It’s known as Dlo Pwòp in Haiti and is unofficially known as Haiti Water, but International Action—isn’t merely an organization that operates in Haiti to bring clean water to communities in Haiti. It is also involved in other projects, like encouraging the use of solar lighting (about 10 have been installed so far in Jacmel and Port-au-Prince by International Action), providing school supplies, spreading cholera awareness, and executing an intestinal worm elimination program. For the latter program, the organization teams up with AmeriCares and International Action to distribute albendazole tablets to about 90,000 children. In terms of total reach, the organization estimates that it has positively affected the lives of 900,000 people in Haiti through its clean water programs.

International Action counts Haiti’s local churches, schools, and orphanages among its partners as well as DINEPA–the Haitian water agency—and other organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, the American Institutes for Research, Oxfam, Samaritans Purse—among others. The organization’s efforts has led 419,358 people gain access to clean, safe water in 2011 through their cholera prevention consortium. Its donation of 350 buckets of chlorine has provided clean water education to 33 different International and local groups working in Haiti. International Action is continuously working with community leaders to find additional locations locations for chlorine bank branches.

This year when Hurricane Isaac hit Haiti, the organization’s staff trucked clean, safe water to six affected communities, including those in tent cities and residents who had abandoned their homes due to the the storm. Zach Brehmer, International Action’s Director of Research, further explained the organization’s goals and achievements.

Q & A

How did the Haiti Water organization come to be?
The vision for International Action started in 2003 when Lindsay Mattison and Youngmin Chang visited Haiti with a friend. They saw that many of the community water tanks in Port-au-Prince were filled with untreated water. The water was causing children to get sick with cholera, typhoid, hepatitis and diarrhea. They thought this was a tragedy. Children were dying and unable to go to school because they didn’t have the basic need. They realized that the people of Haiti demanded cooperation and understanding, not good intentions and abandoned handouts. In 2006, Lindsay and Youngmin returned to Port-au-Prince with chlorinators and a whole lot of ambition. They immediately began forging community relationships that they’ve strengthened and expanded over the past five years. Lindsay and Youngmin also created a base of operations in Haiti, led by Dalebrun Esther, to execute the organization’s many programs and to address urgent community needs.

Your organization’s tag line is ‘Bringing Clean Water to Haiti’. Just why doesn’t Haiti have clean water?
There is a simple explanation to this, and then a complicated one to explain the simple explanation. Simple explanation: There has not been a completed central water treatment system in any of Haiti’s cities, let alone water treatment systems in rural locations. Explaining the simple explanation: Many of the current issues in Haiti are directly and indirectly related to Haiti’s tumultuous political and social past. The struggle to gain freedom in the late 1700’s destroyed almost all infrastructure in the country including hospitals, access to clean water, sanitation, and food supplies. After the Haitian won freedom, the new leaders forced share cropping because they wanted to keep the plantation system for two reasons: one, the leaders wanted to prove to the world that a plantation export-based economy could be supported without slavery. And two, because the plantation system was the only economy the new leaders of Haiti had ever known. The Haitian population wanted to be done with the plantation system and own their own land to farm on. They were forced to work the plantations, only keeping a quarter of the crops for themselves, or risked punishment.

Oppressive regimes have led Haiti until the late 80’s when Aristide took office. Aristide then disassembled many of the institutions that had been linked to oppressive behavior. However Aristide could not see his policies through and was ousted and brought back on two different occasions. This left the country crippled with very few working institutions and the countries public services fell into even worse disrepair. Throughout all of this internal conflict there were foreign countries that greatly diminished Haiti’s chances of moving forward. These foreign powers forced Haiti into debt, economic isolation, and coerced Haiti into poor tariff policies that benefitted foreign interests rather than the countries own growth.

To build a water disinfection system that supports an entire country there needs to be funds, stability, and trust. In Haiti, there has been very little of these three needs due to the aforementioned history.

Most people who work in the development field often come across challenges. What has been Haiti Water’s biggest challenges?
I’ll talk about our biggest challenge in Haiti and our biggest challenge outside of Haiti. First, biggest challenge in Haiti. Predicting the government’s behavior and enabling the chlorinators to be completely community sustained are our greatest challenges in Haiti. The unpredictability of the government was talked about earlier—highlighted by the resignation of the Prime Minister months ago. Sustainability is always an issue. For the chlorinators to be self-sustaining, the community needs to be able to buy tablet chlorine for their chlorinators themselves—donations of chlorine are not a 50 year solution. Many communities make enough money from water sale to pay water station staff, buy more water, and buy chlorine. However, there is not an establishment in Haiti that sells chlorine tablets at an affordable level.

Second, biggest challenge outside of Haiti. Raising awareness and fundraising is our greatest challenge outside Haiti. It is a constant battle. It takes a long time and a lot of work to help a community reach the point where they can sustain a project on their own finances. Multi-year support and patience is very important.

You’ve no doubt reach several milestones with Haiti Water. What accomplishments is it most proud of?
We have reached 110 various community water stations and nearly 250 schools throughout Haiti. The estimated total population we are helping to provide clean water to be 900,000. Being able to help 900,000 people is amazing.

One of our most important accomplishments is that the communities we work with truly own their chlorinator system — they can test the water, calibrate the chlorinator valve, educate their neighbors about clean water and the chlorinator, and know when to retrieve more chlorine tablets. After two months of training they do all of this without our help.

What does Haiti Water need the most at this point? Lots of people might want to help. So how can they best do so?
There are many ways an individual can help. Our biggest challenge in country is finding a way to make each water station and chlorinator completely self-sustainable — meaning that the community can test their water, adjust the chlorinator so they have the proper amount of chlorine residual, and can buy their own chlorine from a non NGO source. The most difficult of these to accomplish is the latter.

We are working with Haitian communities to create a locally-owned chlorine distribution system — we call this system the Chlorine Bank Network. In order to achieve sustainability there needs to be more exposure of the issue, more funds, and a wide range of ideas discussing ‘community-led funding and community income generation possibilities.’ Anyone can help with the first two needs. If one is not able to donate, it always helps to introduce our group and the work we do to other people. International Action is always very happy to assist people interested in organizing a awareness or fund raising campaign – in some cases we may send staff to help or speak at an event. We are also going to be beginning an in-Haiti volunteer program. It will be focused around clean water education in Haiti and the Chlorine Bank Network.

Hermanie Pierre’s head must feel weighed down from tiara burnout. Consider the pageants she’s won: Miss Saline County USA, Miss Northeast Arkansas, and Miss Haiti International 2012. She certainly is the typification of beauty and brains, because in addition to her beauty pageant honors, Pierre works as an engineer. Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, the Arkansas resident came to the United States at the age of 14 to reunite with her parents. “It was a bittersweet transition that left me with excruciating feelings of nostalgia,” she recalls. “Nonetheless, I remained convinced that I would eventually adapt and thrive.” Part of that determination was inspired by her late uncle Castille, an examplary man whom she credits with helping her develop a dog-like determination to succeed. Her parents also played a role, inculcating into her that education was an indispensable part of life through endless lectures.

When Pierre sets aside her engineer hard hat and boots, she volunteers with countless organizations and takes part in philanthropic activities. You name it, she’s part of it: the Nashville Habitat for Humanity, Sophomore Mentorship Program, Peer Counsel Mentor, NSBE Arkansas Alumni Extension Chaplin; Advisor and Public Relations Director, A Little Piece of Heaven Foundation, Haitian Organization for Health Services; Advocate for Go Red for Women, Young Adult Mentorship, May Town Scholar, College of Engineering ASCE President, Organization for Developing Leadership, Salsa Toastmasters. If this non-exhaustive list didn’t send you in a state of vertigo, then you must have a strong immune system. Ms. Pierre has stamina, thank you very much.

Despite her accomplishments, her goal is to reach even bigger, while inspiring others to reach her heights or higher. A self-described woman of integrity and character, holding the title of Miss Haiti International USA is more than getting notoriety and recognition to Pierre. She hopes to play a big part in the making of a better Haiti.

So you moved from Haiti to the USA when you were 14. You joined your parents in Tennessee, correct?
Moving from Haiti to the States was a life changing experience on many fronts. The transition was difficult. I often was homesick despite the prospect of a better. I have encountered a plethora of challenges that set hurdles to my adaptation such as language barrier and culture shock. I remember enrolling in courses to later discover I merely understood what the professor was saying. Nonetheless, I manage to grasp the contents, earn A’s and graduate with high honors regardless. According to the dictionary definition of the word victim, I do not meet the requirements. Adverse actions from others do not trick, injure nor destroy me. They are rites of passage that strengthen my character and prepare me for the next level of life’s conundrums. The challenges I encountered as I navigated the then new American culture and language could not set hurdles to my determination to excel throughout high school. I graduated with high honors. My performance earned me a full scholarship to Tennessee State University where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. There is a personal story behind my affinity for engineering. I was inspired by my late uncle, Arnold Castille. Uncle Castille was a self-taught construction foreman with a passion for good deeds. Helping disenfranchised children and their families with food and tuition became one of his favorite hobbies. When I turned eight, I told Uncle Castille about my desire to emulate his character in my adult life. His somewhat familiar and humble reaction moves me til this day: “You have an opportunity I was not dealt with. If you stay in school, you will be better than me, and you will surpass my accomplishments.” Rest in Peace Uncle Castille!

Your resume is rather impressive. You were crowned Miss Saline County USA, Miss Northeast Arkansas and with the Miss Arkansas pageant, you placed third.
Although the level of emotion involved therein was not too significant, my three crowns prepared me for Miss International. Representing a country is a highly sentimental endeavor, and I assume some athletes and other beauty queens that preceded me can attest to that. When I heard about the opportunity through a friend, and was advised by judges to vie for the title, I was not too conscientious of what my decision really entailed, but I am now glad I listened to the judges and my inner voice.

What’s life like as a beauty queen?
My personal life has been substantially altered by my status as Miss Haiti International 2012. I must admit that I through the same routines. However, my load of responsibility has considerably increased in proportion with Miss Haiti’s duties and responsibilities.

What’s the best thing about being Miss Haiti International USA?
Inspiring others and becoming an ad-hoc ambassador for my country put me on a pedestal, at least from my perspective. These two adventures coincide narrowly with the platform I have been promoting with a deep passion—A Better Tomorrow for Today’s Children: Building a New Generation.

A lot of girls out there are struggling with issues of self-esteem. What advice do you have for them?
Self-confidence is the quintessential trait I believe every girl, or every human being for that matter, should be endowed with. Great many people around the world are reaching fame and thriving despite physical, mental or emotional limitations. They find it within themselves to overcome criticism, sometime with self-deprecation, and circumvent obstacles that would otherwise stifle their propensity for initiatives and dreams. The road to Miss International 2012 has not been rosy, and the difficulties are perpetuating as I write. My own kind, the better part of the time, seems to be willing to disown me for reasons that are outside of my sphere of comprehension, but I arm myself with every ounce of confidence within reach and keep on driving on because the sky is my limit.

You must have a lot of big plans once your Miss Haiti International reign is over.
My altruism is my guide. I serve selflessly and take great pride in accompanying others toward success. One of my short term priority after giving up my reign is to continue partnering with local and global organization to contribute to an equitable distribution of education, medical and nutritional supports not only to kids in Haiti but also to those in other parts of the globe. I am currently working on setting up a scholarship fund, the Hermanie Scholarship Fund, to help disenfranchised students in Haiti afford college tuition.

How would you define beauty?
The most common and accepted definition of beauty is equated with exterior physical appearance. That’s just one element of the concept. It is also about philanthropic and altruistic undertakings. We are doomed to evolve as communities in mutual bonds. Political, economic, social, religious and cultural matters must be addressed with a holistic approach in order to tackling detrimental ramifications from all directions because injustice will eventually spill over and bring chicken back home to roost. I can’t single-handedly slow down nor eliminate the process but I believe It is very beautiful to collectively help, give back, love, and care for each other-the only we can outflank the odds. .

Since graduating in 2010 from Tennessee State University, you have worked for the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department, as one of their youngest engineers. What is the secret of your professional success?
I am intrinsically connected to my profession. Choosing engineering as a career was no accident. That’s why I feel content and resolved, every morning and sometimes in the middle of the night, on my way to work. This state of mind nourishes my ambitious being and directs it to upward mobility. It takes intelligence to make it up the ladder. Organizational politics is a thorny territory. Neither knowledge nor outstanding performance alone is sufficient for securing opportunity for organizational advancement. A mélange of both is the secret.

After being part of three pageants, do you anticipate participating at others?
I love challenges and adventures. I would love to partake in more competitions and make a difference but I have reached the ceiling within the system. Meanwhile I intends, to the utmost of my ability, to represent Haiti in the Miss International system and do my best to put Haiti on top of the list.

Now with your career as an engineer, and between pageantry, and the volunteer work you do, how do you avoid burnout?
I do burn out! I get knocked down but I get up again. I just tried to improve on time management and organizational skills. I am young and filled with energy. I want to have a personal and professional foundation built and finish the house while I can.

One of the things that stand out about you is the love you constantly express for Haiti.
My plan is to continue raising awareness for my platform A Better Tomorrow for Today’s Children: Building A New Generation through my life experience. I want young people to emulate my educational choices. I partner with local and global organizations such as Little Piece of Heaven Foundation (LPHF) and Haitian organizations Health Services (HOHS) to promote those choices. Haiti will be a better place with better access to education. It is my goal to utilize my resources, contacts and experience in Haiti’s best interests. I hope to be able to play my part and help make Haiti a better place to visit and live– one where people are valued and accepted for who they are. My life has been filled with privileges, joy and love. I have learned that it is what you make of it.

Our ancestors fought hard for this country. Miss Haiti can do it as well with the support of officials from Haiti. I would be humbled to be acknowledged, in a timely fashion, by my native government. My team and I have made many unsuccessful attempts to reach out those officials. My goal is to be an ambassador to promote and share the positive image of Haiti with the world. I have learned that the world’s perception of Haiti stems from the image that other nations display. It is now the time for us to become proactive in defining how we want to be seen across the world. I want to publicly acknowledge the terrific campaign led by our tourism department in projecting a more positive image of Haiti, thus attracting more visitors and capital to the country.

Marjorie Vail was browsing the internet one day, when she learned of the Mrs. Brooklyn International pageant. She had always wanted to be part of a pageant that wasn’t too artificial, and this one, focusing on a wide variety of elements—beauty, fashion, poise, and so on—and more importantly having a socially conscious component—definitely fit the bill.

Born in New York into a Haitian family, Vail is the delegate-elect who will represent her borough at the state pageant in October. Blessed with beauty and brains, and extremely outspoken, Mrs. Vail had something to say just about everything, from her childhood in Brooklyn, to gender roles, and identity. Listen in…

Q & A

What does it mean to you to have been named Mrs. Brooklyn International?
Recently, Brooklyn has undergone a renaissance, with many people coming to represent the borough. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, so it’s not a place I have just come to because it’s trendy. Brooklyn has a strong Caribbean presence. Anyone who knows me knows that I’m Haitian first and a Brooklynite through and through. When you are in Brooklyn, it’s all about love, family, and traditions. I remember the lyric: “Spread love it’s the Brooklyn way.” That’s what I aim to do. I am excited that I get to share that love at the New York State pageant.

What are some of the memories that you have of growing up Haitian?
When I was growing up, it was tough being a Haitian; it wasn’t socially acceptable. We were disliked, despised, and were constantly being attacked. It was actually unsafe to say you were Haitian in school. I never denied I was Haitian, but I certainly did not volunteer the information. Of course all that changed when I went to high school where all of a sudden it was the coolest thing to be Haitian. At home was a different story. I remember speaking Kreyòl to my mom and her making fun of the way I said certain Kreyòl words with an American accent. Having a Haitian proverb explained to me because I just didn’t get it. Conversations that sounded like arguments. Finding any reason to have a party. What ten year old’s party starts at midnight? I remember celebrating christenings, communions and birthday parties where I wore puffy dresses, stockings, leather shoes with ribbons and barrettes in my hair. I remember the aroma of a big pot of New Year’s soup joumou-–pumpkin and butternut squash soup—griyo—fried pork—diri ak djon djon—lack mushroom rice—lanbi—conch—and all the other excellent Haitian cuisine. I remember the lectures about how education is the key to success. Most of all, we laughed! Oh, how we laughed!

When did you first perceive the whole idea of gender roles?
I don’t think anyone can grow up in a Haitian household and not be aware of gender roles. You constantly hear, “Young ladies don’t whistle, or young ladies should know how to cook… etc.” I didn’t hear it so much from my mom—well maybe the cooking part—but definitely from other family members. I felt it when I had to wake up every Saturday morning to clean the house with my sister while my cousin slept in. Of course, I felt like it wasn’t fair, but there was nothing I could do at the time, it is part of the culture. As I got older, I kept hearing those sayings but I did my own thing. I always had a bit of a rebellious streak and pretty much marched to the tune of my own drum. I let people talk about what they perceived as my “unlady-like” ways and all the while I worked hard to shine brightly.

How do you define beauty?
My mom is a classic example of beauty because although someone who doesn’t know her would see an older lady, but because her heart and character are good, honest, and altruistic anyone who gets to know her would know she is a beautiful person. She is the best example of beauty I feel I would ever need. Beauty is approachable, has a beautiful smile, is concerned for others, is not rude, a constant friend, and always ready to serve. Beauty is “Innocent as a dove, shrewd as a snake.”

Did your parents play a role in your teenage years, in terms of giving you the confidence to eventually participate in a pageant?
Since my youth, my mama has been my biggest fan. I would go as far as to say she put confidence into me. She would tell me, “You’re smart, and beautiful! You can do anything!” When she was with other people, she would speak about me in a good light which is so important to do as a parent. So I grew up having confidence in myself. My confidence would wane when I would immaturely compare myself to others. As I get older, my self-confidence gets stronger. If I truly want something, I go after it full force with bridles on.

Any pointers for those who wish to participate in a pageant of that sort?
My advice for those who wish to participate in a pageant is to do your homework. All pageants are not created equal. You have to find the one that’s right for you, the one that speaks to your values—and the one you know you can truly represent—should you win the title.

Mrs. Brooklyn International Marjorie Vail packing supplies in boxes to be shipped to Haiti.

Participating in a pageant takes a great deal of guts. Some feel intimidated by the very idea. Was it taxing finding the gumption to participate?
It was taxing. Being in a pageant can be intimidating. You are trying to win a title that other beautiful women are going for. You have to stand out. You must prove you are the best person to represent their system. I told myself that I am not becoming something I am not to prove this, I just need to be the best me. Thank God I have a great support team that encouraged my dream. So one day, I filled out the application and sent it out before I could talk myself out of it.

When you were in middle school and elementary school, how did you view yourself?
When I was in elementary school, I can’t really say I viewed myself in any particular way. I do feel like my whole outlook on life changed in the 6th grade. That school year, I and other neighborhood kids were bussed to a school in Bensonhurst-Bayridge which was predominately white. That was the first time in my life that I was aware of my blackness. Suddenly, I was in the minority—I was one of two black kids in my class. For a while, I tried to fit in but no matter what I did, I just couldn’t. My skin, hair, and style was just way too different. That school year was one of the toughest times of my youth. One of the white girls in my class befriended me. She too was struggling. Her struggle was different than mine, she didn’t fit in because of her weight. It hit me at some point that she and I were going through the same social struggle, the desire to be accepted. This wasn’t simply about color, but a lot to do with self-confidence. Self-confidence is crucial for survival in this life no matter what who you are.

How can a woman develop self-confidence?
Wow! There are many factors that go into finding self-confidence. Everyone is different. For me, I grew up with a mom who told me that I am smart, beautiful and can do anything. As a believer, I had to embrace that I am who God says I am, meaning I was made in His image. Since I am made in His image, I can’t fail. When I fail, it’s not because I am a failure, but because I need to work harder or take an entirely different direction. Failure is not a reason to quit; it’s a stepping stone.

When was the last time you went to Haiti?
The last time I went to Haiti was July 2010, six months after the earthquake. Several young professionals at my church yearned to go and help. We prayed about it, sought out whom needed our help, got donations and went to work. We went to a little town called Bognotte, Haiti just outside of Leogane. It’s a very remote little town. Had it not been for the pastor of the church working there this town would surely have been overlooked. We fed the people daily, held classes for the kids, did art therapy, held discussions, gave out clothes, held a health clinic and planted trees all in nine days. Those were the toughest yet fulfilling nine days of my life. When we returned, our not-for-profit organization Out To Reach was born. Since that time we have been supporting the school, created literacy and vocational classes for the adults in Bognotte. This is why Out To Reach is my platform. We aim to help the Haitian people not just with monetary donations, but we’re teaching them to be educated and self-supporting. We aim to do this one town at a time.

Most beauty pageant winners have a whole path carved out for them. What are your career plans?
Well first, the state pageant is coming up in October. I need to have the time of my life there and God willing bring that title home to the BK. From there, I would need to compete in the nationals and go on from there. Regardless of how things turn out, my life has always been about serving others. I will continue to work with Out To Reach. We promised the school in Bognotte backpacks, uniforms and a library and we aim to come through on those promises. I also plan to work with other organizations that not only help Haitians, but help those in the States as well. My heart’s desire is to leave a legacy for my son that instills in him that you are never truly fulfilled in this life unless you are helping others.

Clara Luce Lafond is Miss International Haiti 2013. The only daughter in a family of four brothers, Miss Lafond worked in the field of education and in the beauty industry, prior to earning the crown. She’s a makeup artist and a natural hairstylist and consultant. She has endless other interests including, modeling and acting. One of her biggest passions is promoting healthy living in Haiti, and her new role as Miss International Haiti will give her an additional platform to do so.

How did you learn about the pageant?
I saw Anedie Azael—the franchise owner for Miss Haiti—post about the castings that were happening on Instagram. I was happy to see that she had taken on the initiative to organize the contest herself. This is when I decided to apply.

What does beauty mean to you?
To me beauty is whatever generates a good or happy feeling inside of you. Beauty is all around! I think people should seek beauty in everything, in everyone and everywhere. If you only look for what is not beautiful or what doesn’t make you feel good then that is all you’ll ever see, but if you take your time to seek something that gives you a pleasant feeling inside than you will never see a lack of beauty. It will always be abundant to your eyes.

How do you feel about receiving the title Miss International Haiti?
I feel very honored to be carrying that title. Never did I imagine myself in such a position and I feel truly blessed to have accomplished such a thing. To know that I can inspire the people of my country by what I do or what I represent is a very Humbling feeling and I hold their appreciation and support very close to my Heart.

What do you hope to accomplish over the course of your life?
I wish to lead a happy and healthy life. To be able to live my dreams, to chase my goals and to have the Wisdom to remember to enjoy the journey towards reaching them. To be of service to those who require it. If I can follow my dreams, reach my ambitions, inspire others to do the same and live from what my heart truly desires while still living harmoniously with those around me, than I can say I accomplished, what I believe, to be the true meaning of life; I would have truly lived. And isn’t that what we all want in the end? To really live and be happy?

“Want to gain some wisdom about being a woman? Ask a woman!” Uh, not sure where I’ve heard this quote or saying. But former Mrs. Brooklyn International and Miss Haiti International runner-up Marjorie Vail comes to mind when pondering on that quote. This may be due to the all the golden pearls of wisdom she shared the last time she was interviewed by Kreyolicious. She comes across as a person who has it together in all areas of her life, or who’s at least a whole lot further than most of us. A mother, a pageant queen, a daughter and sister–she has a lot of verbal droppings on developing and maintaining outward beauty.

Do you think that beauty is something that will always be prized, no matter what?

As long as there are living and breathing human beings on earth, beauty will always be prized. Nothing makes me prouder than when someone says to me, “Wow, I’ve seen all the charity work you’ve been doing.” That—to me—is beautiful. Now, what I hope for the future is that we as a society learn to love the inner beauty of people. I find that as a mother, it’s important that I teach my son that it’s okay to gaze upon the external, but make sure you value, crave for the internal beauty.

What would you say to someone who has trouble with having a balanced view of beauty contests and pageants?

Well, everyone is entitled to his or her opinion but hopefully that opinion is based on some facts. All pageants are not created equal. There are some that are just beauty contests with a sprinkle of charity work. At the same time, there are those that are heavily focused on platforms and some aren’t. For instance, I recently competed in the Haiti International pageants. The International pageant is heavily focused on having a platform; a charity that you are passionate about. If you pick a platform like you would pick something off of a conveyor belt, then it will show. The international pageants want their queens to be women who are making an impact on the world. It is for that reason that I chose to compete in the International Pageants.

Tell us about your latest beauty pageant experience.

I just competed in the Haiti International Pageants and I had an amazing time. One of the reasons I believe I enjoyed so much is because of the director Hermanie Pierre—Miss Haiti International 2012. She created such an atmosphere of sisterhood prior to the pageant that by the time we competed we were all very close and very supportive of one another. I made, what I perceive, lifelong friends with beautiful Haitian women who are changing the face of Haiti.

I also learned two great lessons from that pageant. Prior to competing, I practiced and rehearsed everything from my walk to interview questions. I felt very prepared. In the end, I was the runner-up—which I am happy about). First thing I learned—no matter how prepared you are–there’s always room for improvement. The greatest lesson for me as a spiritual woman is that when God says it’s not your time then you just won’t win. Once I accepted that truth, then I was able to revel in my accomplishments as well as support my sister queens who won.

Who’s the most beautiful person you know?

That’s a tough one. On a spiritual level, Jesus is the most beautiful person I know. What is more beautiful than someone giving up their life because they love you? He is loving, compassionate, loving…he’s so many things that are perfect. The thing is to find those qualities in each person.

I don’t think that there is any one person I would say is the most beautiful person I know. I know many people with beautiful qualities that I admire. When I think about the women and men that I am close to, I see the conglomerate of a beautiful person. I love people who are loving, considerate, loyal, honest, peacemakers, prayerful and fun! No one is perfect, but I think if we give people the best that we have it makes this living in this world easier.

Staying in shape is important to a great many women. Do you have a special fitness regimen?

Oooo girl, I don’t like working out, but I know it’s a necessary evil. Usually, I start out doing cardio on the treadmill. I love to run. Then I work on my abs—either on a mat or on an equipment. Lastly, I work on my biceps. I’m working on getting Angela Bassett-type biceps!

You ever watch some of these old movies, and see that some of the same styles that were in vogue way back somehow permeate the modern era?

There is nothing new under the sun!

Do you happen to have a favorite fashion era?

I’ve always loved the fashions of the early late 1800’s because I’m in love with the classics of those times. Give me a suit from the 1950’s or 60’s and I will rock it! I will definitely party in a dress from the 70’s. I love the clothes from 20’s but unfortunately they don’t compliment me. Most of all, I love elegance. That is why I love pageantry so much. I get to serve people and look elegant at the same time.

[All photos provided by subject ]

Visit Marjorie Vail’s website by CLICKING HERE.

Not winning the crown at a beauty pageant is not the end of the world. Natacha Sarthou is a prime example of that. In the spring of 2014, she placed as a second runner-up in the Mrs. Haiti International pageant. But the pageant organizers saw enough potential in Sarthou, and the very next day had her compete for the national title. A few months later, Sarthou competed with 64 women from all over the globe, Jacksonville, Florida and her head became the first to carry the Mrs. West Indies International crown.

A mother, and a wife (she and her husband have been married for a decade), Sarthou is active on the philanthropy circuit. She helps build houses in Haiti for families in need. She holds a Bachelors of Business Administration in Finance from Florida International University.

Kreyolicious: When you were in high school, were you pretty popular?

Not at all! I was very quiet, into my studies, and had one or two close friends. It was never my desire or pursuit to become popular. My older sister was the popular one, and after she graduated the same high school, some of her friends who had not yet graduated, accepted me into their circle, so that gave me a little boost. Yet, still I was a quiet person and not a party one.

Kreyolicious: What do you think was the secret to popularity?

I have found that there were different types of groups. And each group was popular to themselves. I guess I was too quiet to really know who was popular in my high school, but I would guess the football players and the cheerleaders. The secret I guess was to be a cheerleader or a football player.

Kreyolicious: What are some of the things you’ve been up to since winning?

I have been doing exactly what I had been doing since 2009, when my platform was birthed—and [that was] raising awareness and funds to build homes for the most vulnerable throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. I am so grateful to all my supporters and donors who have contributed towards building our first house for an impoverished family in Haiti. We are still actively working towards building more homes. There are 1.6 billion people in the world who live in inadequate shelter. By that we mean, settlements which include houses made of mud and sticks, dilapidated huts, and tin shacks where there is no access to clean water and the lack of sanitation. Research indicates that every 17 seconds a child 5 years old and under dies due to these unsanitary living conditions. Through my platform work, we are relocating families from the slums to a new sanitary living environment, providing them with a permanent, concrete home with sanitation, while reducing infant mortality, breaking the cycles of sickness, death and poverty, raising the education level, increasing productivity and boosting the economy.

Kreyolicious: If you were to choose between having beauty or confidence, which would you go for? And you could only choose one!

Definitely it is confidence. I have always believed that there are no ugly people. I seriously and honestly mean that. God created us all, and every good and perfect gift comes from Him. Therefore, He makes all ‘good’. And, ugly is not a good thing. Having said that, I do believe that everyone is uniquely beautiful! I see beauty in every face. So, if we can all grasp the concept that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God, we do not need to compare ourselves with others. Comparing [oneself] to other people is detrimental to one’s confidence. You will always be your worst critic. Changing your paradigm of thinking, and working on becoming the best you, you can become, is the best and most positive path you can take. You will grow into a more beautiful, stronger and confident you. I am more of a behind-the-scene type of person, I don’t seek to be in the spotlight, but oh, how I have grown into a more confident “me” because I [left] my comfort zone to achieve greater things. My platform brought me to the pageant system. I participated solely to have greater influence in raising awareness to serve the poorest of the poor. In 1990, when I won Miami Orange Bowl Princess, my supervisor at work signed a paper promising to sponsor me $500 to participate in the Miss America Pageant. I never did. And now I found myself in pageantry, enjoyed it, learned a lot, and only because I am on a mission. So confidence is a great attribute that we must all develop and work on all the time if we want to achieve greater things. Now, confidence is not arrogance. When a person is confident, she is comfortable with herself, she finds no need to bring others down. Humility is a great sign of confidence. Pride is not.

Kreyolicious: What measures do you take to stay in shape?

Eating healthful and working out.

Kreyolicious: Is Haiti a place that you visit often?

We do not travel much except within the States. However, I am hoping this December to join Food for the Poor on their mission’s trip to Haiti, to meet the family we built the house for.

Kreyolicious: Young girls and women struggle to love themselves and their bodies. What tips have you learned from your own experience that can help them get on that road to self-love and confidence?

As I mentioned, the best advice is, “Do not compare yourself to others. Work at becoming a better and improved you. Compete with yourself.” Each time you accomplish a task or a personal goal and you get out of your comfort zone, you will be more confident. And lastly, but most importantly, you have got to know that you are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. Yes you are beautiful. But true beauty is what is in your heart. Therefore, work on developing a good character. That is the essence of a person. Character, who you are, determines your legacy, not your looks.

Kreyolicious: Being Mrs. West Indies International is just the beginning. I was reading that you’re involved with a number of organizations. What else is next for you?

Humbly, I honestly do not know. Five years ago, I could not have told you that I would be in pageantry and as Mrs. West Indies International 2014,[be] promoting this cause which began very [humbly] between family and friends. One step at a time, I am strategically working to be a voice for a people who often are forgotten by the rest of the world. My heart’s desire is to raise a large amount of capital to build more homes, but I also know if I can raise greater awareness and inform and inspire others on the reality of this global slum housing crisis where people who are breathing yet have no life, then together we can impact their world. Through adequate housing we can change lives, one house at a time for one family at a time.

[Photos: Vlad the Tech ; final photo provided by subject]

To support Mrs. West Indies International in her charitable endeavors with Food for the Poor, CLICK HERE.

CLICK HERE to read about other Kreyolicious beauty queens.

It’s that time again…the Miss Haiti International pageant! Do you have what it takes? Enter the contest!

Or do you know someone who does? Encourage them to enter.

The Miss Haiti International pageant does not only include a Miss Category, but also a Mrs., as well as a Junior category.

Past winners include Hermanie Pierre—who is now the Director of the pageant—Norma Augustave, and Lydia Lucien (in the teen category) among many others.

If you need to feel motivated, please be sure to click here to read Hermanie Pierre’s interview with Kreyolicious.

Miss Haiti International teen category winner Lydia Lucien also spoke about her experiences with the pageant. You can read it here. Norma Augustave confided to Kreyolicious about participating in the pageant and also voiced her thoughts about beauty and self-esteem. Be sure to read that here.

For more information about the contest and how to enter, VISIT THE HAITI INTERNATIONAL 2015 PAGE HERE.

Miss Haiti International on Twitter

Meet Miss West Indies International Esther Lande! A student at Florida Atlantic University, Esther hopes to become a medical doctor. There’s no reason to believe that she won’t achieve a goal. To begin, she’s very service-driven. She loves to volunteer to assist others, and has been volunteering since she was nine years old. Even now, she says she’s convinced that she can improve our society through volunteerism. In fact, she’s an ambassador for the volunteering organization Dosomething.Org. As she prepares to compete at the Miss International pageant in Jacksonville late this summer, she took the time to give me some us a glimpse into her life as a pageant princess.

Kreyolicious: What made you enter the Miss West Indies International pageant?
The International system is based on platform. It encourages young women to fight for something in our community. I entered it because I believe in my platform and being Miss West Indies International helps me to reach more people.

Kreyolicious: When do you feel the prettiest?
I feel pretty every second in my life. I am grateful that God grants me life every day and with God by my side I feel beautiful each second. But I must say I feel prettiest when I am volunteering in my community. Giving back to my community shows my true inside beauty.

Kreyolicious: What would you say to someone who wants to enter a pageant, but has the jitters about it?
It is not only about gorgeous gown and glam; it takes hard work to be a pageant queen. If you truly want to enter in the pageantry world, you must be willing to be dedicated to your cause. There are things that you will need to give up to succeed into your new journey. Don’t forget have fun in the process, stay confidant and give it your all. I advise anyone to enter a pageant that forces you to fight for a cause.

Kreyolicious: What are the most inspiring and character-building books you’ve ever read, and would you mind sharing the titles with us?
I would say Oprah by Katherine Krohn because this book describes the struggles of her life and how she overcomes it. That really inspires me that even in my darkest day I still can overcome anything I undertake. I also love Peace from Broken Pieces: How to Get Through What You’re Going Through by Iyanla Vanzant. This book helped me to go on with my life even after I had gone through a lot and to be at peace with all that had happened.

Kreyolicious: Who’s the most inspiring person in your life?
The most inspiring person of my life is Toussaint Louverture because he has led us to our revolution. He was truly a courageous and intelligent man. I learned from him that it doesn’t matter if people think you can make it, if you believe it in it and are bold enough to take the first step then you will mostly likely succeed.

Kreyolicious: Have you been to Haiti?
Yes! I was born in Haiti and raised there until I moved to Chicago, Illinois. I recently went back in Haiti. I organized a toy distribution for the kids of Bizoton 51, Carrefour where I grew up back in December last year.

Kreyolicious: What advice do you have for those out there who are having a hard time being happy for others when they experience some form of success?
We should be happy when others succeed. It takes hard work and dedication to succeed. Be happy for whoever succeeds because it shows they have been working hard toward their goals. Your time will soon come if you stay focused on your goals. Don’t give up. We all have our own time to shine.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT ESTHER’S INSTAGRAM PAGE

Lulu Orange is the reigning Mrs. Haiti International, having been crowned by pageant organizer Hermanie Pierre at a ceremony this past Spring. A motivational speaker and radio show host, she exemplifies the vision of the Miss Haiti International mission.

I personally admire beauty queens, because I feel that you have to have a lot of gumption to enter a beauty contest. All the beauty queens whom I have interviewed for the site have always been bold. Lulu is no different.

Check out her responses to my questions about everything from her future, to friendship, to beauty, and her book-reading habits.

Above: The proud Mrs. Haiti International Lulu Orange with two NFL legends.

Kreyolicious: What led you to enter the pageant this year, and not the previous one?
I met a beautiful woman by the name of Hermaine who I met in Las Vegas at a pageant event and was so happy to see that she was also Haitian. When she told me she was the director of the Mrs. Haiti International pageant system, the rest was history. So honored to represent Haiti at the International pageant and honor my Haitian family whom are from Cap-Haitian which I represented at this year’s Mrs. Haiti International pageant.

Kreyolicious: When do you feel the most beautiful?
I love make up and dressing up but when I don’t have make up or a pretty gown on and I hear a random person say to me “you are so beautiful.” That makes me feel good because they liked the natural me.

Kreyolicious: Are you a huge reader? Which books have contributed the most to your personal growth?
Yes, I read. Books that has helped shaped my life are those that are inspirational and spiritual. Books that I’ve read include The Secret, and The Purpose Driven Life. These books has helped me go through some difficult moments in my life and have inspired me as well as get in-tune with my spiritual self.

Kreyolicious: ​Have you ever been friends with someone who made you feel insecure about yourself?
Honesty is the best policy. As friends, we should be able to let each other know when there is an issue. This needs to be the foundation. In the past, if my friends did not comply to this, than I had to move on.

Kreyolicious: If you were giving the version of you from two years ago some advice, what would you say?
Don’t rush. Enjoy life. Take your time and smell the roses. Go to the beach more and just go for it. I’m learning to just love life and enjoy every moment.

Kreyolicious: How do you stay positive?
I stay positive by knowing my purpose and what God has intended me to be on this Earth. I love inspiring other young women to be successful individuals and instill in them you can be anything no matter your socioeconomic background.

Above: The pageant queen taking the time to strike a pose.

Kreyolicious: Have you been to Haiti lately?
I have not been lately, but am planning a trip next month to not only see the beauty the country has to offer but to push my platform of promoting our youth and mentoring them to become successful individuals. I am having a backpack drive to give to schools for children who are in need of school supplies.

Kreyolicious: What should we expect from you in two to five years?
In two to five years, I hope to expand my family and have a biological child of my own and continue being a loving mother to my stepchildren and Pomeranian. Career-wise I would like to be promoted and be on the corporate team that leads all rehab centers for the elderly as a Regional Operations Manager for the current company I work with. My passion is to continue to help the youth realize their full potential and continue to mentor and see them through their goals. I also see myself on TV programming that is entertaining, but also have a self-help platform. Hopefully, I can become the next Oprah!

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT LULU ORANGE’S PAGE ON FACEBOOK!