World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to welcome amazing Queen Chan Kry Khiev National Mrs. 2019.
Full name: Chan Kry Khiev
Title/Year: National Mrs. 2019
Pageant System: American Women of Service
Age: 38
Zodiac sign: Scorpion
Hobbies: Skiing, Jet Skiing, Water skiing, Hiking, Swimming. Kayaking, and Paddle Boarding
Platform: Crown Cares
Years competed: 2018 & 2019
Countries visited: Cambodia
Likes: People who are positive influence
Dislikes: Negativity
Status: Married
World Class Beauty Queens: Please tell us about yourself.
I was born in Thailand at a Refugee Camp; ( which was a Cambodian holding facility in Thailand) by my parents Song and Yorn. Born not only with challenges but with pride and the Khmer heritage; I learned at a very young age to respect, honor and give to others who had less than me. I was brought to America in 1983 with my parents, sponsored by my brothers Kimly and Sophan. I went to school in North Attleboro, MA with my younger siblings David, Jennifer and Michael. Married my soulmate Channdara and the two true lights of my life was born in 2008 and 2015 - Nathan and Natalie.
I was no stranger to defying the odds and determine for my own path. Despite having what seem to be my life narrative at birth. I found a way to take control of my own future by giving others the confidence and empowerment that once lacked. I become a leader and pillar by dedicating my time and energy to supporting those who go so often unnoticed.
World Class Beauty Queens: What does women Empowerment means to you? Supporting women that go unnoticed, need assistance, encouragement, and confidence within oneself, this included self-confidence and strength. To make all women become stronger and realized they too can stand up and speak and be leaders. We need to embrace who we are. Be true to ourselves and strive for the best. Doing this makes us positive role models for our own daughters and the young women of America.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your pageant history. My history in pageantry is short lived. I got involved a couple of years ago when I told a friend I wanted to do a pageant after a photo shoot. I started by winning Ms. Eastern Maine, a local of Maine Academic Scholarship Pageant. I competed at the state level and won first runner up but when the winner could not complete her duties. I was crowned MS Maine. I won my way to national pageant, American Women of Service and was humbly crowned Mrs. American Women of Service 2019. I worked hard to learn about pageantry, interviews, walking, wardrobe and most important community service and it paid off in a short time.
World Class Beauty Queens: What inspired you to do your first pageant? I was approach by hair stylist, Robert Towle about 7 years ago and he said I should compete and he thought I would do well, so he offered to help me out, but soon after he pass away. I decided to put it on hold because I didn't know anything about pageant systems.
In 2018, I started working more and more with my local committees and wanted to encourage women and help those who go unnoticed to be confident, but I had to build my confidence first. So I step out of my comfort zone and took on a more of a challenge to improve on my leadership abilities. That is when I decided to revisit the options in pageantry.
I was introduce to Deb Landry the Director of Crossroad, Maine Academic Scholarship Program ( MASP ) and the author of the Crown CARES ( creating a respectful environment in schools and society), by a good friend Stephanie Lyman with Flawless Professional On-Site Hair & Make-up. Through this connections it had introduce me to a system that I felt very comfortable with and could relate to their mission and it soon gave me the confidence I needed to become the women I am today.
World Class Beauty Queens: Why did you choose to compete for your current title? I choose to complete for this current title because I believe in this pageant system was the right one for me. My parents has always taught me to have respect and honor and to give back to those in need of our help. This pageant system mission to promote good character education fit with my upbringing and my morals. As a mother of 2 adorable children I want to ensure that my children, and others, are safe at school and daycare's. That they learn self mutual respect and hopefully others will mimic their behaviors. No one wants their children harassed at school or anywhere else. Children aren't the only one who are being bullied, girls and women at all ages are victim of many different type of bullying, harassment and abuse. Women should be able to stand up and speak their voice, be heard and this is something I feel I can promote easily because I am so passionate about freedom, equal rights and the safety to be able to speak my own mind on any subject as long as I am respectful.
World Class Beauty Queens: To those unfamiliar with your pageant system please tell us what is it about? People make pageant system to be all about looks, but to be honest it not. Our pageant system is about service to the people, which ever passion that might be to each titleholder. It about serving your community, encouraging, and empowering those who often go unnoticed, or those in need. It's a group of women that is truly a sisterhood. These ladies are remarkable and unique in their own ways. They are educated, intelligent, and kind hearted. They worked hard and know what it's like to have nothing and have the strength to make difference in the world.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are you being judged on during the competition?
Interview- Fitness- Fashion Runway and Evening gown. There are several optional such as a talent, role model, and nonperformance talent. There is also a writing competition.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your experience during the competition. I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. First time I was interviewed and walked on stage for the judges was during my State pageant. My director had prepared me, but no matter how much preparation you go through if you're not ready for the job until you actually experience it, at least that's how it was for me. I was certainly lacking in my confidence. But I guess I did better than I thought because I was awarded first runner-up.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your platform or what cause do you volunteer for. My focus and platforms are on the Cambodian Community Association of Maine and the National platform Crown CARES.
I am trilingual and a college graduate which you don't see in the refuge community very often, so I spend my time ( and have since I was 7 ) interpreting for the Cambodian immigrates during their doctor's visits, social security interviews and hospital stays. I have continued to do this over the years and now I am on the board of directors and assist with building a strong community and with cultural education.
World Class Beauty Queens: What appearances have you done with your title? I try to get out to several things going on in my community with my family and I have Modeled for Tepsou Bridal with Sovann, Chenda in Lowell, MA for Quality Khmer Traditional Clothing. I have been a Guest Speaker at the University of Maine in Orno ME and made several appearance for Crown CARES. I just started my reign there are several opportunities coming up.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are some of your achievements? I have obtained an associate and am working on my Bachelors in accounting. I have signed with a talent and model agency and have been to NYC several times to coach and work. I'm excite that I was recently promoted to my job as a strategic receivable portfolio and on a management track. And of course, I am proud and thankful that I get to work with the Cambodian community and know that I am making a significant difference.
World Class Beauty Queens: What is your on stage strategy to win the judges over? Being honest, speaking from the heart and sharing my passion.
World Class Beauty Queens: What makes you stand out from all those other beautiful girls? I don't think I do. I just think I was lucky to be "on" that day and the other ladies were in my opinion as equal as me. Honestly it is a competition and it is just how you do that particular day.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about the moment your name was called out as the winner. Shocked and didn't know that it was going to happen. I was filled with joy. Being the first Cambodian Women holding a national title with American Women of Service. Immediately I thought of my father only if he was here at this very moment to see his little girl whom he whispered in her ear " Go get them, you are gifted to become so much more " he would be extremely proud.
World Class Beauty Queens: What does it mean to you to be a Beauty Queen? When I was a little girl I had watch the Miss USA or the Miss Universes pageant I thought man I wish I could be as stunning like these ladies. If you were to ask me this questions 25 years ago I would have had a different answer.
Beauty isn't about your weight, physical looks, it is about your inner beauty. First you need to have an open heart and is willing to accept all those who comes your way. If they are seeking for your help and need your assistance, just do it. Remember they wouldn't be asking for your help if they can do it themselves. Secondly willing to forgive others when a mistake happens. Realize we are all human-being and as human-being we make mistakes. Finally a smile be uplifting, encouraging, empower one another for them to reach their true potential, be a leader a pillar to the community.
World Class Beauty Queens: How did competing in pageants helped your life? Competing in pageants has equipped me with many useful skills. These skills included communication skills, time management skills and team leading skills. Competing in pageants has not only positively impacted my personal life, but also my professional life.
World Class Beauty Queens: How did pageants helped your selfesteem and body image? Cambodian culture women usually do not have self-esteem or body images issues. Our major challenges are diversity, communicate and overcoming our fear of blending into society.
World Class Beauty Queens: You are an inspiration to all the girls out there. How does it feel? If this crown allows me to inspire other, I am grateful and humble.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for learning better pageant walk? I feel that it is important if you want to compete to find the right coach and be individually coach on each system you are competing for. It is just like playing a game or sport, you have to learn the rules and the expectations to win and overcome your obstacles.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for choosing right pageant dress?
1. Ask my coach to assist, I find the right dress for my body type and age. And 2. I always like to put an Asian twist on it to show my heritage without making it look like a costume.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for winning interview? Practice is the key and you need to do it without sounding rehearse and coached. My first interview was emotional to say the least. I was asked an emotional question and I started to cry. I learned that you can't waste any time in an interview and I need to be prepare and it's ok to be emotional as long as you continue to compose yourself and change your emotions to your passion.
World Class Beauty Queens: How did you prepare for your competition? Like I said above above, coaching is key and I also made a list of what I personally needed to know and did some researched to help me understand what the system was looking for.
World Class Beauty Queens: What is one mistake that you've done during competing you wish you could redo and fix it? I would say my interview. I am trying to build my confidence as stated before.
World Class Beauty Queens: What other mistakes are made by girls during the contest? I really don't pay any attention to someone else's walk, talk or clothing. Being concerned about someone else will only hinder your own competition spirit. And being focused helps you win.
World Class Beauty Queens: Any modeling or acting experience? Yes, I model frequently for various shops especially Asian specialty boutiques. I have taking modeling acting classes with professional in NYC.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your plans for 2019 as a Queen? I have developed a marking plan to integrate the national platform into society and one of those components is work on educating the adult community to learn how to write a resume and learn key points to how to interview. This project will also include teaching them how to dress and groom for interviews. I have started working with the adult education program to develop a job program in Portland Maine.
World Class Beauty Queens: What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? I am hopeful and confident that if I set the stage for the next group of queens to show them the difference they can make in their communities or society, it will multiple and continue over the years. But I am far from being done with my goals so I am sure my legacy is going to grow and change as years go by, come back and ask me in a few years when I have my next title.
National Director: Jasmine DeRier
Your Local Director: Deb Landry
Pageant website: americanwomenofservice.com & crowncares.org & missmainepageant.com
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to say thank you for this wonderful interview.
Chan Kry Khiev National Mrs. 2019, World Class Beauty Queens Magazine, Photos by Mandy McQueen
Interview by Derek Tokarzewski Owner/Editor in Chief Mr United Nations 2018 Platform: Women Empowerment Ambassador to International Foundation for Orphans iffocares.org
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