By Arica P. Quinn
Winning the People’s Choice Award in the Mrs. Tennessee America 2024 pageant felt like winning my personal Super Bowl! To secure a position that demanded community effort and support filled my soul with pride and immense joy. It signified that people recognized not just my belief in serving others, but also my tangible actions in service.
This title is more than just a crown—it is a platform to continue my advocacy for the Eli House, a residential program dedicated to equipping women and children after trauma. With this recognition, I hope to open doors that have previously been difficult to budge without community backing.
When I first learned about the People’s Choice competition, knowing that the earnings benefited Victoria’s Voice, I immediately reached out to my friends, family, pageant sponsors, and church community. I shared information about Victoria’s Voice and the voting process through the Pageant Planet link. I also created a social media campaign to garner support and votes and contacted the director of the Eli House to promote the pageant and my advocacy on their platforms.
**A Journey of Inspiration and Support**
One of the most inspiring moments of my pageant journey was feeling the positive energy from all my friends and family who attended the event. My mom had just flown in from Seattle, and although I could not see her until after the pageant, I caught glimpses of her in the audience. I avoided eye contact to keep my emotions in check. Every time I walked toward the corner of the stage where my loved ones were seated, I felt their beautiful energy. I was overwhelmed by the support from across the United States—photos, videos, and messages from friends at watch parties poured in, cheering me on. I felt truly seen for my commitment to service, pageant preparation, and dedication to supporting others.
Since winning, I have continued reaching out to supporters and sharing my ongoing commitment to service on social media. I invite others to connect with me about volunteer opportunities, hoping to use this newfound visibility to open previously closed doors.
**Advice for Aspiring People’s Choice Winners**
For those aiming to win the People’s Choice, my advice is simple: do not be afraid to share your heart and passion. Let your actions inspire others to join and support you. Let your “boots on the ground” speak louder than words. Celebrate victories by diving back into service and expressing gratitude to those who believed in you.
My victory celebration has involved re-engaging with my supporters and sharing the mission and hope of the Eli House. I encourage others to reach out with ideas for service and new volunteer opportunities. The biggest challenge during the competition was overcoming personal doubt—silencing the dark chatter in my head that questioned my worth and participation at this stage of my life.
**Looking Ahead: Inspiring Others and Amplifying Voices**
I plan to reach out to past Queens and participants to learn from their experiences in community work. There is tremendous value in learning from others active in the field, and I look forward to collaborating to amplify our platforms and important voices.
I intend to use my title to inspire others, especially soon-to-be “empty nesters” like myself. Many of us lose a sense of identity while raising children. I hope to encourage other women to dig deep and rediscover what excites them. I want them to stretch beyond their comfort zones and realize there is still so much ahead.
Bringing awareness and support to the Eli House through the pageant platform is a priority. I also aim to encourage other women to step out of their comfort zones and continue to grow. Winning the People’s Choice Award and being crowned Mrs. Nashville 2024 was an unexpected, but it was a transformative journey, sparked by a chance meeting with a former pageant runner-up. Initially, I dismissed the idea, but after reflection, I thought, “Why not?”
Volunteering at the E.L.I. House with my daughters has reinforced my belief that service is vital for a fulfilling life. I was taught that the quickest way to enrich your own life is to do something for someone else. Through this pageant, I look forward to bringing more awareness and support to the E.L.I. House and setting an example for my children.
Sarah Sanderson, wife of retired NFL player Scott Sanderson, is available for appearances and can be reached at [email protected].
