For the past two years, I've proudly dedicated my time and talents to the Crape Myrtle Festival, volunteering countless hours in support of our mission to give back to the LGBTQIA+ community and individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

Many people know me as a performer, show director, dog dad, veterinary technician, and a member of the Flex Night Club family. Whether I'm on stage entertaining a crowd or behind the scenes helping make an event a success, I believe in using my platform to bring people together and give back to the community that has given so much to me.

Running for Mx. Crape Myrtle Festival is another opportunity for me to support an organization I'm proud to call family.

I'm a North Carolina native and have proudly called Raleigh home for the past 12 years. For more than 20 years, I've been passionate about the art of female impersonation, a journey that led me to the honor of being crowned Miss Gay North Carolina America in 2010.

For many years, I've proudly supported the Crape Myrtle Festival by donating my time as an entertainer and, whenever I can, sharing a few of my favorite sweet treats as a pastry chef. Giving back through my talents—both on stage and in the kitchen—has been my way of supporting an organization whose mission means so much to me.

When I'm not performing, you'll usually find me baking, tending to my garden, or spending time with my two cats. Running for Mx. Crape Myrtle Festival is another opportunity for me to give back to a community that has given me so much

I am an all-painted-toes-down ally who has been fortunate enough to stand beside some of my dearest friends through decades of challenges, triumphs, self-discovery, and affirmation. It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to be a safe space for the people I love, especially during times when those spaces were far too few.

I've proudly supported the Crape Myrtle Festival's mission for years, and joining Court 46 gave me the opportunity to become even more involved. Through volunteering, fundraising, and raising awareness, I've been able to help spread more love, joy, and support throughout our community.

I believe everyone deserves to feel fully seen, accepted, and celebrated. Running for Mx. Crape Myrtle Festival is my way of continuing to support an organization that champions safe, inclusive spaces while raising critical funds for LGBTQIA+ and HIV-related causes. I am honored to stand alongside an incredible group of contestants, all working toward the same goal of making a lasting difference in our community.

Being the current reigning Queen of the Crape Myrtle Festival, I knew there was no better way to continue serving this incredible organization than by stepping forward as a contestant for Mx. Crape Myrtle Festival.

Over the past 2 years, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the heart of our mission. While many see the performances and events, I have been fortunate to work behind the scenes—helping plan fundraisers, organizing community events, building partnerships, and helping create opportunities that allow our organization to give back. There is no greater reward than knowing the funds we raise directly support organizations that provide vital, hands-on services to the LGBTQIA+ community and individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

The Crape Myrtle Festival is more than an organization to me—it is a family, a legacy, and a reminder that when a community comes together with love and purpose, we can truly change lives.

Running for Mx. Crape Myrtle Festival is not about adding another title to my name. It is about continuing to advocate for a mission I deeply believe in, inspiring others to give back, and helping ensure that the Crape Myrtle Festival continues making a meaningful impact for years to come.

The Crape Myrtle Festival represents the kind of community I deeply believe in—one that celebrates authenticity, inclusion, joy, and connection. Supporting the LGBTQIA+ community and individuals living with HIV/AIDS is incredibly important to me because everyone deserves visibility, advocacy, and a place where they can be their authentic selves.

What inspires me most about CMF is the sense of belonging it creates. I love bringing people together, celebrating queer joy, and helping create experiences where others feel seen, accepted, and celebrated exactly as they are.

Running for Mx. Crape Myrtle Festival is my opportunity to give back to an organization whose mission means so much to me

As a Raleigh, North Carolina native (yes, we're a rare breed!), I'm thrilled to have been part of CMF's Court 46. If you know me, you know I love bringing people together and throwing a fabulous party—especially for the people who mean the most to me. That's exactly what I set out to do this year with the Crape Myrtle Festival.

Although this has been my first year with CMF, I've loved rallying friends, family, and everyone in between to support an organization that's making a real difference for the LGBTQIA+ community and individuals living with HIV/AIDS. And to all of my friends who received late-night texts and long messages reminding you to come to an event...thank you for putting up with me!

You'll never find me on stage (playing and coaching volleyball gave me all the spotlight I needed!), but running for Mx. Crape Myrtle Festival is the perfect way for me to help give one final push to support Court 46 and the mission that has become so important to me.