<![CDATA[VICTORIA WEJKO - Blog]]>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 22:20:53 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[Always In OUr Hearts: Ann Lee Rippel]]>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 12:46:08 GMThttps://www.victoriawejko.com/blog/always-in-our-hearts-ann-lee-rippelThank you all so much for the calls, messages, and check-ins yesterday. It truly meant more than I can put into words. If I haven’t gotten back to you yet, please know how grateful I am—I just needed to step away at times and take things moment by moment.

I also want to sincerely thank everyone who shared the press release and news story. The more people who are aware, the better chance we have at finding the answers so many of us are still searching for.

My mom was deeply loved by so many, and yesterday we felt both the weight of her loss and the brightness of the light she brought into this world. That doesn’t fade—it lives on in all of us who knew her.

And I would be remiss not to acknowledge that we are not alone in this. There are so many families across the country grieving loved ones without answers. More than 250,000 murders have gone unsolved in the United States since 1980, with approximately 6,000 new cold cases added annually. The pain I feel is one shared by many, and my heart is with every single one of them.
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Thank you for surrounding me with so much love. It is carrying me more than you know.
My Interview
Channel 2 Rochester
Channel 10 Rochester
Channel 7 Buffalo
]]><![CDATA[Sheriff’s Office asking for the public’s assistance in solving unsolved death investigation from 1997]]>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 18:46:52 GMThttps://www.victoriawejko.com/blog/sheriffs-office-asking-for-the-publics-assistance-in-solving-unsolved-death-investigation-from-1997Press release
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office is recognizing the anniversary of the death of Ann Lee Rippel by
reaffirming its commitment to pursuing answers in this case. The investigation has remained
active since 1997 and continues to be a priority for investigators.

On April 23, 1997, the body of Ann Lee Rippel was discovered in shallow water along the bank Of Little Tonawanda Creek, near the intersection of Brookville Road and West Bethany Road in the Town of Alexander. Investigators continue to review evidence, follow up on leads, and explore all potential
avenues that may help bring clarity and resolution to this case.

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information related to the death Of Ann Lee Rippel to come forward. Individuals who may have knowledge of the circumstances surrounding her death, or who may recall any unusual activity from that time period, are strongly encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office stresses that even the smallest detail could prove critical in advancing the investigation.
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Tips can be submitted directly to the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office by phone or email. All information
received will be handled with the utmost care and confidentiality.
The Sheriff’s Office remains steadfast in its dedication to seeking justice and providing answers for the
victim’s family and the community.
If you wish to contact the Sheriff’s Office regarding this case, please use the contact information provided below:
Non-emergency phone: (585) 343-5000
Email: Sheriff.Dept@geneseeny.gov
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]]><![CDATA[Mrs. New York & Miss New York for America Strong Pageants]]>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:43:29 GMThttps://www.victoriawejko.com/blog/mrs-new-york-miss-new-york-for-america-strong-pageantsNew York’s most inspiring and accomplished women will take the stage on Sunday, May 31st, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, for the highly anticipated Mrs. New York & Miss New York for America Strong Pageants. Held at the RIT Inn & Conference Center in Henrietta, this prestigious event serves as a spotlight for local titleholders who embody the spirit, strength, and beauty of the state of New York.

The evening will culminate in the crowning of representatives who will move on to represent the Empire State on the national stage. The winners will earn the opportunity to compete at the legendary Mrs. America and Miss America Strong Pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Under the leadership of Executive Director Diane Hardgrove, the pageant system has become a transformative platform for women to develop their personal brands, advocate for causes, and build lasting professional networks. Hardgrove, a former Mrs. Arizona America 2006, Mrs. America 2006, and Mrs. World 2007, brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the empowerment of women. 

She says, "Each year, extraordinary women representing New York embark on a journey to capture the crown. Having personally experienced the magic of this pageant system, I know firsthand how transformative the journey can be. While beauty is an essential part of this prestigious organization, it is equally important to cultivate a genuine connection to family, platform, and community. Every participant exemplifies the qualities of strength, integrity, and purpose – hallmarks of this system.”

The pageant invites the local community to witness the crowning of the 2026 titleholders. Tickets are available for $30 at the door (cash or check only). Attendees will have the chance to support women who are not only competing for a title but are also serving as leaders and advocates within their own communities.

For more information about the pageant, the contestants, or the road to Mrs. America, please visit the official website at www.mrsnyamerica.com.

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Event Details:
• What: Mrs. NY & Miss NY for America’s Strong Pageants
• When: Sunday, May 31st, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Where: RIT Inn & Conference Center, Henrietta, NY
• Tickets: $30 (Available at the door; cash or check only)
• Website: www.mrsnyamerica.com

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]]><![CDATA[Spring Is Coming]]>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:34:38 GMThttps://www.victoriawejko.com/blog/spring-is-comingThere’s something about spring that feels like a quiet exhale.
After months of cold mornings, gray skies, and bundling up just to step outside, the world begins to soften. The light lingers a little longer each evening. The air feels gentler. And almost without noticing, everything starts to come back to life.
Spring doesn’t rush in—it unfolds.
It shows up in the smallest ways first: the faintest hint of green pushing through the ground, the sound of birds returning in the early morning, the way the sun hits your face just a little differently. It’s subtle, but it’s powerful. It reminds us that growth doesn’t have to be loud to be real.
There’s a quiet hope in this season that I find myself drawn to every year.
Spring invites us to begin again.
Not in a dramatic, overhaul-your-life kind of way—but in small, meaningful shifts. Opening the windows. Letting fresh air in. Re-evaluating what we’ve been holding onto that no longer serves us. Choosing, gently, to move forward.
It’s a season that whispers: you’re allowed to start fresh.
And maybe that’s what makes it so special.
Because if nature can endure months of stillness and cold, only to bloom again—so can we.
Spring reminds us that growth often happens beneath the surface long before we ever see it. That just because something looks dormant doesn’t mean it’s not transforming. That patience isn’t wasted time—it’s preparation.
So as the days get warmer and the world around us begins to bloom, I’m choosing to lean into that same energy.
To let go of what feels heavy.
To welcome what feels light.
To trust that even the smallest steps forward still count.
And maybe most importantly—to believe that new beginnings are always possible.
After all, spring never forgets to come back.
And neither do we.
]]><![CDATA[When the Light Feels Far Away: Understanding Seasonal Depression]]>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:15:52 GMThttps://www.victoriawejko.com/blog/when-the-light-feels-far-away-understanding-seasonal-depressionEvery year, as the days grow shorter and the sunlight begins to fade earlier in the afternoon, many people notice a shift, not just in the weather, but in their mood. The excitement of cozy sweaters and holiday lights can slowly give way to fatigue, irritability, and a heaviness that’s hard to explain. For millions of people, this isn’t just “winter blues.” It’s a form of depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, often shortened to SAD.
Seasonal depression is more common than many realize, yet it’s also frequently misunderstood. People experiencing it may feel pressure to simply “push through” or assume they are just being lazy or unmotivated. The truth is that seasonal depression is a very real mental health condition influenced by biological changes tied to the seasons.
What Seasonal Depression Actually IsSeasonal depression is a type of Major Depressive Disorder that follows a seasonal pattern. It most often begins in the fall and continues through the winter months when daylight hours are shorter. Symptoms can include:
  • Persistent low mood or sadness
  • Loss of motivation or energy
  • Sleeping more than usual
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Changes in appetite, especially cravings for carbohydrates
  • Withdrawing from social activities
  • Feeling hopeless or overwhelmed
These symptoms occur partly because reduced sunlight can disrupt the body’s internal clock, known as the Circadian Rhythm. Less daylight may also affect the brain chemicals that regulate mood and sleep.
Why It HappensSunlight plays a surprisingly important role in mental health. During darker months, the body can produce more Melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. When levels rise during the day, it can lead to increased tiredness and sluggishness.
At the same time, sunlight helps regulate Serotonin, a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of happiness and emotional balance. When sunlight decreases, serotonin levels can dip, making it harder to maintain a positive mood.
Add colder weather, reduced outdoor activity, and a natural tendency to stay indoors, and it becomes easier to see why many people feel emotionally drained during certain seasons.
Signs You Might Be Experiencing ItEveryone has difficult days, especially during the winter. But seasonal depression usually shows a consistent pattern year after year. You might notice that:
  • Your mood drops around the same time each year.
  • You feel much better when spring and longer days return.
  • Daily tasks require far more effort than usual.
  • You withdraw from things that normally bring you joy.
Recognizing the pattern is often the first step toward finding relief.
What Can HelpThe good news is that seasonal depression is highly treatable. Small changes can make a meaningful difference.
Light therapy is one of the most common treatments. Using a specialized light box that mimics natural sunlight can help regulate the body’s internal rhythms and improve mood.
Other helpful strategies include:
  • Spending time outdoors whenever sunlight is available
  • Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule
  • Regular physical activity, even short daily walks
  • Prioritizing connection with friends and family
  • Talking with a therapist or mental health professional
For some individuals, medication or counseling may also be recommended.
You’re Not Alone in ThisOne of the most difficult parts of seasonal depression is how isolating it can feel. When everyone else seems excited about holidays and winter activities, struggling emotionally can create guilt or shame.
But mental health does not follow a calendar. Feeling low during darker months does not mean you are weak or failing—it means your body and mind are responding to real environmental changes.
And just like the seasons themselves, difficult periods can shift.
Longer days eventually return. Sunlight grows stronger again. Energy slowly rebuilds. With support, awareness, and a few intentional habits, it is possible to navigate seasonal depression with greater understanding and compassion—for yourself and for others who may be quietly struggling too.
]]><![CDATA[How I Prepared for Mrs. New York & Mrs. American]]>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 19:15:46 GMThttps://www.victoriawejko.com/blog/how-i-prepared-for-mrs-new-york-mrs-americanThere is a funny moment that happens in every pageant journey: you realize this is equal parts preparation, prayer, protein shakes, and panic-checking your packing list at midnight.

Preparing for Mrs. New York and Mrs. American stretched me physically, emotionally, spiritually—and honestly, organizationally (I now own more garment bags than a Broadway wardrobe department). But it was also one of the most joyful, growth-filled seasons of my life.
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If you’re preparing for a pageant—or any big, scary, beautiful goal—these are the habits that helped me show up as my strongest, healthiest, most peaceful self. I hope they bless you too.

​Months in Advance: 

Build Your Beauty Foundation
1. Find a skincare routine that works for youI started a new skincare routine months before competing, targeting my specific concerns. The key lesson? Don’t copy someone else’s routine—get recommendations for your skin. Talk to professionals, do research, and give your skin time to respond. Healthy, glowing skin is built slowly and gently.

2. Drink more water than you think you need: Water is the cheapest beauty secret on earth. When I started drinking several large cups a day (with lemon because I’m dramatic and need flavor), my skin looked brighter and my energy improved.
Hydration is glamorous. Who knew? 💁‍♀️

📅 Book Early, Sleep Better
One of the greatest gifts you can give your future self is a full calendar with confirmed appointments.
Book early:
  • Hair & makeup (or lessons if you’re doing your own!)
  • Hotel and travel
  • Facials, spray tan, hair color, etc.
Knowing everything was scheduled gave me incredible peace. Less chaos = more confidence.

💪 Train Your Body With Kindness
Mrs. New York includes a swimwear competition, and I wanted to feel strong, not just look strong.
I worked out several times a week, choosing workouts that fit my body and my schedule. I also focused on eating nourishing foods that fueled my energy. This wasn’t about punishment—it was about stewardship. Your body is your teammate. Treat her well.

👗 Pageant Prep Starts Early (Wardrobe Included!)
Do NOT wait until the last minute to find outfits. Trust me. Midnight gown panic is not a cute look.
For Mrs. New York, I needed:
  • Interview outfit
  • Registration look
  • Swimwear
  • Evening gown
  • Rehearsal outfit
  • Post-pageant outfit
  • Shoes + accessories for everything
Give yourself time to try options, tailor pieces, and feel confident.

🎤 Coaching Is Worth It
Every pageant system is different. Coaching helped me refine my walk, polish my interview skills, and build a strategy.
More importantly, it helped me believe in myself. Coaching isn’t about becoming someone else—it’s about becoming the best version of you.

​A Week Before: 

Self-Care Is Not Selfish: Stress loves to live in my shoulders (and apparently my jaw, my neck, and my entire personality), so a massage before competition week is a must.
Other essentials for me:
  • Hydrafacial/dermaplaning
  • Hair color + trim
  • Quiet time to pray and reset
Your peace matters more than perfection.

🧳 Start Packing Early
I begin pulling items a month out and fully pack about 7–10 days before leaving. I make detailed checklists and pack backups. Because if one earring goes missing… it will absolutely be the one that matches your gown.

💅 The Day Before: Fresh Nails & Final Calm
Fresh nails. Spray tan. Loose-fitting clothes. Snacks. Water. And deep breaths.

​The Day Of: 

Make a hype playlist: Mine included songs about being a champion, Broadway-level drama, and past pageant opening numbers. You need music that reminds you: You belong here.
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Limit social media: Comparison steals joy faster than a crooked crown. I only posted what I needed and stayed offline.

Remember why you’re there: This was huge for me. Pageants are judged on opinions—but my worth does not come from a panel that meets me for two minutes. I reminded myself: What is meant for you will not pass you by.

​The Most Important Tip: Enjoy It

I worked so hard to get there. I didn’t want to miss the joy by obsessing over outcomes. Smile at the other contestants. Laugh in rehearsal. Take photos. Pray. Be present. Win or not, you are becoming someone braver, stronger, and more compassionate along the way. And that crown? It’s lovely. But the growth you gain? That lasts forever.

💛 Final Encouragement:
  • ​If you’re preparing for a pageant—or a promotion, marathon, interview, or big life change—remember:
  • Prepare with discipline.
  • Care for yourself with tenderness.
  • Show up with confidence.
  • Trust God with the outcome.
  • And pack extra bobby pins. Always extra bobby pins.
  • You’ve got this, friend. 👑✨
]]><![CDATA[Vegas, Friendship, and the Power of Showing Up]]>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 14:52:33 GMThttps://www.victoriawejko.com/blog/vegas-friendship-and-the-power-of-showing-upThere’s something undeniably electric about Las Vegas—but this trip wasn’t about the lights, the shows, or the sparkle (okay, maybe a little sparkle). I headed to Vegas for one reason that matters most to me: showing up for a friend as she took the Mrs. World stage.
Pageantry has a beautiful way of turning competitors into sisters. Watching someone you admire step into her purpose on a global stage is humbling, emotional, and deeply inspiring. Being in the audience—cheering loudly, tearing up proudly, and soaking in every moment—was a reminder that crowns are powerful, but community is everything.
Mrs. World isn’t just a competition; it’s a celebration of women who lead with heart, resilience, and grace. I’m so grateful I could be there, not as a titleholder, but as a friend—because sometimes the most meaningful role we play is simply being present. And trust me, Vegas has never felt more full of heart. 💫
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]]><![CDATA[Join me in Bedford Falls… well, close enough!]]>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 20:20:33 GMThttps://www.victoriawejko.com/blog/join-me-in-bedford-falls-well-close-enoughI’ll be presenting “Every Time a Bell Rings: Helping Little Hearts Heal” at the It’s a Wonderful Life Festival Weekend in Seneca Falls on Saturday, December 13th at 3 PM.

We’ll talk about how our youngest kiddos understand big feelings, how we can support them through loss and change, and simple, hope-filled ways to help them shine again.

If this season feels tender for you or a child you love, I’d be honored to share this time with you. 

Come say hi, ring a bell, and leave with practical tools you can use right away. Because even in the hardest moments… “no one is a failure who has friends.” 

HMU @constantine_james
Photographer @magicdreamsproductions
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]]><![CDATA[How to Support Families During Thanksgiving & the Holiday Season]]>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 18:53:41 GMThttps://www.victoriawejko.com/blog/how-to-support-families-during-thanksgiving-the-holiday-seasonHow to Support Families During Thanksgiving & the Holiday Season: The holidays are supposed to sparkle — but for many families, this time of year can feel more heavy than joyful. Food insecurity, financial strain, and the pressure to “make it magical” can hit hard. The good news? Every single one of us has the power to lighten that load. And yes, I’m talking to you — the person who can conquer a to-do list, wrangle a holiday schedule, and still find time to help someone else.

Here are simple, meaningful ways to support families who need a little extra love this season:
1. Give Food That Actually Helps: Food pantries and community groups are working overtime right now. Donations like stuffing mix, canned veggies, pasta, rice, peanut butter, and shelf-stable proteins go a long way. Bonus points if you add holiday-specific items — gravy packets, cranberry sauce, or cookie mix. Those little touches help families create their own traditions.
And if you're feeling especially generous? Toss in a few kid-friendly snacks. Fruit cups = pure gold.
2. Support Local Food Drives (Yes, Even When It’s Cold Outside): Local organizations often run holiday drives — churches, Junior League chapters, schools, the Food Bank, and more. Show up. Drop off a bag. Share the drive on social media. Invite a friend and pretend it’s your good-deed hot girl walk. Your small contribution becomes part of something much bigger.
3. Shop With Purpose: When you’re hunting down gifts (or treating yourself, because listen… you deserve joy), consider buying from vendors who give back. Many local artisans and small shops support nonprofits or donate a portion of sales. You can literally help a family just by checking someone off your gift list. That’s the kind of multitasking that deserves a medal.
4. Volunteer Your Time: You don’t need to sign up for a 12-hour shift. Even one hour of sorting donations, serving meals, or helping at an event can make a difference. And showing up consistently? That’s where the real magic happens. Families remember faces. They remember kindness. They remember who made them feel seen.
5. Give With Dignity: The holidays can be tender for families experiencing hardship. So lead with compassion. Give without assumptions. Offer without spotlight. And always choose dignity over pity. Kindness lands best when it feels like community, not charity.
6. Check In On People You Know: This one is underrated. Not every family struggling will walk into a pantry or raise their hand. Some are carrying their burdens very privately. A quick message — “Hey, if you need anything this season, I’m here” — might be the lifeline they didn’t know they could accept.
7. Model Generosity for Kids: If you have kids in your life, bring them into the spirit of giving. Let them pick out canned goods, wrap donated gifts, or walk with you to a drop-off point. When we teach them that generosity is normal, we shape the kind of community we all want to live in.
8. Remember: Helping Doesn’t Require Perfection: You don’t need to save the world. You don’t need to donate hundreds of dollars. You don’t need to organize a community-wide initiative (though if you do, call me — I love a good project). Small acts stack up. A bag of groceries + a warm smile + a few minutes of kindness = impact

The Heart of It All: The holidays remind us what community truly means — showing up for each other. Sharing what we can. Making sure no one feels alone or forgotten. Your kindness can be the difference between a heavy season and a hopeful one. So go ahead — spread the love. Light up someone’s table. Help create a little holiday joy where it’s needed most. And if that’s not the spirit of the season… I don’t know what is.]]><![CDATA[That's A Wrap]]>Mon, 10 Nov 2025 20:14:54 GMThttps://www.victoriawejko.com/blog/thats-a-wrapOhhhh this weekend absolutely took me out… and filled my heart all at the same time.

30 years of Holiday Shoppes magic for the Junior League of Syracuse — and I got to be part of the team behind the scenes helping run social all weekend long. Exhausting? Yes. Worth every single second? Absolutely.

There is nothing like feeling that kind of community joy + generosity in real time… capturing it… amplifying it… and watching it ripple into real impact for Central New York. Our League women SHOW UP — together — always. It was a full team lift, and I’m so proud we did this side by side.

And I want to thank Rosen Media Consulting, sincerely — for everything you poured into me and all the social strategy mentorship I gained during my reign as Mrs. New York American. Those skills were used every minute of this weekend.

Now I’m going to sleep for 3 days like a feral house cat in a sunbeam. But my heart is full. My cup is full. My legs are… not… but spiritually we are thriving.
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