The Phoenix Society Article on Mrs. Colorado 2021

Here is a piece of the article written in The Phoenix Society -

The healing, self-love, and self-acceptance has been a long journey; but I can with 100% honesty say I love the skin I’m in!"

PHOENIX: AS A CHILDHOOD SURVIVOR, WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU FACE GROWING UP?

Danette: As a young girl, and for many, many years after, the hardest part was finding my beauty again. Before my injury, I loved myself and wanted to someday be Miss America. After my injury, that dream was shattered and I never thought I would ever be beautiful again. Everything I saw on tv, in the movies confirmed that because of my scars, I was no longer beautiful in any way. After all, it was always the bad guys, the monsters, and evil characters that had the scars – NEVER the beauty queens. I struggled incessantly to redefine beauty so I could somehow love my reflection again so I could somehow stop feeling ugly, embarrassed, and shameful.

It was a constant inner battle that through faith – in God first and foremost, and from that growing faith I learned slowly to also believe in myself. The shame and embarrassment of looking so different were replaced with the knowledge that I am priceless. After a couple of decades, I started seeing my many scars as God’s masterpiece of art that was created when I walked through fire as a child. The courage and strength that my scars represent make that artwork priceless. And out of that powerful, positive life perspective grew self-love and immense pride for all that I’ve endured as a burn survivor.

PHOENIX: WHAT LED YOU TO COMPETE IN PAGEANTS SO MANY YEARS LATER?

Danette: This is my third year competing and I’ve worked so hard and learned so much about this amazing pageant system to compete strong. The first year (2019) I didn’t place. In 2020, I was a semi-finalist in the top 12. And this year 2021, I won the crown! I had help with pageant coaching and worked hard preparing for interviews, especially the stage competition in swimsuit and gown with my many-body scars.

I first had the spiritual push to compete in early 2018 and kept denying that thought because I believed the pageant world wouldn’t see my beauty. As a public speaker I was sharing my FLAWLESS program and telling women I see myself the way God sees me.

Then I had a vision of me and 30 other women on stage in our gowns. When I looked around I didn’t see myself as the ‘scarred lady in the middle.’ As I looked around I saw their scars too. I saw their life battles, their insecurities, their pain, and their triumphs. Seeing their scars made me feel included because we ALL have scars. And that’s when I decided to overcome my fear and enter this competition of beauty. The journey has been powerful and rewarding in so many ways! Faith over fear because I know I am always enough!

Click below to read the whole article!

Congratulations Mrs. Colorado 2021 - Danette Haag!

Parker Chronicle Article on Miss Colorado for America Strong

Highlands Ranch resident Emily Sanders was crowned Miss Colorado for America Strong on June 5. As Colorado's representative, Sanders will now move on to the national stage to compete for the Miss for America Strong pageant in Las Vegas in November.

Sanders, who grew up in Thornton, said she was excited to win the competition, in which she said she was working to find herself. Sanders said that in her 20s, she left Colorado to be a showgirl in Las Vegas. She returned 10 years later, got married, had children and got divorced.

After divorce, Sanders said she went from full-time mom and wife to figuring out who she was and what she wanted.

“This was my first time competing in a pageant at 46 years of age,” Sanders said. “In doing this pageant, I have really learned more about myself. I was confident. I put everything into it. I knew if I did not win, I had put everything out there.”

Sanders said the pageant was a good fit to help her move forward. According to the pageant website, many women who join want to make a difference with an issue or cause, or want to celebrate a milestone or reach a goal to be stronger.

Sanders said she learned about the Colorado pageant by working with a friend before entering. She said it is important to her that the cliché that beauty pageants are about being a “Barbie Doll” and not about personality and talent is wrong. Sanders said she was honored to compete alongside many accomplished women in the Colorado competition, where most of the contestant scores came from the interview phase.

Sanders said while she had stage experience after performing in Las Vegas, learning the choreography and the pageantry of the Colorado event came with a learning curve.

Part of what drew Sanders to doing the Miss Colorado for America Strong pageant is the emphasis the program places on community engagement. Sanders said she is particularly interested in working with the nonprofit organization Blue Bench, which works to eliminate sexual assault and the impact it has on victim's lives.

As a rape survivor, Sanders said she is passionate to help victims understand it is not their fault, and wants to participate in the educational aspect of the programs.

Sanders said she was assaulted as a junior in high school but did not deal with the impact the incident had on her life until she was well into her 40s.

“I realized there were a lot of things I missed out on in my adulthood because I never addressed all of that,” Sanders said. “I can pinpoint events in my life that may have been different had I just dealt with a little bit of that. Then again, maybe I just was not ready.”

Sanders said while she is open to working with any local nonprofit organization, she is also interested in causes supporting breast cancer and in helping contractors get their own businesses off the ground.

When she is not preparing for a pageant, Sanders is business owner in Centennial. Sanders owns the Ilaria Salon and Medical Spa.

To work with Sanders or request her to make an appearance at community events, or programs, email the pageant office at hello@mrscoloradoamerica.com.

Crown Photo Shoot

The 2021 queens headed to Graphique Fine Art Photography for one of their official photo sessions. If you have not been to Megan Anderson’s studio, you are missing out. She does everything from babies, engagement, senior photos and more. I highly recommend her. Visit her website at Graphique Photo

We are so excited to see the newly crowned queens official crown headshots and more!

2021 Queens Crowned

Congratulations Mrs. Colorado 2021 - Danette Haag

Mrs. Colorado American 2021 - Corrie Francis

Miss Colorado for America Strong 2021 - Emily Sanders

Best in Interview - Corrie Francis

Best in Swimsuit - Danette Haag [Award chosen by Special Awards Judge not judging panel]

Best in Evening Gown - Dr. Quinta Mancho [Award chosen by Special Awards Judge not judging panel]

Longest Married - Tracey Drayton - 40 years married

People’s Choice - Andrea Hall

Best in Interview - Becky Swanson

Best in Swimsuit - Becky Swanson [Award chosen by Special Awards Judge not judging panel]

Best in Evening Gown - Becky Swanson [Award chosen by Special Awards Judge not judging panel]

People’s Choice - Emily Sanders

Year in review with Mrs. Colorado American Sylvia Waller

Take a photo journey of the 2020 year as Mrs. Colorado American Sylvia Waller. Thank you for your year of service.

Mrs. American Pageant with Sylvia

After 10 amazing days of pageant week in Las Vegas, we are home recuperating from all fun and excitement of competing for national titles.  Although exciting it was emotional and physically draining.  This experience was a chance of a lifetime for me! I am so honored to share this journey with my sister queens Mrs. Colorado Nicole Covney and Miss for Colorado Juliet Abdel.  At age 61, I competed with women young enough to be my daughters. I am so proud to represent the baby boomers, the underrepresented. Making it to the top 15 And winning the Fitness Award was extremely humbling.  To God be the Glory!

Team Colorado made a strong presence!  Congratulations to Mrs. Colorado America-Nicole Covney for placing in top 15 and best whimsical costume; and Miss Colorado for America-Juliet Abdel she placed in top 6.  Way to go Team Colorado. Thank you, ladies, for your friendship and support.  2020 was a year of uncertainties and we navigated our reign together. I truly feel we developed a lifetime bond of sisterhood.

Mrs. America with Nicole

Hello from Mrs. Colorado!

What a month it's been! As my beautiful friend Sylvia said, we killed it at Nationals! What an amazing time we had! the three of us didn’t see a ton of one another because we were participating in 3 different pageants but when we did get together there were lots of smiles. Sylvia certainly grounded me when I saw her. Her calming presence immediately made me smile. I loved hanging with my “sisters” at group dinners and since I am a coffee snob and travel with a bit of a coffee arsenal, I loved when the ladies would stop by in the morning for their “joe” to say hello! My Roommate Mrs. Wyoming, Amanda Palmer was awesome! We roomed so well together and I could not have been more thankful. I never went to a traditional college so I never got the dorm room experience, nor have I ever had a roommate so yes, I was a bit nervous. Boy did I get the amazing dorm AND suite-mate experience when we realized on day 2 that Katie Cooper (Mrs. New Mexico) and Amanda Drake (Mrs. Montana) were in the adjoining room! That door didn’t close once we opened it and I made the best connections that week. Amazing that the thing I was most nervous about turned into the thing I will cherish most throughout life as amazing memories! as I always say, life begins at the end of your comfort zone!

Life back home this month…you know when you let anything go for two weeks it hits you in the face with a vengeance when you circle back to it? Well taking 2 weeks off work for nationals has hit me in the face the last few weeks! My clients were ready to get their hair done! I have been so crazy busy working, momming and housekeeping! It was all about me at Nationals and I came back to real life full force… I have asked my family multiple times if they know who I am…I’m royalty. Not a peasant! LOL….I don't think they see it that way!

Some of you heard my father in law passed away the day I returned from nationals. He had been battling cancer and I am so thankful Jason was there with me to escort me onstage despite his family sorrow. His heart was with his dad but his family was gracious and I think they needed a diversion from care and sadness to cheer me on. From a family standpoint, their ability to step out of their reality for a couple of hours to laugh and let go was much needed while they cheered me on via livestream. Speaking of livestream….I had so many amazing supporters from back here in CO. THANK YOU all for your awesome messages and words of encouragement! I checked them during wardrobe changes and they sure kept me motivated!!

Because we returned to sadness my sweet husband felt awful we didn't get to celebrate my accomplishments when we got back home so he threw me a sweet surprise dinner last week at Dukes in Castle Pines. So many of my favorite people were able to make it and I loved seeing them all! Thank you Jason! I love you!

COVID vaccine- I got my first vaccine and it laid me out! HOLY MOLY! I was in bed for multiple hours and I felt yucky! I hope the second one is better. fingers crossed!! I’m glad to be halfway through and am hoping our kids will be back to school next year and life will get back to normal soon! Chat next month friends! I hope you are all well and thanks so much for all of your sweet words on my road to Mrs. America!

Nicole - Mrs. Colorado 2020

Mrs. Colorado American National Pageant Recap

After 10 amazing days of pageant week in Las Vegas, we are home recuperating from all fun and excitement of competing for national titles.  Although exciting it was emotional and physically draining.  This experience was a chance of a lifetime for me! I am so honored to share this journey with my sister queens Mrs. Colorado Nicole Covney and Miss for Colorado Juliet Abdel.  At age 61, I competed with women young enough to be my daughters. I am so proud to represent the baby boomers, the underrepresented. Making it to the top 15 And winning the Fitness Award was extremely humbling.  To God be the Glory!

Team Colorado made a strong presence!  Congratulations to Mrs. Colorado America-Nicole Covney for placing in top 15 and best whimsical costume; and Miss Colorado for America-Juliet Abdel she placed in top 6.  Way to go Team Colorado. Thank you, ladies, for your friendship and support.  2020 was a year of uncertainties and we navigated our reign together. I truly feel we developed a lifetime bond of sisterhood.

Veteran Hospital Video

We have visited the Veterans Hospital since Blair Morgan was out Mrs. Colorado during Salute Week (Valentines Day week). With the virus slowing that opportunity, some of the local titleholders and our Mrs. Colorado created a video for the hospital. Huge thank you to our Mrs. Colorado Nicole Covney for making this video idea a reality!

The Bridal Collection - Jovani Trunk Show

The Bridal Collection is hosting a Jovani Trunk Show with the Mrs. Colorado Pageant and Miss Colorado for American Pageant. The Pageant exclusive day is March 4, 2021 so call to book your appointment for your shopping appointment. If you can’t make the 4th, call to get another day and time. Trunk Show is March 4-6 at the The Bridal Collection.

January Birthday Queens

Do you want to chat with us?

Mrs. Colorado Anti Bullying PSA

June 5, 2021 Pageant

We are actively seeking city titleholders to participate in the 2021 pageant. No experience needed as our entire system is created to walk you through the pageant journey. Must be 18 years or older, married or single (two different divisions, represent where you live or work, ready to meet amazing ladies.

Happy New Year from Mrs. Colorado 2020

Hello from Mrs. Colorado!
2021 has started with A bang! My son has tested positive for COVID so we are all quarantined. Luckily I was at least able to celebrate my birthday with all my favorite people at the Denver Dairy Block before the chaos all began on January 3rd. I’ve had to work extra hard to be positive this week but I think I have succeeded. I’ve realized that Garrett is healthy with the exception of a loss of smell and taste (with two men in the house the smell testing between the two was ridiculous, insert eye roll) and the rest of us are pretty healthy. I’m taking the time to be there for Jayce while she is forced to homeschool and her class is in person. I’m hitting the workouts hard (not only for a little stress relief but I really want to rock the swimsuit competition at Mrs. America in March!) and I am cleaning closets and clutter to make my psyche feel better. Sometimes it takes a pity party to put it all in perspective but that takes a force of self reflection and deep digging. I only have 5 months left of my dream job and I want it to count! My daughter Grace is almost 17 and since she is not back in person for school I have been proud of her for taking better care of herself. She’s been exercising more and eating better. She’s home so much right now that she needs that mental health boost. It’s my biggest worry for all 3 of my kids through this, especially the teens. I’m excited to get back to helping SECOR food bank, visiting Treeline Pass and their new facility and anything else local titleholders invite me to do! February 6th is the drive through Tim Tebow night to shine and I appreciate Mrs. Highlands Ranch AJ Kikumoto reaching out to me to inform me of it! I’m excited to participate! If you would
like to join me just let me know! Does anyone else have any events they would like to invite me to? I’ll make it if I’m able! My hope for you all is a blessed and happy 2021!
Love,
Nicole

2021 Pageant Date Announcement!

Note from your Mrs. Colorado

Happy Holidays from Mrs. Colorado!

I hope you all had a blessed Thanksgiving. I know it looked different this year and while many of us would have rather been in a big group, I must say my immediate family and I had a pretty chill day. I cooked but I didn’t go overboard. We also put up our Christmas Tree which I would love to make a yearly tradition. I have so much on my mind right now that I don’t even know where to begin.

I've been saying a lot of prayers lately for those suffering. Being a hairstylist and being Mrs. Colorado means I talk to a lot of people. It seems that I am hearing of even more suffering than normal (which of course I do because we are in the middle of a pandemic). I'm hearing of younger people losing their lives to cancer and sudden death and some of my friends are losing parents. Some of this is to be expected and some is not. My thoughts are with you all.

I have so many things to be thankful for even though Jason and I have had a few unexpected blows this past couple of months. We have a family member sick with Cancer and Jason suffered a professional blow recently but we just have to keep on keeping on and be thankful we are one of the families out there that still have jobs, a roof over our heads and food in our stomachs. Its all relative to your normal and its hard to put it in perspective but I thank god daily that we are still ok, have amazing kids and are not suffering like many. Grace, Garrett and Jayce have officially been online schooling the past few weeks. Garrett is in a private school and is going back on Monday the 30th so I hope it will stay in person for a while. I used to complain that kids nowadays(yes I sound like an old fashioned soul) don’t know how to cope because they never have disappointment to deal with, but I think the last few months are proof that they are now experts on how to cope with disappointment! Ha ha.

Ok last thing on the boo hoo front…who struggles with spending quality time with their kids? I always admire the super moms who throw trivial things out the window and sit down and play legos with their kids, read with them and play dress up with them. I have never been that mom. I let all of the things that hang over my head like housework, errands and now my public responsibilities take over. Heck, I even let facebook scrolling and Instagram scrolling get in the way sometimes. I go to bed sometimes feeling like a failure and thats not good for my psyche. Wednesday, our local sledding hill was full of snow and I took a deep breath and put all my “to-do’s” in the back of my mind. I took Jayce (7) sledding and we had a great time. Such a great time in fact that we went twice that day. I placed my head on my pillow that night and felt like a good mom. I must do those little things more often. I certainly take care of my family and I love it but being able to be a kid with them sometimes goes a long way! I want them to have fun memories with me. I am better with the teenagers to be honest. I listen to rap with them and laugh about adult things but the littles are the bigger challenge for me. Im making a pact to “go sledding” more often!

I have so many fun things going on! I've been invited to participate in the COVID style Colorado Springs parade of lights next Saturday at the World Arena with Miss Colorado Springs for America Laurel Barrett. I am helping Mrs. Colorado American Sylvia Waller teach etiquette at the annual Beautillion Cotillion on December 6th along with Miss Colorado for America Juliet Abdel. I am volunteering weekly with Secor Cares, a local food bank with deliveries and I have just wrapped up a successful Coats for Colorado drive. As always I am working hard to raise awareness and funds for Treeline Pass. The first 30 people to donate this month will receive an adorable tree ornament made by their Client Cole this holiday season! www.treelinepass.org. I hope you will all continue to watch my interviews with Treeline Pass employees and board members! They are doing amazing things to help adults with developmental disabilities! I was invited on Thanksgiving morning to visit VFW 501 as they fed homeless veterans and the welcome I received made my heart burst. I love our veterans and appreciate them inviting me! Im very exited to compete for the title of Mrs. America January 23-30 at the Westgate resort in Las Vegas. It will be an amazing, once in a lifetime experience!

Happiest of Holidays to each and every one of you. I am so honored to represent our amazing state, Colorado!

Love,

Nicole

Have you ever wondered what is it like to participate in Mrs. Colorado® Pageant?

Come visit our Youtube channel and watch Lauren Campbell, Mrs. Colorado® 2018 chat with the Colorado state director, Emily Stark about the pageant.

What has Mrs. Colorado been up to?

 Hello from Mrs. Colorado!

The leaves are turning, the kids are back to school (sort of!) and my family in settling in to their new normal! I have been to some fun events the past couple of weeks and the latest was “Makeover Magic” with Patricia Belanger! Emily (Stark) and I had a nice afternoon of luncheon and fashion.  Douglas County has announced that elementary students will go back to school 5 days a week at the end of October. I am so excited for Jayce! She has always loved school but because of restrictions and being home so much, her enthusiasm is dwindling. The district has been good about safety so fingers crossed and prayers all will go well. She’s playing baseball and daddy is her coach so she has a big smile on her face all the time!
Unfortunately High Schools will stay hybrid and this is Grace’s junior year of high school. Its tough so far and I hope she is ok at college admission time. Its tough for a non-STEM kid to learn Chemistry and Algebra remote. She’s a good sport and a good kid however so I will have faith.
Garrett is doing well 5 days a week at Valor. He’s playing hockey and golf right now and I don’t know how he’s juggling it all! My family is extremely irritated that I am making them do family photos tomorrow. I swear the complaining can’t get worse. Is it seriously so hard to smile for a few pics for your dear mother? Anyone else have issues with this? Lol…. I”ll post them next time I write in. You all can determine if the smiles are real or not. Ha! Jason is plugging along in his role and is in sales…for a guy that is a salesperson by nature he is not a fan of remote selling. He really wants to be back in front of customers so I feel for him. Hopefully after the new year but we have all been enjoying having him home. I'm becoming a bit too dependent however so I hope I survive when he’s gone again!

Today we walked for Alzheimers Awareness. I asked local titleholders to join me and Mrs. Carriage Club, Quinta Mancho and Mrs. Highlands Ranch, AJ Kikumoto walked with me in honor of our sister queen Sylvia Waller and her father James Fountain who passed from this awful disease. Titleholders throughout the state walked remote to honor this lovely cause!

I will keep everyone updated with my whereabouts and I hope you are all having a wonderful fall watching hockey, basketball, football and baseball …OH MY!

Love,
Nicole

Mrs. Colorado 2020