Miss Bronx and Miss NYU

Today was the Miss Bronx pageant at Mercy College in Westchester.  This one was fun, because I got to play director. From walk patterns to talent rehearsals to serving as emcee, this was my first time on the other side of a pageant.

Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome your newest 2012 titleholders...Miss Bronx 2012 Nardeen Billan and Miss New York University 2012 Jessica Johnson!! Good luck to both women as they begin their year and their journey to the Miss New York stage this summer!


The hardest part of being at the local pageants right now is that I know there are a limited number of titles left (5 to be exact.)  There are more than five women left in the competition circuit who deserve to join us at the state level.  I wish the best to all the contestants, and hope you remember that you do not need a crown to begin acting upon your potential.  Be a Miss America, even if you never win a crown.

'Bully' Film Premier in NYC

Tonight, I had the privilege of attending the New York City premier of the new documentary film 'Bully'.  Senator Klein invited me to join for the screening, which took place at the Angelika Film Center in Soho.  Director Lee Hirsch and Producer Cynthia Lowen joined for a post-screening talk back to discuss the film with audience members.

After following this film project for so long, I was beyond thrilled to see it hit the public. My verdict: a truly socially responsible and catalytic piece.

'Bully' covers nearly every angle of how this issue effects lives, and does so with tremendous respect.  Hirsch explained that the film was shot on small cameras with no giant lights and huge equipment.  Over time, the students and teachers in the project began to forget that the camera was there.  You will be amazed at the honesty that was captured. The audience's reactions were audible throughout the film and we bonded through the cinematic journey. I had the chance to ask Lee about the film's original efforts to become a one-stop show for all major anti-bullying resources. You will be happy to know that this is still a priority for the film team.  The entire audience, having bonded in our journey through the films' stories, was alive with conversation even as we left the theater.

If you are a parent, see this film to remember the pain you once knew and to realize what may be hiding behind your child's silence.  If you are a student, see this film to realize the severity of what is happening to your peers. What may appear small in school might be ruining the entire future of a family.  If you are neither parent nor child, see this film to remember the precious nature of life.  Remind yourself of the powerful role you play as a member of society and how vital it is to understand those who are different.

Thank you to the team of 'Bully' for creating such a vital tool in this fight. I have no doubt that this film will empower millions to become part of the conversation around this issue.  To audiences everywhere: see the film, if for no other reason than to support the creation of such culturally intelligent media.

St. Mary's Academy

Yet another morning spent kicking off a Project Empower BOSS Student Business Competition at St. Mary's Academy!  Another group of students began their journey as the new designers of a hot product and marketing plan for a top national brand.  Can't wait to see their work!!

NYU Volunteer Recruiting Seminar with Project Empower

We've teamed up with Stern Cares to bring Project Empower volunteer opportunities to students at New York University. Stern Cares is a student-run organization that promotes social entrepreneurship and student volunteerism.  We are welcoming them to serve as mentors, coaches and judges for our middle school business competitions this spring.  It's a perfect match!

Project Empower is all about developing leadership.  Our hands-on mentoring opportunities allow our volunteers to flex their own leadership muscles while contributing their unique talents as business minds to the community outside their University. Thanks to the many students who signed up, as well as the clubs that have come on board as official partners!  We are excited to give your community service a whole new level of depth!!

If you have a student organization that would like to get involved with leading our programs in schools, contact me at kaitlinmonte@proempower.org and we'll talk!

Tuckahoe Common School

Thank you to my friends at Tuckahoe Common School for letting me come in and speak with students about bullying and leadership! 


 After an assembly with the middle school students, I traveled to individual classrooms to speak with grades K-5 about their views on bringing peace into their school.

In each class I mentioned that I fought against bullying, then asked if they had ever heard of bullying before. I let them tell me everything they knew. Then, I simply asked one question: "So what should we do."The ideas poured. When you offer open ears you can open mouths and minds. Feelings of control trigger senses of responsibility for said control, so we should regularly seek chances to put young minds in control for the sake of stretching their leadership and ownership muscles.

A special thank you to Michael, my escort for the day!  He's a great student, on the bowling team, an excellent fisherman, and an all around sweetheart.  Ladies of Southampton, beware! 

St. Joachim and Anne School

Today I was at St. Joachim and Anne Academy to kick-off another series of Project Empower BOSS competitions.  Students will design a new product and marketing plan for a major corporation.  Good luck to everyone with your ideas, I love them!!

P.S.  As I left, school was getting out.  Students gave me funny looks as I joined them to walk to the bus stop.  Before I knew it, 100 little faces surrounded me asking, "Where's your limo? Do you live in a mansion? Is your butler nice?"  Laughing, I explained that - despite my title - my daily life is incredibly normal.  I take public transit, just like them.  I don't even own a car.  My apartment is 600 square feet and half a mile from the closest train stop, so my day starts and ends with a good workout (no matter the weather.) But hey, you do not need to own a lot to mean a lot to the world. 

Coming May 6th...

Can't wait to work with Tada! Youth Theater!  The best in New York's Off-Broadway youth shows, click the flyer or visit their website to learn more about our 

Anti-Bullying Panel coming up in May!

Host for the Sweepers Pageant

They call if Pageant Palooza. It comes once a year. Today I played emcee for the New York Sweeper Pageant.

Six titles were awarded over the course of two back-to-back pageants today. This one's a marathon, since the women who do not take a title in the first show go immediately into a second pageant to try for the next set of titles. What is unique about the sweepers is that instead of an Executive Director to manage the winners, each girl is given a mentor. Our six mentors are all former Miss America state titleholders who have gone through every step of the experience. As you can imagine, this opportunity was one worth fighting for and that was evident in the performances today.

First were the Big Apple titles, and the winners are...

Please welcome Miss Manhattan 2012 Katie Berry, Miss Metropolitan 2012 Shannon Oliver and Miss New York City 2012 Mallory Hagan!!

Next came the "County Queen" titles, meaning each girl can select her own title based on the community or region of the state she wishes to represent. And the results...

Ladies and Gentlement, say hello to Miss Gotham City 2012 Acacia Courtney, Miss Verranzano 2012 Christina Moore, and Miss Western New York 2012 Jesse Ladeau!!

Congratulations to all the winners and best of luck to each of them as they begin their journey as representatives of themselves, their communities and their platforms. I know they are in good hands with their mentors and look forward to seeing them this summer at Miss New York 2012! Congratulations to all the contestants, I had an awesome time spending the day with you!

Project Empower at Our Lady of Miracles

Had to jump across town to mentor at yet another BOSS competition, this time at Our Lady of Miracles.  There were some incredible ideas spilling out of these young minds!  Hope to see one of these teams at our finals in June!!

Project Empower at Holy Trinity School

Best of luck to the students at Holy Trinity as they begin their Project Empower BOSS Student Business Competition!  I visited the students to kick off the program and spend an hour mentoring them through the beginning of their projects.  They will spend the next few weeks designing a new product and marketing pitch for a national brand.  Knock 'em dead, guys!!

Monroe County Summit on Call to Action

We've done it, Rochester!  Remember when I met with Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks earlier in the year?  She has walked the walk regarding her interest in taking on bullying.  I attended her press conference on her new County Executive Call To Action (CECTA) anti-bullying plan.

There are seven aspects to the Monroe County plan: A pledge, a network, monthly forums, peer-to-peer workshops, youth courts, a hotline and an annual Walk Against Bullying.  You can read the full plan to see the details!

I slipped in just as the program began, having taken a detour from my travels to stop by. My desperate efforts to locate a pen in my over-sized purse were halted at the sound of my title.  Maggie, now making her introduction, was telling the crowd that watching Miss New York present to students in Webster this fall was the first time she had heard students speak candidly about this issue.  She said it was then that she realized the true importance of this issue among our youth and began her work on the new program.  Several more times thoughout the night I heard my name mentioned.  This was not a formality, as I was not part of the panel or presentation, and there's really no need to explain the depth of the honor I felt to hear them crediting me as part of this.

In all my travels, this is the most comprehensive anti-bullying program I had ever seen. By coming at this issue from all community angles, Monroe County has built a recipe for anti-bullying success. I am truly impressed with the depth of this program.

There were two moments that touched me the most during the event.  First, the cry of students as they ask for "nothing about us without us" as a request to be respected as valuiable contributors in this process.  Then, a simple saying: Children are 30% of the population, 100% of the future.  Yeah...just let that one soak in.

To Maggie Brooks, I want to say thank you.  Inspiring true and effective action is exactly what I aimed to accomplish with my year.  Thank you for giving me a minute of your time all those months ago to bring a beauty queen into your office, and then truly hearing what I had to say.  You are honoring the voices of thousands of teens and children with this policy.  Thank you for taking real action.  Thank you for the respect you give to the next generation. That this is happening in my own home town is the greatest gift for which I could ever ask.

Webb Schools

High up in the gorgeous Adirondack Mountains, I had a beautiful afternoon at Webb Central School talking with students about bullying. 

My escort today was a young man named Brandon, who recently held an anti-bullying poster contest as a lead-in to my assembly today.  Vibrant art covered the gym walls with illustrations in support of anti-bullying, peace and acceptance.  I held assemblies with k-5th grade and then 6-12th, and Brandon announced the winners.  Best of all was that, with each name called, the rest of the students cheered them on.  My heart melted at the sound of peer-to-peer support.

One brave kindergartner came over to me personally too for some ideas on how to handle a bullying peer in his class.  As we talked, his tiny peers joined one by one until we were having a full class conversation about feeling safe in school.

At the end of the day, Brandon presented me with one of the school's Stood Up Bullying Pledge shirts.  STAND Up Day is an incredible program that gets students involved to anti-bullying from an empowered angle.  You can understand by reading the back of the shirt, which says, "Today I have an obligation. No longer will I be silent if you need help. Silence is participation. I refuse to participate in the problem. We're all different but we all deserve respect. If you need help, come to me. If I think you need help, I'm getting involved. I got your back. Signed," at which point I promptly threw my sharpie to the fabric and scribbled my name.  All of today's winners signed my shirt, too.  This statement and mission is one of the best I have seen in terms of making students clearly understand the role they play in the solution.  Every word of this shirt is everything I have been teaching all year.

Thanks to the students and staff for a great day, and to Adirondak Express for the great article!

EXPRESS Spring Break

EXPRESS asked us about our dream vacations. Let me know if you notice a general favorite (I chime in at the 48 second mark.)

Oswego Schools to Talk Bullying

Thanks to the students at Oswego School District for letting me visit to talk about bullying!!  I got to spend a few hours with 5th-8th graders from five schools, and even received official status as an Oswego Buccaneer.  Thank you to Oswego Schools for letting me share my story and to the students again for their great interaction and conversation!

Miss Mohawk Valley

Today I emceed the Miss Mohawk Valley 2012 competition in Utica, NY.  Run by Laura Jean Britton, the Miss New York Organization Volunteer of the Year, this pageant consistently packs the house with community members eager to meet their new queen.

Prior to the competition I spent the day with Lynn Tryon, the outgoing Miss Mohawk Valley and one of the funniest girls I've met in competition, participating in the Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade and a Family Fun Day autograph signing.

Utica really came out to show their spirit.  I couldn't get over the energy all over town, which the unseasonably warm weather was surely instigating.  The streets were packed and children flooded the carnival with their parents in tow.  No matter how long I live in the big apple, it will never erase my passion for the community feel that Upstate provides.

Then came the competition.  When I arrived at rehearsal I saw many familiar faces of young women who had competed in other local competitions this year.  Win or lose, women return to this system because of the growth they undergo in their preparation and competition process.

And the winner is...

Please welcome Miss Mohawk Valley 2012...Courtney Sheridan!!

Courtney will be with us this summer to compete for the chance of becoming Miss New York, but will more importantly be spending the year serving the Utica area with her platform.  She has a wonderful organization supporting her and I cannot wait to see all the she accomplishes!  Congratulations to all the contestants, it was an honor to join you on stage and I am completely moved by your dedication to yourselves. 

By the end of the competition I felt like I had been there for ages, and in the good way.  The show is set up in a way that truly gets the audience close to the women onstage.  It's like reading a great book; you feel as if you've known the characters forever by the time the story ends.  Thank you to the Miss Mohawk Valley Organization for such hospitality and for letting me be part of this incredible day of celebration!!

And thus another upstate New York'er joined the ranks of sisterhood.  

Celebrity Guest at Hilton Worldwide's Wall Street Gala

I spent the day as Celebrity Guest for Hilton Worldwide's annual client gala at Cipriani Wall Street. This annual party brings together the companies top clients and hotels to celebrate the year.

Amid the most ornate party I had ever seen, guests snapped photo ops with me on the red carpet. Best part was that, between camera flashes, I had the chance to compare notes on charitable endeavors and share my work with Project Empower and bullying.

Wondering how I booked this? You might not believe me. I winked. Seriously. The event organizer watched Miss America and when I winked at the camera during my swimsuit turn he instantly contacted my organization to book me. When they told me this I broke into laughter, then slowly composed myself and, after a brief pause, asked, "Wait, really?" Well, let's break this down. What is a wink? Typically a private non-verbal communication between two individuals. It admits awarenness and acceptance of the "gaze" of another (a little Lacan, anyone?) The small scale of a wink allows you to mask the motion from unexpecting eyes, bringing exclusivity to it's recipient. One can only wink at one person at a time. At that moment of competition, as my face whirled by the camera, I realized that I had a chance to do the impossible: wink at 8 million people at once. Original? Naw. Would the judges see it? No. Should a girl only behave as Miss America when judges are watching? Heck no. Might people not like my wink? Totally. Does it make my story more interesting? Yes. Thus I winked. Always do it for the story. Though an ever classic pageant move, this was my chance to go old-school and bring a laugh to viewers everywhere. Seems a splash of bold can pay off.

Rocco, the organizer, and I became fast friends and soon discovered we shared a passion for hamming it up.

Thank you to Hilton Worldwide for having me as part of your festivities. Your hospitality (no pun intended) and kindness was among the best of my whole year.

Meeting with Staten Island Borough President

With the Miss New York Pageant right around the bend, I joined my Executive Director for a meeting with our Staten Island supporters to discuss plans for the big show. I simply want to take a second to thank all of them, including my now good friend and borough president Jim Molinaro, for understanding and supporting the value of our organization. We are pumped to be back for year two!

Miss America's Homecoming Video

Miss California summed up the big weekend rather perfectly!

Project Empower Network Goes Live...

We did it!!!! In just five months, and after many recent sleepless nights, our team has built out our programs to a point where we are able to expand to schools all across New York City!

This morning we met with representatives from over 100 schools across New York City to offer premier access to our Network. Schools can now register online to participate all of our Project Empower programs and receive exclusive access to our upcoming new releases. Spots are limited, and registration will close soon so we hope to have lots of new partners come on board!

We are bringing youth leadership to as many students as possible. The sooner we help young minds find their potential and place in the world, the sooner we can help them see beyond the pain of bullying to a brighter future.

Grand Opera House Show for Miss America's Homecoming

Tonight was our final Miss America Homecoming Show held at the Grand Opera House in Oshkosh. We each gave our talents one last show, and each other one last hug, before drawing our Miss America experience to a close.

For my second song after Disneyland, I sang Thinking of You by Katy Perry. This is my love song to life before Miss New York. Before I was Miss New York I was no one. There's a natural care-free sense that comes with invisibility. As our worlds grow larger we can easily lose the relationship we hold with ourselves. The only minutes of my journey that I regret are those in which I felt I needed to be anything but myself. The song reminds me to never fall in love with any version of myself that is not the true me, and is my self apology for every moment when I let that slip away.

The girls performed beautifully. The mood was hardly sad, but rather one of celebration as we congratulated Laura and rejoiced in our newly found friendship. I'm not much for goodbyes. In fact, I rather loath them. So, here's what I shall leave:

To Laura: We are so thrilled to have been part of this with you. You won by being you, and will shine by being you. May the year ahead be filled with every opportunity you could ever want!

To Betty, Jennifer and Noelle: In theater we are taught that a character shall sing when words alone no longer express the heightened emotions they feel. They must communicate in sounds that seem to organize the unorganized energies they are experiencing. What I feel when I am with you is the very thing that inspires song. You three are my song. Our story is only beginning.

Miss America's Homecoming Brunch

Alas, our final day together arrived. We joined Laura for her Homecoming Brunch with Miss America Chairman of the Board, Sam Haskell. Ever the eloquent speaker, Sam took a moment to recognize each of us and guests had a chance to dine with us before our afternoon autograph signing.

We each had a chance to take the mic and share a bit about our Miss America experience. With each turn, we reminded Laura that her success is what drives our ability to do what we do and thus how eager we are to support her in this year ahead. When the mic got to Laura she stood up but slowly stopped as she looked out across a room. There was silence for several electrically anticipation-filled seconds. Soft tears welled up in her eyes. She smiled, shaking her head and laughing about how she never cries this often. She gave a brief thank you and quickly sat back down. Though short with words, her face told the whole story. I can't imagine the relief she felt to be standing in a room of familiar faces after already living several whirlwind weeks as Miss America. If I could guess - and I pray my guess is right - I'd say that in this moment she realized, no matter how lonely her travels feel, she is never without the love and support of every person in that room, and so many more. Indeed, none of us are ever alone. There is always someone somewhere to whom you mean the world.

Homecoming Autograph Signing

Great post-pep rally autograph signing!! Thanks to everyone who came out to say hello!! Local fans of Laura gushed over her and shared their excitement. Numerous students asked who the designer was of my dress. Chalk one up for Momma Monte!

Homecoming Pep Rally for Miss America

Today was all about Laura's home turf. We hopped in the car to Kenosha for Laura's Official Homecoming Pep Rally at St. Joseph's Catholic Academy.

Once everyone was properly briefed, we began the show. The Four were introduced and Laura was brought out on a literal throne. We threw T-Shirts into the audience (each missing the balcony by about a mile) and revved up the crowd. Laura sang several numbers and guests took the mic to share their special memories of Laura and her journey.

On the wall was a video montage of Laura's journey to Miss America. When it got to the Top 5 I looked up and instantly froze. "What?!" I thought, "Is THAT what it looked like? Is that ME?" And thus it finally hit me that I went to Miss America.

Having sneaked my camera onstage, check out what I caught:

Thank you to St. Joseph's staff and students for throwing such a party! Thank you also to all the community leaders who came out to show support, and to Laura for letting us be part of such a personal and exciting moment.

Miss America's Birthday at Maggianos

Our evening was a Birthday Celebration at Maggiano's for Laura. Family and friends joined to greet their new star as The Four were seated by her side, and once again the desserts reigned supreme. I have to thank Maggiano's for creating a custom gluten-free menu for me tonight! Everyone's taking such good care of us!

Oh, so it started snowing today. Arizona and California were thrilled, leaping around until someone finally shouted, "Wait! What about my suade boots?!" Ah HA! It's all fun and games until you have to scrape it off your car and can't wear cute shoes anymore. All it makes me think of is the half-mile walk to the train that I take every day, twice a day, with no alternative no matter the weather. Blech, snow...

EXPRESS Fashion Show in Milwaukee

After lunch we starred in an Express Fashion Show at the Mayfair Mall. Stylists hand selected outfits for each of us and, after a good amount of pose-striking in the dressing rooms, we hit the runway. Yes, I was the one making Blue Steel faces in every picture. It's the New York way.

HUGE thank you to Express for the incredible wardrobe! We looked fresh, hot and each had our own style highlighted. The Miss America look is something every girl deserves to feel is within reach, and Express has made that entirely possible this year.

Birthday Brunch with Miss America

Happy Birthday Laura!!! After starting the day with a luxury so rarely afforded in my current occupation (most commonly known as "sleeping in") The Four met up with Laura and the gang for a birthday lunch. We talked, laughed, and proceeded to order every dessert on the menu and toast sweet fork-fulls to our swimsuit bodies of old. Upon our exit the Miss Wisconsin Board of Directors gave us boxes with truffles the size of tennis balls. Touche, Miss Wisconsin Org. Good start to the day.

Miss America's Homecoming VIP Reception

After the show we joined Laura and her guests for a VIP Reception. Fans, friends, family and supporters had a chance to snap pictures, gather autographs and talk with us about the inside experience of being in the Top 5.

Many aspiring young leaders quizzed me about my year as cameras constantly snapped from all sides. I shared stories about my platform, the progress of Project Empower, and how much stronger I felt as a woman for having gone through this journey; self discovery has become a beautiful friend and my primary companion this year.

I had the immense pleasure of meeting Laura's family. They shared their journey through Laura's win and were nothing short of glowing. As they thanked me for joining them in celebrating her return home, I reminded them that any gratitude is entirely theirs to receive for having invited us to take part. When's the next time I'll be in Miss America's court? It is a privilege to be part of this entire weekend.