Royal Spotlight: Ms. America Plus Intercontinental 2018 Niesha Mack-Freeman

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 Ms. America Plus Intercontinental 2018 Niesha Mack-Freeman.

Tell us about yourself.

I am a graduate of Florida A&M University where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and furthered my education at Nova Southeastern University. I hold a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and an Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership. I currently hold the position of Instructional Supervisor for Miami Dade County Public Schools. In addition, I serve as the Director of the Miss Florida Plus America Pageant and Executive Assistant with the “Crowning in Excellence” organization. I am not ashamed to be a Christian and I am a licensed and ordained minister of the gospel. I am the proud mother of two beautiful daughters, Kerrington and Kennedi. When I am not mentoring youth, competing in pageants, and spending time with my daughters, I enjoy traveling and inspiring others with my moving life story.

When did you start competing in pageants?

I began competing in pageants in 2014 when I was asked to compete in the Miss Gospel International Pageant. This was a small pageant so I decided to give it a try. This was the first time that I ever competed, and I won! It was from this point that I fell in love with pageantry and what it does for women.

Why do you compete in pageants?

I compete in pageants for several reasons. I love being involved in my community and impacting change. I have found that doors that were once closed will open when there is a title, crown, and sash involved. Also, as a plus sized queen, I am here to inspire and empower other plus size women to be all that they can be and reach for the stars. I live my life not only for me but for others as well.

How many titles have you won?

Ms. America Plus Intercontinental 2018, Mrs. Florida All World Beauties 2018, Miss Plus Universe 2016, U.S. United Queen’s Ambassador 2016, U.S. United Queen of Queens 2015, Mrs. Florida U.S. United 2015, Mrs. Louisiana Plus America 2015, Mrs. Florida Plus America 2014, Mrs. Miami Gardens Plus America 2014, Mrs. Gospel International 2014, Miss Florida Plus America Lifetime, and Miss Gospel International Lifetime.

Tell us about the Miss Plus World pageant system.
The Miss Plus World Pageant is dedicated to promoting, elevating, and
celebrating the accomplishments and humanitarian services of women from across the nations. It is our goal to build a sisterhood of confident and influential women who share their cultures with each other and the world as they promote education, peace, wellness and cultural awareness.

What have you learned about yourself through your pageant experience?

I have learned that I am enough! Society has not come to fully accept the plus size woman as beautiful “as is”. I do not have to look like the size 2 to be considered beautiful. Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and we are more than enough.

What are your future plans for your pageant career?

I have recently acquired the directorship of the Miss Florida Plus America Pageant. I now have the opportunity to change the lives of woman across the state of Florida. Also, my days of competing are not over. I plan to compete for 4 more years until I retire at the age of 50!

What words of advice do you live by?

The only way that I will fail is if I never try.

Please provide your contact information so that others can reach out to you. Email? Social media handles?

Email: missflplusamerica@gmail.com

Instagram: @abeautifulzeta

Facebook: Niesha Mack-Freeman