Finding Your Platform

1. Reflect on Your Passions: Think about what truly excites you, what breaks your heart, or what has deeply impacted your life. Platforms built on personal experiences are often the most compelling.
2. Consider Your Strengths: What unique talents or skills can you bring to a cause? Your platform should align with how you can make the biggest impact.
3. Research Current Issues: Look into your community's needs. Are there challenges that resonate with you or align with your values?
4. Be Authentic: Choose something you deeply care about. Your passion will shine through in interviews, speeches, and appearances.
5. Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve with your platform. Whether it’s awareness, fundraising, or volunteering, knowing your goals will keep you focused.

Connecting with a Local Nonprofit

1. Research Local Organizations: Look for nonprofits in your area that align with your platform's mission. Start with a simple online search or check community boards.
2. Attend Events: Volunteer at community events or attend fundraisers. It’s a great way to network and understand the organization's needs.
3. Reach Out Professionally: Send a well-crafted email or call the nonprofit to introduce yourself, explain your platform, and express your interest in collaborating. Example later in this blog.
4. Offer Value: Be clear about how you can support them—whether it's through raising awareness, volunteering, fundraising, or leveraging your platform to amplify their message.
5. Build Relationships: Establish genuine connections with the nonprofit’s team. Collaboration is more meaningful and impactful when built on mutual respect.
6. Start Small: Begin by volunteering your time or resources to see how well the partnership fits. This helps you build credibility and trust.

Making It Work for the Pageant

1. Document Your Involvement: Take photos, share updates, and tell stories about your impact. It’s not only inspiring but shows judges your commitment.
2. Be Consistent: Regularly engage with the nonprofit, even outside of major events. Consistency demonstrates dedication.
3. Integrate Your Platform: Make sure your pageant activities, speeches, and social media presence highlight your platform and collaboration.
4. Share Success Stories: Highlight how your efforts are making a difference—this shows measurable impact and motivates others to support the cause.

Subject: Collaboration Opportunity with [Nonprofit Name]​
Dear [Recipient's Name or "Team at Nonprofit Name"],
My name is Victoria Wejko, and I am honored to serve as Mrs. New York American 2024. As part of my role, I have the opportunity to amplify causes that align with my passion and platform, [Platform Name or focus area, e.g., "supporting childhood trauma survivors"].
I greatly admire the work your organization does in [specific focus of the nonprofit, e.g., "providing resources for children and families in need"], and I would love the chance to support your mission. My goal is to use my platform to raise awareness, engage the community, and contribute to meaningful change.
I would love to discuss how I could collaborate with your organization. Whether it’s through volunteering, assisting with fundraising events, or using my social media reach to spotlight your work, I am eager to explore ways we can partner to make a greater impact together.
Would you be open to a meeting or call to discuss this further? Please let me know a time that works best for you, or I can adjust to your schedule.
Thank you for your time and for all the incredible work you do in our community. I look forward to the possibility of working together to make a difference!
Warm regards,
Victoria Wejko
Mrs. New York American 2024
[Your Email Address] | [Your Phone Number]
[Optional: Your Social Media Handles]

🎉 Save the Date! 🎉

Join us on Sunday, June 15th, 2025, at 2 PM for an unforgettable afternoon as we crown the next Mrs. New York America, Mrs. New York American, and Miss New York for America Strong!

✨ Witness the grace, talent, and passion of remarkable women from across New York State as they compete for these prestigious titles.

📍 Location: RIT Inn and Conference Center, Rochester New York
🗓️ Date: Sunday, June 15, 2025
⏰ Time: 2 PM

Mark your calendars and stay tuned for ticket information. Let’s celebrate the empowerment, strength, and beauty of New York women!

We can’t wait to see you there! 💖

​Your brand in pageantry isn’t just about a tagline or the way you present yourself on stage—it’s the essence of who you are and the story you want to share with the world. Finding your authentic brand is key to standing out while staying true to yourself. Here’s how to get started:
1. Reflect on Your Core Values
Ask yourself:

• What do I believe in?
• What drives my passion?
• What impact do I want to make?
  Your values form the foundation of your brand and will guide how you present yourself.

​
2. Embrace Your Story
Your journey is unique. Whether it’s overcoming obstacles, championing a cause, or pursuing a dream, your story is what makes your brand authentic and relatable. Celebrate it!
3. Define Your Platform
Your platform should align with your passions and values. When it’s something you genuinely care about, it will shine through in everything you do—on and off the stage.
4. Stay Consistent
Your brand should be consistent across all areas of your life—your social media, interviews, appearances, and even your wardrobe. Cohesion builds trust and reinforces your message.
5. Show Your Personality
Authenticity is magnetic. Whether you’re quirky, poised, bubbly, or calm, lean into your natural personality. People connect with the real you, not a persona.
6. Highlight Your Strengths
What makes you stand out? Maybe it’s your charisma, resilience, or leadership skills. Lean into those strengths and let them guide how you share your message.
7. Keep Evolving
Your brand isn’t static—it’s a reflection of your growth. As you evolve, so will your story, goals, and presentation. Stay open to refining your brand as you learn and grow.
Remember, your authentic brand isn’t about fitting into a mold—it’s about breaking the mold by being unapologetically YOU. When you embrace your truth, you’ll not only stand out, but you’ll inspire others along the way.
What’s one word that describes your brand? Share below!
#AuthenticityInPageantry #BeYourself #PageantBranding #MrsNYAmerican

I’m so excited to share my official January 2025 travel and appearance schedule as your Mrs. New York American 2024! 🗽💙
From community events to supporting local causes, every stop this month is an opportunity to share a message of hope, healing, and happiness for childhood trauma survivors and to connect with so many incredible people across New York and beyond.

Thank you to my amazing support system, including my family, friends, and sponsors, for making this journey possible. I can’t wait to hit the road and keep shining a light on what matters most.

See you soon, New York! 💕✨
​
#MrsNewYorkAmerican #TravelWithPurpose #HopeHealingHappiness #ChildhoodTraumaAwareness #CommunityConnection #MakingADifference #MrsAmerican