Giving Back
Since
a very young age, I have been involved in all types of community
service. All I knew then, was that entertaining Seniors with my
seasonal dance performances was cool
because they were my most appreciative audience! What I came to learn
as time went on, was that giving back to my community was an integral
part of being a community member.
Today, what community service means to me is that I am making positive
contributions to my generation and to the generations before and after
me for a better life, however small my service may be.
As Ms. New York US, Healthy Habits for Life & I aM for Women: Inspiration & Motivation to Empower Women,
are the two issues that I have chosen to promote during my year of
reign. However, I have supported and continue to support many other
issues that benefit our communities at large.
This weekend, I was honored to be a guest at the Women's Health & Awareness Day by The Queens Sickle Cell Advocacy Network (Q-Scan). I received a warm welcome from Q-Scan CEO Gloria Rochester when I arrived, who had a table set up for me to give out my Healthy Habits Handout, and sign some autograph cards. (Click the link above so you can have one too 
This
event was a perfect way to encompass both my platforms, which deal with
a healthy lifestyle and empowering women...I was very excited to
participate and share my information with the New York community! I met
many inspiring, amazing people in the Queens Community such as Juliet of Mary Immaculate Hospital (who shared a table with me), and Dr. Josiane Kamler
who work alongside Q-Scan.
Ms. Rochester had especially inspired me with the story of how she started Q-Scan over 20 years ago for those who suffer from Sickle Cell Anemia like her daughter has.
Gloria has done an amazing job for her community, and I hope that
others will be inspired by her work as I was to contribute to their
communities.
Giving
back means doing your part, however big or small, to positively affect
society. It can be as small as volunteering at a soup kitchen once a
year, making a donation, or as big as starting a national organization
for an issue that is dear to your heart. All it takes is a little
effort, and a big heart. And this my friends, is how changing the world
starts- one person, one action at a time.
Dear Ms. New York 2008, Graziella Baratta,
We were tremendously honored that you could find the time to fit us in on your busy schedule on Saturday May 31st 2008 at our Women's health and Wellness Awareness Day.
Your dedication to Women's health is admirable and we congratulate you on your committment. Due to your participation, we are positive that many of our patrons at the fair were inspired to adopt healthier habits and lifestyles, and we are grateful for your input in making the event an unqualified success. We wish you continued success in your pursuit of the goal of empowering women to take charge of their health and well being, and we will continue to work towards this goal ourselves, knowing that we are in good company.'Once again thank you for gracing our Fair with your presence, and best wishes for a successful reign as Ms. New York 2008.
From The Queens Sickle Cell Advocacy Network, Inc.
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Dear Ms. New York 2008 Graziella Baratta
I'm Lashana Douglas an intern at Sickle Cell Advocacy Network,Inc, I'm the event coordinator who brought all these wonderful people out to help us celebrate our Annual Women's Health & Wellness Awareness Day on May 31,2008. I want to thank you for coming out to help us, I'm glad we had such a successful outcome. You are an admirable role model for us young adults today and I'm glad I could be apart of that wonderful event.
Wish you all the best on your new endeavor!!!!
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