One on One with Tia McDonald: Miss Florida United States 2014

Hi Lady Code! It’s finally Wednesday and I have an inspiring interview with Miss Florida United States 2014, Tia McDonald to help you get over the hump! Our newly crowned Miss Florida United States is not only a beautiful woman, but she cares deeply about her community and is always seeking ways to make a positive impact on her community. What else? She is super ambitious and smart. She hopes to form her own non-profit organization and earn a Ph.D in Communications. She is a great role model and lives a life empowering others! Read Lady Code’s interview with Tia to get to know her better.

 

 

Tia was crowned Miss Florida US on March 30th, is excited to spend her year traveling around Florida to encourage students to follow the right path; though she’s ventured up the East Coast reaching Toronto, and over the entire West Coast in her short reign, so far...Ten years ago, McDonald started a pageant for special needs people called Our Shining S.T.A.R.S, which has crowned more than 500 kings and queens to this date. The pageant was created to allow mentally and physically challenged children and adults the opportunity to have their shining moment on stage.

At age 15, McDonald started a cheer team for underprivileged girls that won first place at state championships, three weeks after forming. Collectively, McDonald has individually raised more than $100,000 for people in need, not including the five cars given to families in need that have wheelchair lifts, hand-gas and hand-brakes.

She has won the President’s Bronze, Silver and Gold award, Governor’s Point of Light Honor, a proclamation from the mayor and the Medallion of Excellence for her community service efforts. She is looking forward to acquiring and someday owning a public relations firm that concentrates on non-profit organizations. Last summer, she interned at the Special Olympics, where she specialized in managing events and social media. Tia graduated The University of Florida in May 2014, with a degree in Public Relations.

Currently, Tia is modeling full-time through print, commercial and television work. She enjoys racing events, and was a podium official race model for the 24 Heurs of Lemans in France, as well as, a Covermodel for the book “Once Upon a Time,” shot in Australia. She is thankful for the opportunities, and experiences that her work has led her to, and looks forward to speaking with, and inspiring children in the places that she visits.

 

 

Age: 21

 

 

Favorite Book: The Secrets

 

 

 

Occupation: Model

 

At 15, I formed a mentoring program for sixth grade students called “On Track” at New Smyrna Beach Middle School, which has led me to travel nationally to speak at schools, clubs and organizations. Throughout school, I was severely bullied for my beauty mark, and believe it’s important to inspire kids to believe in themselves, and make a difference through Relay for Life. With my Mom being a 2x survivor, and my father suffering from Leukemia, I am passionate about finding a cure.  

Almost every community has Relay for Life, run by the American Cancer Society. Each year, more than 4 million people in over 20 countries raise much-needed funds and awareness to save lives from cancer through the Relay For Life movement. Please visit relayforlife.org for more information!