Why Walk - When you can Run

For many years, I have lived with high-functioning anxiety, which often manifests in fear, psychological stress, and low self-confidence. These feelings intensified for myself and many others during the COVID-19 Pandemic. While people are now focused on "getting back to normal," the effects of COVID have proven to have a long-lasting physical, psychological, and social impact. In the past six months, two friends from high school took their own lives, further reinforcing the reality that suicide is the second leading cause of death for my generation.

 According to the National Alliance on Mental Health Illness (NAMI), one in five adults and one in six children experience mental illness. These statistics were exacerbated during the pandemic when the lack of interaction and communication with others caused us to feel isolated, depressed, and anxious. As someone who has learned how to live with high-functioning anxiety, enabling me to prioritize what is essential in my life, I've discovered that regular exercise profoundly reduces depression and anxiety and increases my energy, stamina, and overall well-being. In addition, being physically active allows me to feel in control and build stronger resilience. I am committed to helping others learn how to prioritize their mental health and wellness, so I created "Why Walk - When You Can Run," an initiative dedicated to helping young women feel physically healthy and emotionally adept. 

As Miss Palm Beach County, I have promoted this initiative through my involvement with numerous national organizations. I have been involved with Girls on the Run for the past three years. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to inspiring girls to be healthy and confident using experience-building activities integrated with physical fitness. I coached three teams and dedicated over 750 hours to this organization. Additionally, I have partnered with the NAMI and dedicated over 300 hours. NAMI is the nation's largest organization dedicated to the quality of life of individuals and families affected by mental health illness providing education, support and advocacy. I completed NAMI's "Resiliency Training," attended their virtual NAMICON, and acted as their social media manager for their "Get Your Green On” campaign. I am a presenter for their "End the Silence," initiative where I go into schools and organizations to discuss misconceptions about mental health illnesses. In addition my story will be featured on NAMI's website and in an upcoming article published in their newsletter. As an ambassador for NAMI, I have secured a partnership with Kendra Scott as their Palm Beach County Ambassador. I will spearhead a team for the NAMI WALK in November and run the New York Marathon to increase visibility and awareness for my community service initiatives while fundraising for both NAMI and Girls on the Run. Lastly, I have deepened my relationship with “To Write Love on Her Arms” by participating in their mental health campaign in May. I also facilitated Mental Health Awareness events for young people through my involvement with the Notre Dame Club of Boca Raton. 

As Miss Florida, I will connect with legislators to lobby for legislative bills to to help with funding in effort to increase access for mental health services for all Floridians. Alongside the Miss America Organization, I will continue to advocate for and mentor young women in building their self confidence, realizing their full potential and guiding them through a self liberating journey of achieving mental health and emotional well-being through fitness.