Big And Famous

Becoming Miss Illinois Plus America

by Myisha Hill

In September of 2006, I was working third shift as a supportive living assistant. While on my 30-minute break, I got on the internet to go shopping for clothes. It was at igigi.com where information on Miss Plus America was located, I clicked on the Miss Plus America website link and from there I was blown away. What excited me was to see a pageant system that was devoted to the plus size woman of America. Instantly, I did internet research and looked up some of the previous competition winners to get insights of their experience. Two factors drew me to this pageant system, the first being I could make a huge impact in Illinois by promoting image and size acceptance, and second as a student, single mom, I could use my experience to uplift other plus size women in my community.

Once I read the rules to which state I could represent, I choose Illinois. Since this pageant system is in its infantry stage, the state of Illinois has no pageant director or a regional competition. There are 3 age divisions, Miss Ages 18-29, Ms ages 30+, and Mrs., 20 + and Married. Currently I carry the Miss division for the state of Illinois; the other two divisions are open! I would like to encourage any woman plus size in the state of Illinois to compete for the title of Ms or Mrs. Plus America; I guarantee it will be an experience of a lifetime.

For more information on Miss Plus America visit http://www.missplusamerica.com, to contact me you can email me at wmnofvrtue82@yahoo.com