbean.

I never miss a chance to dance

 

Myself with Motivational Speaker, Chardelle Moore

The Journey has only just begun

For the past 5 years I have worked with numerous groups to mentor children in areas of dance education, developing confidence and life skills essential to building a powerful, whole and unique individual. I have worked with groups such as the Uniquely You Summit, The Children's Dance Theater, and The FireFlies Dance School. As Miss St. Kitts and Nevis International, I have continued what I started by working with the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA). It is very important to me to use my crown to make an even bigger impact in my community and around the world.  As Miss St. Kitts and Nevis International, I hope to accomplish several things with my platform of dance therapy this year including but not limited to bringing awareness to the function of the ADTA, raising awareness for the benefits of dance therapy and conducting several workshops with the ADTA. 

Earlier this year, I interviewed to be a Girl Exchange Leader with the Unniquely You Summit.  During the interview, I was asked to finish the sentence "I am..."  I thought about that for all of 2 seconds then I responded by saying "I am not to be underestimated."  Too ofter individuals in society whether it is in school, professionally or a pageant, count us out.  I have learned to believe in myself.  I have the tools and the ability to to be a leader, to be a team member, to be the best in my field and even to be Miss International. I have been working very hard to ensure my dreams come true, and I plan to continue working until my dreams become a reality.

Thank you for reading my blog,

Best,

Stacey Greene

Miss St. Kitts and Nevis International 2014

Celebrating Universal Children's Day

Today's children need your help now more than ever! They need the assistance of parents, other adults, educators, religious and business leaders, to cope with the many issues and problems that they face in the 21st century.  It is a day, according to the United Nations, as a day of activity devoted to promoting the ideals, objectives, and the welfare of the children of the world. This such day is usually celebrated in the month of November.  I had the pleasure to spend the day in New York with the Green Valley Global Organization.  The organization invited me to be the keynote speaker for the day where I had the opportunity to speak with parents and children about my platform of Dance therapy, the Miss International Organization and the value of giving back.  I had a great time with the children, though some were initially very shy and did not want to dance, eventually they melted my heart with their unique dance abilities and willing spirits.

Speaking to both children and parents on my platform of dance therapy

Best
Stacey Greene
Miss St. Kitts and Nevis International 2014

Meet Miss St. Kitts and Nevis International 2014

Hi Everyone!

I’m Stacey Greene from the beautiful Caribbean federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. I grew up in the close-knit villages of Newtown, Basseterre and Green Valley, Cayon, with a few years spent in the Trafalgar Village area. In my early childhood, I became active in Track and Field and Netball. I can distinctly remember having the opportunity to travel to the neighboring island of Antigua to represent my school and federation in the 200m and 100m sprints. In my senior year of high school I discovered an interest in public speaking through a speech day event.  Over the years, I have nurtured this interest through my support and membership in the Toastmasters International Organization.

I then moved on to the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College where, during a chance tryout, I discovered the art form of dance and gained a new outlook on life.  For me, dance became a form of self-expression.  When I danced I felt the weight of the world disappear.  I felt joy.  I felt happiness, and I felt free to be myself.  Dance instilled in me a sense of accomplishment and gave me the confidence to believe that I can do anything that I set my mind to. 

My passion for dance fueled my desire to introduce as many children as possible to the art that has given so much to me.  I've served as the first student tutor for the Fireflies Dance School, tutor at the ViVace Teen Academy, a part-time tutor with The Children’s Dance Theatre, and senior member of the ViVace Dance Company. This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to represent my home land of St. Kitts and Nevis in the International system. This system is one of a kind, providing support to women who have stories to share as an inspiration to their respective communities. As Miss St. Kitts and Nevis International, I will devote my year to introducing more children to the power of dance as a tool for personal growth. My goal is to Inspire, enrich and educate young people through raising body awareness, cultivating self respect and developing stronger self-esteem.

Best
Stacey Greene
Miss St. Kitts and Nevis International 2014