Today is International Women’s Day, and I thought today would be a good day to introduce my next Royal Spotlight.
The Royal Spotlight is an interview series where I highlight queens from a variety of pageant systems. This month I have the pleasure of featuring Danielle Maury, Mrs. Black Mississippi International Ambassador 2020-2021.
Tell us about yourself.
I live in Oxford, Mississippi with my husband of four years, Carlos, and three beautiful children – Alexis, Brooke, and Evan. I work as a full-time banker and small business owner.
I am the reigning Mrs. Black Mississippi International Ambassador 2020/2021. An active member of and volunteer in her community, I am the Vice President for the Society of Pageant Women, a volunteer local director for the Miss Mississippi Hospitality program, and Administrator for the Race to the Crown annual event. In my spare time I enjoy cooking, event planning, and playing video games. I am passionate about promoting and teaching through my platform, FinActiv.
I have also held the title of Today’s American Woman National Curvy Ms. Queen 2014. I am currently building my own pageant system that will consist of virtual and in person competitions.
When did you start competing in pageants?
In 2013 with the Star Achievements Pageants
Why do you compete in pageants?
Pageants are very meaningful to me. They allow me to serve in capacities beyond my imagination! They allow me to show that no matter who you are, you can compete, and you can win pageants!
How many titles have you won?
1 national; 2 at large pageant titles
Tell us about the Miss Black International Ambassador Pageant.
So, the Miss Black International Ambassador Organization was once known as the Miss Black US Ambassador organization. The Teen, Miss, Ms. and Mrs. Black International Ambassador Pageant is a program of Ambassadors of Change Incorporated. We empower women globally to be change agents in their communities, states, and nation.
The Miss Black US Ambassador and Miss Black Teen US Ambassador Scholarship Pageant’s primary role is to encourage, empower, and enlighten girls and young women in their respective communities, state, and nation. The Miss Black US Ambassador and Miss Black Teen US Ambassador Scholarship Pageant’s goal is to aid young women with a voice in their community that seek to make a difference, by providing educational forums and events that focus on health disparities, poverty, violence, and major issues plaguing the African American community. They are role models not only to young African American women, but to women around the world. They will partner with key political figures and national initiatives to bring support to their efforts and platforms. These young women are more than a pretty face, and the program is more than a competition. It is a program that gives 365 days of support and resources to communities in need. The program is a platform for today’s savvy, smart and aware, young women of color to express their viewpoints, talents, and accomplishments to the national public, while offering scholarships opportunities to further education.
What have you learned about yourself through your pageant experience?
I have learned that I am more capable than I realized. I allowed so many people to deposit negativity and uncertainty into my life so I have always put myself into a small box not knowing that I am good at some of the things that pageants have taught me and helped me realize that I can do. I am still a work of art in progress, but I am starting to love the process.
What are your future plans for your pageant career?
My future plans do include maybe one to two more pageants but really strengthening my judging, producing, and directing experience.
What words of advice do you live by?
“Don’t sweat the petty stuff and don’t pet the sweaty stuff!” lol It is funny but meaningful. Life is too short and too full to be worried about the petty stuff!
Please provide your contact information so that others can reach out to you. Email? Social media handles?
Email: danielle.maury@thembiapageant.com
Facebook: Mrs. Black Mississippi International Ambassador or Danielle Maury
SnapChat/TikTok/Twitter: rebelbelledani
Instagram: dani__maury or finactiv21
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