Preparing for Ms. Petite Elite USA
by Dr. Marchette Richardson-Smith
Copa Style Magazine Lifestyle Events Columnist
by Dr. Marchette Richardson-Smith
Copa Style Magazine Lifestyle Events Columnist
I am overjoyed to represent Maryland in the Petite USA Pageant. When people hear the word pageant, they often think of pretty girls in evening gowns; there is so much more to it. In preparation for representing Maryland, I did a lot of volunteer work. I spoke at speaking engagements and appeared on behalf of the Petite USA system and my platform, “Women’s Empowerment.”
My father passed away when I was eight, leaving my mother to raise me alone. She struggled to keep me in private school and maintain my involvement in ballet, tap, piano, and swimming, things that dual-earner families often do not think twice about. She was also an avid traveler, managing to procure tickets to the Canary Islands, Marrakesh, and the Caribbean. She worked very hard to care for me but, with limited support, became overwhelmed at times. I wonder if many of us realize that 60% of childcare responsibilities fall on mothers, even when a man is in the family.
She is the inspiration behind my platform. My family and I now live in Maryland; we transitioned from New York City (NYC). While living in NYC, I was a member of The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, whose mission is to advocate for black women and girls to promote leadership development and gender equity. I supported the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. Young girls must grow up with positive role models. They must always embrace the concept, “If I can dream it, I can do it.” Our thoughts motivate our actions and are the seedlings (when nurtured properly) that produce a bountiful harvest.
Cookie baking time with daughter Joelle
Soon after relocating to MD, I became involved with a dynamic mother’s group; I am currently the President of their Montgomery County Chapter. As the President, I worked with the Kid Museum in Bethesda to arrange for our mothers to receive scholarships to attend the museum’s STEM camp. The camp fee is typically over four hundred dollars a week. I worked out an agreement for our moms to pay ten ($10) dollars weekly, which is tremendous savings. I worked with the Ladies Professional Golf Association to arrange for group members to receive two months of free golf lessons for themselves and their daughters. I will do whatever I can to reduce financial strain in the household. I connected with every Yoga Studios in Montgomery County. Several of them agreed to provide our moms with two months of free yoga classes and the ability to take classes at a reduced fee moving forward.
I collaborate with Dress for Success, facilitating “work readiness” workshops in MD, DC, and NJ. I speak at local Girl Scout troops. As a certified Life Coach, I began offering Pro Bono coaching sessions in January 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic began impacting the United States. For the past three years, I have provided services free of charge to over a hundred clients, the majority of who are female. I also host Saturday Webinars dealing with depression, anxiety, transition, relationships, and grief.
Marchette and Joelle volunteer their time for a great cause.
I collaborate with Soldiers’ Angeles to support our enlisted men and women. I provide support through their “Go Camo Care Package Collection,” “Lady Liberty,” and “Angel Bakers” programs. Each month my daughter and I pack a large book of items (everything from beef jerky sticks to toothpaste) for the ‘Go Camo Care Package Collection” and mail it to their local warehouse in Texas. We have adopted a female marine through the “Lady Liberty” program. We send her scented candles, bath salts, fingernail polish, magazines, and female hygiene products. Each month, we try to switch the items up so that she can enjoy a variety of unique items selected just for her. My daughter and I also bake cookies for the “Angel Bakers” group. I have visited two Veterans Hospitals in MD and one in DC.
There is no end to my work supporting our girls and women. In March 2023, I attended the Girls Inc National Luncheon. I supported Easterseals in their “Walk With Me” fundraiser, held in October 2022 in National Harbor, and I look forward to helping them again this year. Most recently, I published a book, “Empowering Women: Inspiring Quotes, Slogans, and Statements.” Every girl deserves a role model, and every lady deserves a helping hand when needed.
