What is your platform and why did you choose it?

My platform is "Change Their Story: Combating Domestic Violence with Economic Empowerment." One in four women will experience domestic violence during her lifetime, and the number one reason women can't leave or return to an abusive relationship is they don't have the financial resources needed to break free. As a victim myself, these resources gave me the freedom to leave, and I believe all survivors should be empowered to do the same. My platform is about partnering with shelters to bring financial literacy and career empowerment training to survivors across the state of Minnesota so that they, too, can change their story. 


What is your favorite post pageant snack?

Definitely cheesecake! 


What is your talent? How long have you been doing that?

My talent is piano performance; I started taking lessons in the second grade. 


What are you most looking forward to at the Miss Minnesota pageant?

Some of my best friends I've met as a result of competing in the MAO, and I look forward to the deep connections and friendships that form every year during Miss Minnesota week! I'm so looking forward to sharing a room with you, Drew!


What is one crazy thing I should expect as your roommate?

I have funny night gowns for every night of competition. My mom just picked up a pink one with a moose on the front wearing a crown and sash that reads. "Moose America!"

​Since I have a room to myself during Miss Minnesota week, I do not have a roommate to interview. I did however, have the pleasure of interviewing our lovely back stage hostesses, Karla Boettcher and Jacquie Jenkins. These two ladies have the impressive task of assisting all contestants during Miss MN week. From creating duct tape bras to dealing with fire alarms, these ladies have seen and done it all! 
 
I set up a conference call with the pair and was surprised to learn the two have an interesting history. They met through work, and if it wasn't work that was going to bring them together, something else would have. 

Melissa: What is the one thing the Miss Minnesota Class of 2016 should know about you?
 
Karla: Well they should know how we met. We are both nurses. While I was working in Owatana in a contract,  Jacquie started working in the same role. Before we had even met, our bosses didn't think we were going to get along and were concerned. They thought our personalities were going to clash, so they sent us off to a supervisor training class to work things out. We've been best friends since. We also have the same middle name, (Kaye) and both of our Mom's name is Dorris. We both have two kids, a boy and a girl. 
 
Jacquie: And her birthday is on my ex husband's birthday and my birthday is on Karla's ex husband's birthday. One of us is left brained and one is right brained so we seem to make up for each other. I always have the right side and Karla always has the left side so we compliment each other- but we do this unconsciously.  We even sleep that way in hotel rooms! 
Karla: It's true- we were meant for each other. 
 
Jacquie: Although my mother likes her better than me. (laughs)
 
We started to chat about the Miss Minnesota competition, and they explained that since there are two separate dressing rooms, Jacquie takes one and Karla takes one. I found out that they have a "dressing room competition" for who will have the new Miss Minnesota in their dressing room. Fun fact: Two of the last 3 Miss Minnesota's have sat in the same chair in the same dressing room.
 
Melissa: What is the craziest thing that has happened backstage?
 
Karla: The fastest wardrobe change ever was accomplished by Siri Freeh. There were 4 of us that all had one job. One person pulled off the old dress, one person did the shoes, etc. Siri was on stage, off stage, and then back on stage in a new dress in about 2 minutes.
 
Jacquie: Last year I made an awesome duct tape bra. One of the contestants didn't have a bra for her dress, so I made a bra out of duct tape for her, two nights in a row.
 
(I know, these ladies are impressive!)
 
Melissa: What is one piece of advice would you give to the contestants?
 
Karla: Don't look at what your neighbor is doing, what they are wearing, or how they are doing their make up. Usually that is a mistake because girls will start to questions themselves and if what they are doing is right. Girls do much better when they stay true to themselves.
 
Jacquie: I agree.  Laugh if you need to, cry if you need to, and what ever happens there is a reason for it, and you just keep going.
 
Melissa: Of everything that has happened during Miss MN week, what is one thing you will never forget?
 
Karla: One year, they wanted to have a smoke effect for the show, but during rehearsal it set off all the fire alarms. There was a contestant that had asthma and the haze really bothered her, so she had to go outside. Ultimately they decided not use them.
 
Jacquie: Last year it was very warm outside. A couple contestants asked if they could go outside and sit on the grass, so I thought sure why not? Well they both fell asleep laying outside. The judges chair came inside and said that girls were sleeping on the lawn so we had to bring them back inside. 
 
Karla: Jacquie can't be trusted with the girls! (laughing) One time she left two girls at the hotel when we were supposed to be going somewhere, but luckily the Yehs (parents of Miss Minnesota that year) were still at the hotel and were able to bring them.
 
After finishing our conversation, I have to say that after hearing the crazy stories from this fun-loving duo, I am even more excited for Miss Minnesota week. Hopefully this year there won't be a need for fire alarms or duct tape bras- but if there's one thing that Jacquie and Karla taught me, the week is unpredictable, and the best way to go about it is to be yourself, and laugh along the way.       

​I am so excited to introduce my absolute delight of a roommate for Miss Minnesota Week 2016, Courtney Igbo-Ogbonna! A fabulous, energetic young woman, I have a hard time keeping up with all of her adventures, and am happy for the opportunity to share a few pieces of her inspirational life with our audience!
​
Platform/Why you chose it: Destination Diploma. I chose this platform because of my appreciation for education and how it can really change lives and the world for the better.

Talent: Dramatic Musical Theater

Comfort Food of Choice: Chocolate chip cookies

Crazy thing to expect as your roommate: Some people say I talk in my sleep. I don't think that's a real thing but it might be!

Pump-up song: Tonight is the Night-Outasight

Favorite Flowers: Red carnations

Most embarrassing moment: When I tripped up the stairs in 7th grade during passing time! I'll never be able to forget that moment for as long as I live.

Guilty Pleasure: Binge watching Scandal

Fun Fact: I've never been out of the country!