World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to welcome amazing Whitley Nabintu Marshall International Mrs. USA 2022.
Full name: Whitley Nabintu Marshall
Title/Year: International Mrs. USA 2022
Pageant System: International Ms
Age: 37
Education Level: HS graduate, some college
Zodiac sign: Gemini
Hobbies: hiking, biking, drawing, painting, singing, songwriting, dancing
Platform: expanding beauty standards and Compassionate Leadership
Years competed: 4
Countries visited: Burundi, Rwanda, Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Belize, Mexico, Canada
Likes: authentic expression, art, dance, cultural exchange, nonviolent communication, deep conversation, women empowering women
Dislikes: superficiality, societal beauty standards, bullying
Status: married
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Please tell us about yourself.
I am an artist, model, activist, and entrepreneur based in Portland, Maine. Last year I had several life changes at once, as I launched Artlovelifestyle Magazine and became a Certified Personal Trainer and Personal Development Coach after a 16+ year career with the American Red Cross as a Biomedical Apheresis Charge and Instructor. I love all things creative! I used to sing with two different bands before I was recruited to the Barefoot Truth Dance Company, in which I now serve as co-director. Having lived and traveled across the US and abroad in East Africa, I have a unique perspective with diverse cultural and creative influences. Together with Patrick Kiruhura, whom I met in Rwanda, we co-founded World Roots Culture Exchange and the Compassionate Leadership Project. Our goal is to establish a global network of leaders who are actively fostering a culture of compassion through storytelling, cultural arts, volunteerism, and leadership development.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Please tell us about your education.
I studied art and psychology at the College of Lake County until a severe car accident drastically shifted my direction, almost taking my life and taking my our of school and work for 9 months. I moved to Maine and shortly after ended up homeless unexpectedly for about 5 months. That was an education in itself. Fortunately I landed a life-changing job working with the American Red Cross as a phlebotomist for their blood donation services. They paid for my education, and I continued to cross-train in various apheresis technologies, and held positions as an on-the-job and classroom instructor, Apheresis Specialist, and finally Biomedical Charge. For seven of those years I worked perdiem for the same teen shelters I once relied on, in social services. Two or so years ago I started studying Personal Training and Nutrition, and became certified last November. I am continuing to study to be a strength and conditioning specialist, group exercise specialist, yoga specialist, and online coach. I recently left my job at Anytime Fitness and am taking all of my coaching services and putting them online in one central place. I offer a holistic approach in Mind Body Compassion Coaching. Coaching services are tailored to the clients needs to make their dreams happen. Services I offer include: personal training, nutrition, dance, mindset, meditation, yoga, runway modeling, print modeling, personal branding, pageant prep, interview prep, goal setting, and more.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What does women Empowerment means to you?
Women Empowerment is highlighting the unique and authentic power within each woman, helping uplift and elevate their strengths and talents to help them find and serve their purpose. It can look like mentorship with goal-setting and accountability, it can be showing up to their events and encouraging their talents, or reminding them of their own dreams and authentic vision when they need some motivation.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Tell us about your pageant history.
I was first recruited to compete in the Mrs. Maine America pageant as Mrs. Orr's Island on my birthday in 2018, to compete in the 2019 state pageant. It was a whole new world for me that opened up doors, clarified my vision in the preparation process, and connected me to a new sisterhood I had no idea would mean so much to me. That first pageant I was so humbled and honored to have won the Inspirational Woman Award, the Congeniality Award, and the Spirit Award. I came back to compete in 2021, delaying a year due to the pandemic. I once again was awarded both the Inspirational Woman and Congeniality awards, and this time placed 2nd Runner-Up and won the Community Service Award. Once again I was blown away and knew this path was bringing far greater opportunity and blessing than I imagined. Shortly after that pageant I was selected as International Ms. New England and competed at the international competition during New York Fashion Week. I placed 1st Runner-Up to International Mrs. USA and was recognized with a special award for Leadership. This past September I returned to compete again and won the International Mrs. USA crown, and again the director's Leadership Award. It has been such an incredible experience and honor.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What inspired you to do your first pageant?
I was recruited very unexpectedly on my birthday, on a full moon. After laughing, I gave it some deep thought, challenged some of my initial preconceived notions, and realized I had a calling within pageantry, because of my unique authenticity. I knew it would be a transformative experience and that I would get out what I put in. I had no idea how much I would love the community, the experience, and how much the preparation process would grow my confidence and help me get to know myself and what I want my legacy to look like. That is one of the greatest gifts.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Why did you choose to compete for your current title?
After getting to know the International Ms. Pageant family, I knew I wanted to be a part of the sisterhood. International Ms Queens are powerhouse entrepreneurs, making incredible waves in their communities. The whole system embraces and encourages authenticity, as illustrated through their titleholders. I was drawn to International Ms because if their well-rounded seven areas of competition with a strong emphasis on interview and uses intentionally inclusive language. 40% of the score is based on interview, and all other areas of competition are 10%. Those categories include: social media, introduction video, photogenic, runway modeling, resort wear modeling, and evening wear modeling.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: To those unfamiliar with your pageant system please tell us what is it about?
International Ms celebrates and honors empowering women of elegance and enterprise from across the globe, ages 26+, married and unmarried. International and national titleholders are given grants to support their businesses and platforms as well as modeling opportunities and connections within the fashion industry.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What makes your director different from others?
Laura Clark leads by example, is super down to earth, and is always working on personal and professional growth. Her dedication and drive is illustrated through the Earth system, which she directs nationally. What stands out the most to me is her emphasis on value-based missions and inclusion within her organizations. This year she helped make the dreams of International Ms. Rhode Island, Laura Ashley Cliff, as they launched the Still She Rose initiative, a wellness program Cliff developed for women leaders, in response to the death of former Miss USA, Cheslie Kryst, together with Beauties for a Cause. They have since raised 10s of thousand ls of dollars to put the program in action.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What are you being judged on during the competition?
The International Ms. Pageant honors and celebrates women representing empowerment, elegance, and enterprise from all around the globe. The competition consists of 7 areas of competition:
40%- Interview
10%- Introduction Video
10%- Runway modeling
10%- Resort Wear modeling
10%- Evening Wear modeling
10%- Social Media
10%- Photogenic
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Tell us about your experience during the competition.
It is quite an amazing experience!! To start, we had a lovely orientation meet & greet dinner at the hotel, with an incredible view overlooking Times Square. The next morning we went in for hair and makeup to prepare for an exclusive photoshoot with Eva Flis, modeling workshops, fittings for those modeling during NYFW, and ended that night with a limo city tour and Harbor Cruise on the Hudson River for more sister-queen bonding and celebration. Pageant day we went in for hair and makeup with the incredible Beauty by LadyCode team, rehearsals, some of us modeled for Laylah Rose Couture in VIP NYFW Shows, some ladies had photoshoots in their gowns with Eva Flis, and then then the big pageant event!! After crowning we had a photoshoot with our 3 Queens, and then went over to the VIP Charity Gala benefiting the Still She Rose initiative, with celebrity hosts Dani Walker of Pageant Access, and Lindsay Coffey, former Miss USA EARTH. It was a fun-filled weekend with so many incredible experiences, connections, and opportunities.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Who would you recommend your system to?
Women 26+, married or unmarried who are looking for a glamorous weekend, with a chance to win grants to support their businesses and causes. Competing can increase opportunities to impact their communities, modeling, and promote their message.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Tell us about your platform or what cause do you volunteer for.
My two biggest passions are expanding beauty standards and Compassionate Leadership. I believe we are limiting ourselves from experiencing the beauty around us by being held in a box of societal beauty standards. Each issue of Artlovelifestyle Magazine highlights the markers of true beauty: compassion, strength, resilience, diversity, authenticity, and is inclusive of all shapes, sizes, shades, genders, ages, cultures, and backgrounds. The artists, models, photographers, and readers are at the forefront of the conversation. Through expanding our uniquely inclusive community and sharing and listening to one another's thoughts and perspectives, we will build unity among our members while supporting the artists involved. www.artlovelifestyle.com
Compassionate Leadership is not just leading in the workplace, but includes self-compassion, compassion towards family, friends, animals, and the Earth. It goes across cultures, ages, genders, and is interconnected throughout without boundaries. Our goal with the Compassionate Leadership Project is to establish a global network of leaders who are actively fostering a culture of compassion through storytelling, cultural arts, volunteerism, and leadership development. Visit www.worldrootscultureexchange.org for more information.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What appearances have you done with your title?
In these two months I have: ️completed my 5th Dempsey Challenge 5k & 25mile bike ride together with out International Ms. Queen Elizabeth Cron, before she went back to Romania, both in honor of her dad #cronstrong as well as several friends and family members who are fighting, fought, & some who lost their fights to cancer️ traveled to 15 states️ done 5 photoshoots, one of them at the Versace Mansion in Miami with Supermodels Unlimited Magazine️ visited with 5 International Ms sister-Queens including International Ms USA, Symphony Dixon️ been featured in hundreds of media outlets nationwide for working towards expanding beauty standards & Compassionate Leadership ️ completed dozens of interviews and magazine submissions, both in person & online ️ landed 5 magazine covers & counting
️signed a modeling contract with Couture La Rouge LLC as a VIP model️ Served as a "Celebrity Server" to raise money for the Sexual Assault Crisis & Prevention Center️ recorded 3 Compassionate Conversations (to be released) ️ held a cover contest/ worked on Artlovelifestyle Magazine's upcoming Beauty Comes in All Shapes & Sizes issue️ attended 100 Women Who Care Maine️ danced my heart out with the Barefoot Truth Dancers at Artlife Studios Maine & for a music video in honor of a friend who recently passed. A lot can be done in 2 months. And I'm sure I'm leaving things out. I don't watch TV and like to stay busy. And I go all in.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What are some of your achievements?
International Ms Director's Leadership Award, 2021 & 2022 Inspirational Woman Award, 2019 &2021 Congeniality Award 2019 &2021
Community Service Award 2021
Spirit Award 2019
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What makes you stand out from all those other beautiful girls? I intentionally embrace my authenticity, and encourage others to do the same. I don't see others as competition, but truly believe that when we elevate the voice and impact of one women, we elevate the voice and impact of all women.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Tell us about the moment your name was called out as the winner.
When they called the winner. I was in shock!! As someone who doesn't necessarily match the stereotypical Beauty standards, and openly calls for expanding them, I was overwhelmed with gratitude that the International Ms organization and judges believed in me, trusted my vision, and leaned in instead of turning away from my mission.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What does it mean to you to be a Beauty Queen?
Being a Beauty Queen, for me, is all about making an impact on and serving the community. I strive to foster a uniquely inclusive culture which drives conversation and inspires compassionate action, making an impact internationally.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: How has competing in pageants helped your life?
Competing in pageants has helped me get to know myself, clarify my vision, and set goals that make strides towards making them happen. Also, I have met some of my absolute best friends through this incredible sisterhood.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: How have pageants helped your self esteem and body image?
Pageantry preparation helps you elevate skills that are helpful in and out of pageantry. It is about working towards being the best version of yourself and stepping into your greater purpose and confidence on and off stage. Taking steps towards goals, giving back to the community, and working on habits that promote health and wellness make me feel good from the inside out, and is quite relevant to life beyond the crown.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: You are an inspiration to all the girls out there. How does it feel?
It is humbling and a great responsibility to hold knowing people of all ages are watching and learning from the steps I am taking. Many of my biggest fans are people who have known me through my greatest trials and challenges. I believe these have been given to me to prepare me for this moment in order to inspire those who may be facing similar, who need to hear my unique perspective, and empower people to embrace their unique beauty and learn how to handle similar struggles, turning pain into purpose. I hope when girls see me, they are inspired to live authentically, lead with compassion, treat themselves better, see each experience and person as an opportunity to learn and to love, and serve their community.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What is your on stage strategy to win the judges over?
Practice so much that walking, transitions, and poses are seamless and on autopilot. That way you can focus on the energy you're bringing to every movement. The judges feel that more than anything, and that confidence glows!
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: How did you prepare for your competition?
I worked with a coach on building a legacy that would go beyond winning…a true win-win! For me, impact is more important than the crown. My mission of expanding beauty standards and Compassionate Leadership has been my primary focus, through highlighting the stories and diverse perspectives throughout Compassionate Conversations interviews with World Roots Culture Exchange, and featuring them in Artlovelifestyle Magazine. www.artlovelifestyle.com Each issue of Artlovelifestyle Magazine, which I started last October, highlights the markers of true beauty: compassion, strength, resilience, diversity, authenticity, and is inclusive of all shapes, sizes, shades, genders, ages, cultures, and backgrounds. I have organized "True Beauty Photoshoots" and Cover Contests to be featured and provide opportunities for models, artists, photographers, designers, and sister-Queens.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What are your tips for learning a better pageant walk?
Practice, practice, practice!! Practice in the heels you will be modeling in and then video yourself!! Watch yourself and note things that you need to work on as well as things you like about your performance. Practice the poses separately, transitions separately, walk separately, turns separately, and then all together flowing from one to another. Add on layers, like facial expressions once you have mastered each individually. Know which energy and attitude you are embodying in different areas and poses.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What are your tips for choosing the right pageant dress?
Choose a fit that emphasizes what you like most about your shape, feels authentic to you, and makes you feel confident. It is not the dress that wins, but the energy the dress brings through you. You will intuitively know which dress brings that energy.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What are your tips for winning interview?
Don't memorize anything, but know your talking points, the stories you want to relay to the judges, your values, your accomplishments, and what legacy you plan to leave. Dig deep to really know yourself and what your plan is. Practice asking yourself questions and think about how you would answer them, what talking points apply, and jot down some notes. Use your social media as a way to practice your answers, both through articulating them in writing, as well as on video.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What is one mistake that you've done during competing you wish you could redo and fix it?
Last year, when I won 1st-runner-up, I accidently left my resort wear in my hotel room and I had to run to the elevator, go up 40 flights, run to my room, run back to the elevator, go down 40 flights, run backstage, put my resort wear on, with only a few contestants in line ahead of me before going on stage!! What a nightmare!! A mistake like that jolts you, ups the anxiety, messes with your mindset, and makes you sweat!! In that moment I knew it was not my year to win, but it was my year to learn. This year I was more than prepared!
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What other mistakes are made by women during the contest?
I would say the biggest mistake I see some women making is when women look at one another as competition, not comrades, and play the compare game. Pageantry provides an opportunity to connect with some of the most ambitious, driven, visionary, creative, and disciplined women across the globe. Each is so inspiring and unique. When we compare and try on parts of others that aren't authentic to ourselves, when we feel threatened, it shows and is felt energetically. When we build one another up and support each part of our unique beauty and authenticity, that is also felt, and all of us win. When one of us win, we all win. Also, when a woman is torn down, we all lose. When we work together in support of one another's strengths and talents, we can achieve greatness as we all thrive.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Any modeling or acting experience?
Yes! I have modeled the last two years at major fashion events and shows such as New York Fashion Week, and have been featured in over 400 magazines just this past year. I am humbled to have these opportunities and honored to have been names one of Model Society Magazine's Top 22 Models of 2022, a VIP Model for Supermodels Unlimited Magazine for 2023, International USA Ambassador for International Face Magazine, and was recognized as one of the NYC Journal's Top 30 Women Leaders to Watch in 2022. I just signed a one year modeling contract with Couture La Rouge, and I have a big year ahead of me as I plan to model for the first time at Fashion Weeks in Paris, Milan, and London!!
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What are your plans for 2022/23 as a Queen?
In addition to modeling and volunteering across the country and the globe, this coming year I will launch an 8-week Compassionate Leadership training, as well as will release ebooks on Compassionate Leadership and Self-Compassion, as well as a 90-day Transformation guided journal. I will continue hosting message-based photoshoots and cover contests for Artlovelifestyle Magazine in an effort to highlight "True Beauty," expanding beauty standards to be more inclusive of diversity of all sorts: body diversity, age diversity, ethnic diversity, cultural diversity, gender diversity, etc. I will host the 2nd Annual Flowers that Feed Art and Fashion showcase as well as Artlovelifestyle Magazine's First Annual True Beauty Awards.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
I want my legacy to be one of compassion. Compassion towards one another, compassion towards animals, compassion towards the Earth, and most importantly, self-compassion. This intention is at the heart of everything I do: as a Co-founder of World Roots Culture Exchange and the creator of the Compassionate Leadership Project, the Owner and Editor-in-Chief of Artlovelifestyle Magazine, as the co-director of the Barefoot Truth Dance Company, founder of Green Initiatives, as a Personal Trainer and Personal Development Coach, and all my creative endeavors. We are all leaders interconnected throughout the world constantly impacting and influencing one another at all times. The ripple effect of compassion is sure to bring the change we wish to see.
Instagram:
@whitleynabintumarshall
@internationalmrsusa
@artlovelifestyle
@mindbodycompassioncoach
International Director: Laura Clark
National Director: Laura Clark
Your Local Director: Laura Clark
Pageant website: www.mspageant.com
Name of the Photographer and other credits: Eva Flis Photography,
Beauty by LadyCode
Thank to my sponsors:
Thank you to my incredible sponsors Eva Flis Photography, Beauty by Lady Code, Ashley Lauren, Toribelle Cosmetics, Sunlit Expressions, Miss Mischief Photography, and The Sash Company!! I could not be where I am today without my incredibly supportive community!! World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to say thank you for this wonderful interview.
Whitley Nabintu Marshall International Mrs. USA 2022, World Class Beauty Queens Magazine, Photo by Eva Flis
Interview by Derek Tokarzewski
Owner/Editor in Chief
Mr WorldClass 2023
Mr United Nations 2018
Platform: Women Empowerment
Ambassador to International Foundation for Orphans iffocares.org
Miss WorldClass and WorldClass Ambassadors.