Deveney Shea
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Copa: Where are you from?
Deney: I am from Wichita Kansas. However I have lived in Virginia most of my adult life, starting down in Hampton Roads for the first part and then landing up in NOVA for the last decade. I recently relocated back to Kansas City, Missouri so I'm semi dual-located currently. Copa: Which schools did you attend?
Deveney: I went straight into the Army on active duty once I graduated high school, so my college has always been part time/evenings. I went to a school called St. Leo University which was a satellite school offered on Fort Eustis where I was stationed. I decided to stick with them to get my MBA a few years later, as I found myself back at Fort Eustis after a hiatus to the MidWest. However, with the military I have attended several leadership courses, naturally, but for my current profession attending the Defense Information School for its Public Affairs courses. Copa: What influenced you to become interested in events and media?
Deveney: Well, it began with my profession - as a civilian for the Army I was placed in an internship for public affairs and I decided to do that in uniform as well, becoming a paid communicator for the Army. It evolved from news stories and features to social media, to traditional media into strategic communications. Most recently, I began doing pageants and stepped into the role as a director of the United States of America Pageants for DC, Maryland and Virginia - using a lot of my marketing experience to build that brand. I decided to start a parent company that didn't only encompass pageantry but event coordination and production management as well. Deveney Media, while has the name Media, is more than just media - it's designed as a full one-stop shop for businesses that do events, want marketing and host shows. We are able to do that. |
Wichita, Kansas
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Copa: Where and how did you develop your leadership skills?
Deveney: I mean, some people were born with them right? Isn't that what they say about 'strong-willed' little girls? Ha! So, yes, some is personality, but again, 20 years in the Army and 17 of them being an officer, it sort of is instilled in you. But, having been a leader in the military and then a leader in other areas, such as pageantry, you have to learn the different ways to handle different personalities. Sometimes pageantry isn't used to hard-style leaders that the military has, and can clash. I'd be lying if I didn't say it DID clash sometimes. Pageant girls sometimes don't take that type of honesty or sternness well. And I'm fine with that.
Deveney: I mean, some people were born with them right? Isn't that what they say about 'strong-willed' little girls? Ha! So, yes, some is personality, but again, 20 years in the Army and 17 of them being an officer, it sort of is instilled in you. But, having been a leader in the military and then a leader in other areas, such as pageantry, you have to learn the different ways to handle different personalities. Sometimes pageantry isn't used to hard-style leaders that the military has, and can clash. I'd be lying if I didn't say it DID clash sometimes. Pageant girls sometimes don't take that type of honesty or sternness well. And I'm fine with that.
Copa: Who are your favorite 3 models and actresses of all time and why?
Deveney: It started with Jennie Garth, since I was a die-hard 90210 fan. Still love her to this day. Kristin Bell is my celeb doppelganger so I usually gravitate towards her projects. But I'm a comedy lover so Kristin Wiig. (I usually have to catch anything she is in)
Deveney: It started with Jennie Garth, since I was a die-hard 90210 fan. Still love her to this day. Kristin Bell is my celeb doppelganger so I usually gravitate towards her projects. But I'm a comedy lover so Kristin Wiig. (I usually have to catch anything she is in)
Jennie Garth
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Kristin Bell
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Kristin Wiig
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Copa: At what time did you establish yourself as the Executive Director of the United States of America's Miss Virginia pageant and the Executive Director of the United States of America pageant?
Deveney: After I had competed in the USOA Ms. pageant February 2021, I decided I loved the organization and wanted to help grow it, so that spring I became a director for USOA for DC, Maryland and Virginia. In the two years I directed, we had Teen Maryland 2021 place 1st Runner Up, Miss Virginia 2022 and Mrs. District of Columbia 2022 place 1st Runner Up, and Mrs. Virginia 2022 win the national title! We had 5 others place in the top 15 and top 6 from the DMV! The DMV has a great record for accomplished, beautiful and poised women! |
Copa: What would you say would be the main 3 areas that any models or actresses should possess before embarking on their journey?
Deveney: I would say to start out with knowing why you want to be in that role. Once you know the why, it will help shape you for how to prep for it. Once you are established, you sort of carry a 'brand' with you and that will be different upon what are you looking for goal-wise. For instance, if you want to be a role model, you need to make sure you are conducting self to be one. If you want to be famous to be famous - know that it could come with some backlash and prepare yourself for that. Having filmed a reality TV show, the prep for that can be very extensive to make sure you mentally and emotionally can handle the challenges that come along with that and what public perception may come along. So, in short: Figure out why you are wanting and what you want to come from it; determine what is important for you to reach that goal; prep your mental health for the challenges you will find and journey are about to take. :)
Deveney: I would say to start out with knowing why you want to be in that role. Once you know the why, it will help shape you for how to prep for it. Once you are established, you sort of carry a 'brand' with you and that will be different upon what are you looking for goal-wise. For instance, if you want to be a role model, you need to make sure you are conducting self to be one. If you want to be famous to be famous - know that it could come with some backlash and prepare yourself for that. Having filmed a reality TV show, the prep for that can be very extensive to make sure you mentally and emotionally can handle the challenges that come along with that and what public perception may come along. So, in short: Figure out why you are wanting and what you want to come from it; determine what is important for you to reach that goal; prep your mental health for the challenges you will find and journey are about to take. :)
Copa: What would you say would be the main 3 areas that any models or actresses should possess before embarking on their journey?
Deveney: I would say to start out with knowing why you want to be in that role. Once you know the why, it will help shape you for how to prep for it. Once you are established, you sort of carry a 'brand' with you and that will be different upon what are you looking for goal-wise. For instance, if you want to be a role model, you need to make sure you are conducting self to be one. If you want to be famous to be famous - know that it could come with some backlash and prepare yourself for that. Having filmed a reality TV show, the prep for that can be very extensive to make sure you mentally and emotionally can handle the challenges that come along with that and what public perception may come along. So, in short: Figure out why you are wanting and what you want to come from it; determine what is important for you to reach that goal; prep your mental health for the challenges you will find, and journey are about to take. :)
Deveney: I would say to start out with knowing why you want to be in that role. Once you know the why, it will help shape you for how to prep for it. Once you are established, you sort of carry a 'brand' with you and that will be different upon what are you looking for goal-wise. For instance, if you want to be a role model, you need to make sure you are conducting self to be one. If you want to be famous to be famous - know that it could come with some backlash and prepare yourself for that. Having filmed a reality TV show, the prep for that can be very extensive to make sure you mentally and emotionally can handle the challenges that come along with that and what public perception may come along. So, in short: Figure out why you are wanting and what you want to come from it; determine what is important for you to reach that goal; prep your mental health for the challenges you will find, and journey are about to take. :)
Copa: What does the future hold for Deveney Shea and Deveney Media?
Deveney: Well, I have taken a step back from directing for a bit to focus on Deveney Media. By doing so, I hope to be able to help other businesses and people in general, with their events, businesses, and branding. So, we are ramping up events and reforming the website for DM. For me, I just plan to continue in this industry, helping women and businesses thrive and find success in the DMV and eventually reach out into the Midwest. I love what I do and look forward to having the opportunity to do more!
Deveney: Well, I have taken a step back from directing for a bit to focus on Deveney Media. By doing so, I hope to be able to help other businesses and people in general, with their events, businesses, and branding. So, we are ramping up events and reforming the website for DM. For me, I just plan to continue in this industry, helping women and businesses thrive and find success in the DMV and eventually reach out into the Midwest. I love what I do and look forward to having the opportunity to do more!
