<![CDATA[VICTORIA WEJKO

<![CDATA[VICTORIA WEJKO - Blog]]>Fri, 28 Aug 2026 07:29:30 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[You're Not Alone...When News Hits close to home]]>Thu, 20 Aug 2026 13:24:55 GMThttps://www.victoriawejko.com/blog/youre-not-alonewhen-news-hits-close-to-homeThere are some losses that hit differently because, in some small way, they feel close to home. The news of Hayden Panettiere’s death has been one of those for me. So much will be said about Hayden—her incredible talent, her struggles, her tragedy, and the circumstances surrounding her life. But there is something else I will remember. I will remember a mother.

People will never fully understand what it feels like to have your mother’s history with domestic violence and addiction become part of the story told after she dies.

I do.

Many people will never understand what it feels like to have your mother make the heartbreaking decision to give up custody of you because she knew that her addiction had a hold of her, and that she could not give you the life you deserved.

I do.

There is a particular kind of grief that comes from loving someone who could not save themselves—and understanding that sometimes, the most loving thing a parent can do is recognize that their child needs something they cannot provide. I don't know Hayden's daughter. I don't know everything that happened within their family. And I would never pretend to.
But I know what it means to be a child on the other side of a mother's addiction.

And so, while many will remember Hayden Panettiere for her talent, her beauty, her career, and her tragedy, I will also remember a mother whose love, whatever its imperfections, was strong enough to make an incredibly painful and selfless choice.

Sometimes love doesn't look like staying.
Sometimes love looks like letting go because you know your child deserves a chance at a life you aren't capable of giving them.
That is a complicated kind of love.
And I understand it more than most people ever will.

May Hayden rest in peace. And may we remember that behind every headline about addiction, trauma, and tragedy are human beings who loved each other, struggled, and tried to survive the best way they knew how.

]]><![CDATA[More Than a Wonderful Life: My Journey With the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum]]>Mon, 17 Aug 2026 17:39:16 GMThttps://www.victoriawejko.com/blog/more-than-a-wonderful-life-my-journey-with-the-its-a-wonderful-life-museumThere are some organizations you become involved with because you believe in their mission. And then there are the ones that somehow become part of your heart. For me, the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum has become both.

As we look ahead to the 80th Anniversary Festival of It’s a Wonderful Life in Seneca Falls, I’ve found myself reflecting on just how special it is to be part of the work behind the scenes. What started as an opportunity to help with social media and storytelling has grown into something I genuinely treasure: helping share the story of a beloved film, a remarkable community, and the timeless message at its heart.

At first glance, It’s a Wonderful Life is a Christmas movie. But if you really watch it, it is so much more. It is a story about purpose, community, sacrifice, friendship, resilience, and the quiet ways one person can make a difference in the lives of others.
That message is one of the reasons this work feels so meaningful to me.

Telling the Story Beyond the Movie

One of my favorite parts of working with the Museum has been discovering how much there is to tell. The connection between Seneca Falls and the world of It’s a Wonderful Life gives us an incredible story, but the Museum itself is also a living piece of that story. There are artifacts, memories, traditions, visitors, volunteers, local businesses, and generations of people who continue to find something meaningful in George Bailey's journey. And then there is the community.

One of the things I have learned through this work is that a museum isn't simply a building filled with history. It is people choosing to preserve, celebrate, and share that history. My role has given me the opportunity to help bring some of that to life digitally—to introduce new audiences to the Museum, celebrate the people who make it special, and create excitement around everything happening in Seneca Falls. And yes, sometimes that means spending an unreasonable amount of time thinking about how to make George Bailey, Zuzu's petals, and Christmas somehow work beautifully in a social media post. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Looking Toward 80 Years

The upcoming 80th Anniversary Festival feels especially significant. Eighty years is a long time. Yet somehow, the story of It’s a Wonderful Life continues to feel incredibly relevant. We live in a world that can often feel disconnected and overwhelming. People are looking for community. They are looking for hope. They are looking for reminders that their lives matter and that the things they do—sometimes the things they don't even realize they're doing—can have an impact. That is the magic of this story. George Bailey doesn't become important because he becomes famous or wealthy. His life matters because of the people he has touched. And perhaps that is why this film has endured for eight decades.

The Work Behind the Celebration

Preparing for an anniversary of this magnitude takes an incredible amount of work. There are events to plan, stories to tell, visitors to welcome, partnerships to nurture, and countless details that most people will never see. Being part of that process has given me an even greater appreciation for the volunteers, board members, staff, community members, and supporters who pour their time and energy into making these celebrations possible.

It has also reminded me that meaningful work isn't always glamorous.
Sometimes it's brainstorming a post.
Sometimes it's answering a message.
Sometimes it's figuring out how to tell a story in 30 seconds.
Sometimes it's sitting in a meeting talking through an idea that may not come to life for months.
And sometimes it's watching something you helped build reach someone thousands of miles away who has never been to Seneca Falls.
Those moments matter.

A Message That Feels Personal

The Museum's mission also intersects with something very important to me personally: reminding people that they are not alone. That message is at the core of It’s a Wonderful Life. George Bailey reaches a point where he cannot see his own worth. He cannot see the impact he has had. It takes someone else stepping into his life to help him recognize what everyone around him already knows.

That is such a powerful reminder. We don't always get to see the full impact of our lives. We may never know whose day we changed with a kind word, whose hope we restored by showing up, or whose life was made a little easier because we cared. But that doesn't mean the impact isn't there. In many ways, that is the message I hope people take away from both the film and the work we are doing at the Museum.

Your life matters. Your story matters. Your presence matters.

Here's to 80 Years—and Whatever Comes Next

As we prepare to celebrate 80 years of It’s a Wonderful Life, I am incredibly grateful to have a small role in helping tell this story and invite people into the celebration. There is something pretty special about being part of preserving a story that has brought generations of people together—and even more special about doing it in a community that has embraced that story so wholeheartedly. I don't know what the next 80 years will bring. But I do know this: the message of It’s a Wonderful Life isn't going anywhere. Because as long as people need hope, community, connection, and a reminder that their lives have meaning, there will always be something wonderful about this story. And I feel very lucky to help tell it.

]]><![CDATA[Applications Are Now Open for the 2027 Mrs. New York America & Mrs. New York American Pageants!]]>Mon, 27 Jul 2026 17:32:58 GMThttps://www.victoriawejko.com/blog/applications-are-now-open-for-the-2027-mrs-new-york-america-mrs-new-york-american-pageantsYour journey to the crown begins today!

We are thrilled to announce that applications are now officially open for the 2027 Mrs. New York America and Mrs. New York American Pageants. If you've ever dreamed of representing your community, growing personally and professionally, and joining one of the most respected pageant organizations in the country, now is the time to take the first step.

The 2027 pageant weekend will take place Saturday, May 29, and Sunday, May 30, 2027, at the beautiful RIT Inn & Conference Center in Rochester, New York.

More Than a Crown: The Mrs. America Organization is the longest-running and one of the most prestigious pageant systems for married women in the United States. It celebrates women who lead with confidence, serve their communities, balance careers and families, and inspire others through their accomplishments.

Whether you're looking to challenge yourself, build lifelong friendships, expand your platform, or simply experience something extraordinary, this is an opportunity unlike any other.

Who Can Compete?
To be eligible for the 2027 Mrs. New York competition, applicants must:

Be married by the date of the pageant.
Be at least 18 years old.
Have been a New York resident for a minimum of three months.
Represent a city or county title assigned by the state director on a first-come, first-served basis.

Once your application and deposit are received, you'll receive your official title sash and can immediately begin making appearances and serving as an ambassador for your community.

How to Apply
To reserve your title, submit:

Your completed contestant application
A $500 deposit
A copy of your marriage certificate
Your requested city or county title

Because titles are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, early registration is highly encouraged.

Your Entry Includes
Every official contestant receives:

An official local city or county title sash
Listing in the Official Program Book
One complimentary ticket for a family member or guest to the final competition
An opening number cocktail dress (contestants provide nude or taupe heels)
Meals throughout pageant weekend, including dinner on Saturday and breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Sunday
The Opportunity of a Lifetime
Two outstanding women will be crowned to represent New York at the Mrs. America and Mrs. American national pageants in August 2027. In addition to earning the honor of representing New York on the national stage, winners receive an all-expenses-paid trip to compete nationally, along with an exciting prize package made possible through the generosity of pageant sponsors.

Ready to Begin?
Whether you've competed before or are considering your very first pageant, there's never been a better time to begin your journey.

With more than three decades of pageant experience, State Director Diane Hardgrove is committed to supporting each contestant throughout the process—from selecting the perfect title to preparing for pageant weekend.

Don't wait to claim your city or county title. The sooner you register, the sooner you'll begin your year of making an impact as an official ambassador for your community.

We can't wait to welcome the next class of incredible women to the 2027 Mrs. New York America and Mrs. New York American family.

Applications are open now. Your journey starts today. Go to www.mrsnyamerica.com today]]><![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.

Thank you for surrounding me with so much love. It is carrying me more than you know.

]]><![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.

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

]]><![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.

###

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

]]><![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.

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.

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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​Telling the Story Beyond the Movie

​Looking Toward 80 Years

​The Work Behind the Celebration

​A Message That Feels Personal

​Here's to 80 Years—and Whatever Comes Next

​Months in Advance:

​A Week Before:

​The Day Of:

​The Most Important Tip: Enjoy It