She Wins

Confidence, Communication & Courage: Lessons from Noelia Velazquez

It was such a pleasure sitting down with Noelia Velazquez—dynamic speaker, successful podcaster, and the current Miss Teen All American. In this inspiring conversation, Noelia opens up about the defining moment that shaped her journey, the lessons she's learned along the way, and the powerful advice she would give her 9-year-old self. Her story is a reminder of the confidence, resilience, and leadership it takes to grow into your purpose. If you're a pageant contestant, parent, or director, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. 💫 Want even more? Join the She Wins Solutions for Pageantry Patreon community for exclusive access to our extended interview with Noelia, plus hundreds of additional videos, trainings, and resources designed to help you succeed. https://www.patreon.com/posts/learn-to-flip-it-154117044 [https://www.patreon.com/posts/learn-to-flip-it-154117044] 👉 Join here: https://www.patreon.com/shewins_solutionsandstories7 [https://www.patreon.com/shewins_solutionsandstories7] Heather Sumlin Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/shewins_solutionsandstories7 [https://www.patreon.com/shewins_solutionsandstories7] Website - https://www.heathersumlin.com/ [https://www.heathersumlin.com/] Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heathersumlin/ [https://www.instagram.com/heathersumlin/] FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/heathersumlinmentalcoach [https://www.facebook.com/heathersumlinmentalcoach] Noelia Velazquez Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iam_noeliavelazquez/ [https://www.instagram.com/iam_noeliavelazquez/] https://www.instagram.com/teenallamerican/ [https://www.instagram.com/teenallamerican/] Website - https://missallamerican.com/ [https://missallamerican.com/] Noelia Bio: Noelia Velazquez is a sophomore at High Point University (Class of 2028), pursuing a degree in Entrepreneurship with minors in Fashion and Journalism. She currently holds the title of 2025–2026 Miss Teen All American and was previously crowned National American Miss Junior Teen at the age of 15. Deeply involved on campus, Noelia has served on the Executive Council for the LIFT Women's Fellowship since her freshman year. She began her leadership journey in Alpha Gamma Delta as Director of Philanthropy and now serves as Director of Marketing, where she combines creativity with strategic outreach. She is also a Smile Train Ambassador and the founder of Girl Strong by Noe, a platform committed to empowering young women through confidence, communication, and leadership development. Noelia has cultivated a strong professional foundation through competitive and selective opportunities, including a paid internship at High Point Furniture Market, an upcoming paid role at the prestigious Masters Tournament in a members-only hospitality capacity, and her current paid internship with Caitie G Bags.

More Than a Crown: Deidra Murphy on Motherhood, Business & Resilience

In this heartfelt and empowering episode of She Wins, I sit down with Deidra Murphy, USOA Mrs. West Coast, to talk about a journey that goes far beyond the crown. 💫 Deidra opens up about her deeply personal struggle with infertility and how that experience led her to create her Map to Motherhood program—designed to support and guide women navigating their own paths to becoming mothers. Her story is one of resilience, faith, and turning pain into purpose. We also dive into her entrepreneurial journey with Style by Deidra, where she's helping women feel confident and empowered through fashion, along with her experience in pageantry and what it truly takes to show up as your best self on and off the stage. This episode is raw, inspiring, and filled with powerful reminders that your story has purpose—even in the hardest seasons. 🎙 In this episode, we cover: • Deidra's infertility journey and lessons learned • Her Map to Motherhood program and mission • Building confidence through style with Style by Deidra • Behind the scenes of her pageant experience • Turning challenges into purpose 💫 Don't forget to: LIKE 👍 SUBSCRIBE 🔔 SHARE with someone who needs this message 👇 Tell us in the comments: What part of Deidra's story inspired you most? #SheWinsPodcast #WomenEmpowerment #PageantLife #Confidence #MindsetMatters #USOA #SheWins Check out the extended episode on She Wins Solutions for Pageantry Patreon Channel: https://www.patreon.com/c/shewins_solutionsandstories7 [https://www.patreon.com/c/shewins_solutionsandstories7] Heather Sumlin Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/shewins_solutionsandstories7 [https://www.patreon.com/shewins_solutionsandstories7] Website - https://www.heathersumlin.com/ [https://www.heathersumlin.com/] Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heathersumlin/ [https://www.instagram.com/heathersumlin/] FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/heathersumlinmentalcoach [https://www.facebook.com/heathersumlinmentalcoach] Deidra Murph Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stylebydeidra/or [https://www.instagram.com/stylebydeidra/or] https://www.instagram.com/usoamrswestcoast/ [https://www.instagram.com/usoamrswestcoast/] YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@stylebydeidra [https://www.youtube.com/@stylebydeidra] Website - https://msha.ke/deidramurphy [https://msha.ke/deidramurphy] Deidra Bio: A graduate of Whitworth University and former elementary teacher and high school cheer coach, Deidra Murphy transformed her passion for education and style into her thriving consulting brand, Style by Deidra. Today, she helps clients elevate their personal style and wardrobe, strengthen their branding, and shine in pageantry. In addition to her consulting firms, Deidra and her husband of 12 years Dr. Chris Murphy, own Newedge Family Chiropractic Clinic, Southeastern Washington's largest holistic health and wellness center. As one of the 20% of women who have struggled with infertility, Deidra felt divinely called to pursue adoption after more than five years of trying to grow her family. Four years ago, her son Declan gave her the greatest title of her life — Momma — and became the light of her world. That's when The Map to Motherhood platform was born. Through this platform, Deidra now provides hope, education, and connection to women navigating ALL non-traditional routes to becoming a mom. She shares resources through her YouTube webinar series, amplifies real stories of resilience through her podcast, and cultivates community through Facebook groups and social media, where her message now reaches more than 30,000 women. When she's not spending time with her husband and spirited toddler, Deidra can be found serving her community across the Tri-Cities and throughout the region. After competing on the national stage over Memorial Day weekend as USOA Mrs. Washington 2025, she was honored to place as 2nd Runner-Up, and has decided to return to the same competition again as USOA Mrs. West Coast 2026. Deidra has an insatiable love for motherhood, creating beautiful charcuterie boards, and dancing like no one is watching.

The Mindset of Miss Texas USA: Taylor Davis on Confidence, Faith & Winning

Miss Texas USA 2025 Taylor Davis joins the She Wins Podcast to share the powerful story behind her journey to the crown, one built on persistence, faith, and purpose. After competing multiple times before finally winning the Miss Texas USA title, Taylor proves that "delayed doesn't mean denied." In this conversation, she opens up about the lessons she learned through setbacks, staying confident under pressure, and how pageantry helped shape her leadership and platform. Taylor is more than a titleholder, she's also a data analyst for the NFL and a passionate advocate for empowering young women to pursue their goals with confidence and resilience. In this episode, we talk about: ✨ Taylor's journey to becoming Miss Texas USA 2025 ✨ Competing multiple times before finally winning the crown ✨ Balancing a career in sports analytics with pageantry ✨ Confidence, faith, and perseverance in competitive environments ✨ Representing Texas on the Miss USA stage If you've ever faced setbacks while chasing a dream, Taylor's story will remind you that persistence and purpose always win. 🎧 Watch the full interview and be inspired by Taylor's journey. Heather Sumlin Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/shewins_solutionsandstories7 [https://www.patreon.com/shewins_solutionsandstories7] Website - https://www.heathersumlin.com/ [https://www.heathersumlin.com/] Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heathersumlin/ [https://www.instagram.com/heathersumlin/] FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/heathersumlinmentalcoach [https://www.facebook.com/heathersumlinmentalcoach] Taylor Davis Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taylorlaurenn__/ [https://www.instagram.com/taylorlaurenn__/] or https://www.instagram.com/misstxusa/ [https://www.instagram.com/misstxusa/] Website - https://www.misstexasusa.com/ [https://www.misstexasusa.com/] Taylor Bio: Taylor Davis is a self-proclaimed "data analyst by day, pageant queen by night" from Allen, TX. The ultimate football fan, Taylor currently works for the National Football League (NFL) as a Social Media Analyst where she tracks and analyzes data across various platforms to discover key learnings and changes in user behavior. She also leads reporting for influencer & creator content. Taylor is extremely passionate about mentoring young girls and encouraging them to be confident, ambitious, and courageous. As Miss Dallas USA she created a program called the "Hail Mary" workshop, which is a team-bonding workshop that targets girls sports teams and teaches them about the S.M.A.R.T. goal method while cultivating confidence and a positive self-image. As Miss Texas USA, her plan is to elevate this program to a larger scale and inspire young girls across the state to be courageous and relentless in the pursuit of their dreams. Outside of work and pageantry, Taylor enjoys making playlists on Apple Music, breaking a sweat in Lagree class, and trying out new recipes from TikTok. Taylor is also a proud graduate of Howard University where she was a campus queen (Miss Howard University 2020-2021) and became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Alpha Chapter.

How Service Took Flight: Amanda Higginbotham's Story of Purpose & Passion

Join us on the She Wins Podcast as we sit down with Amanda Higginbotham — Miss Texas Volunteer 2026, dedicated community leader, and accomplished airline pilot — for an empowering & uplifting conversation! In this episode, Amanda shares how she blends her passion for service, leadership, and flight to make an impact both in the skies and in her community. From earning her wings to representing volunteerism at the state level, Amanda's story is one of courage, commitment, and purpose. 🌟 In this episode, you'll hear about: ✈️ What it takes to become an airline pilot ❤️ The power of community service & leadership 👑 Amanda's journey as Miss Texas Volunteer 2026 and why service matters 🚀 Turning dreams into goals — and goals into action Whether you're chasing your dreams, building confidence, or seeking inspiration to serve others — this conversation will motivate you to fly higher in your own life. 💫 👉 Watch now and be inspired to soar in every area of your life! 🔔 Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more She Wins stories! #SheWinsPodcast #AmandaHigginbotham #VolunteerLeadership #WomenInAviation #MissTexasVolunteer #Inspiration Join the She Wins - Solutions for Pageantry Patreon Channel to unlock the extended interview with Amanda including an unfiltered conversation, bonus behind-the-scenes moments, and her advice for each phase of competition! Support the show and get instant access on Patreon! Link to Amanda's extended interview on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/tips-for-gown-150785824 [https://www.patreon.com/posts/tips-for-gown-150785824] Heather Sumlin Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/shewins_solutionsandstories7 [https://www.patreon.com/shewins_solutionsandstories7] Website - https://www.heathersumlin.com/ [https://www.heathersumlin.com/] Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heathersumlin/ [https://www.instagram.com/heathersumlin/] FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/heathersumlinmentalcoach [https://www.facebook.com/heathersumlinmentalcoach] Amanda Higginbotham Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anhiggi/ [https://www.instagram.com/anhiggi/] https://www.instagram.com/misstxvolunteer/ [https://www.instagram.com/misstxvolunteer/] Websites: https://www.reachouttooutreaches.org/ [https://www.reachouttooutreaches.org/] \https://www.misstexasvolunteer.net/ Amanda Bio: Amanda Higginbotham, a born and raised Texan reigning as Miss Texas Volunteer, has a passport full of stamps and a heart full for service. A summa cum laude graduate with dual degrees in Aeronautical Science and International Studies and language certificates in Chinese and French, Amanda currently works as a DFW-based airline pilot and a part-time model. Also, with almost 5,000 lifetime volunteer service hours, she's the founder of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Reach Out to Outreaches Inc., which has partnered with charities such as American Cancer Society, Civil Air Patrol, Angel Flight South Central, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, MPowered performance troupe, and more. If she's not landing–or strutting–on a runway, Amanda loves to inspire others through her S.E.R.V.E initiative, The Spark Initiative - Igniting Curiosity to Spark Empowerment. She is a self-described movie critic, sushi eater, chess player, country dancer, and just another coffee lover. With a passion for life and a heart for others, Amanda wants to prove that courage, commitment, and a LOT of caffeine can take you anywhere!

Step Away: The Keys to Resilient Parenting with Dr. Kate Lund

In this episode of She Wins, host Heather Sumlin sits down with Dr. Kate Lund, author of "Stay Away: The Keys to Resilient Parenting", for a powerful and thoughtful conversation about parenting, purpose, and the moments that shape who we become. Dr. Lund opens up about her defining life experiences, what led her to write Stay Away, and the realities of navigating parenthood with intention and courage. Together, we explore the lessons learned through hard seasons, the strength it takes to protect what matters most, and how women can trust their instincts—even when it's uncomfortable. ✨ In this interview, we discuss: Dr. Kate Lund's journey and defining moments The heart behind her book Stay Away Honest conversations around parenting Growth, boundaries, and finding your voice as a woman If you're a parent, a leader, or simply someone who loves meaningful conversations about resilience and wisdom, this episode is for you. Join us on Patreon for the full extended conversation: https://www.patreon.com/shewins_solutionsandstories7 [https://www.patreon.com/shewins_solutionsandstories7] 🔗 Connect with Heather Sumlin Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/shewins_solutionsandstories7 [https://www.patreon.com/shewins_solutionsandstories7] Website: https://www.heathersumlin.com/ [https://www.heathersumlin.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersumlin/ [https://www.instagram.com/heathersumlin/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heathersumlinmentalcoach [https://www.facebook.com/heathersumlinmentalcoach] 🔗 Connect with Dr. Kate Lund Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_kate_lund/ [https://www.instagram.com/dr_kate_lund/] \Website: https://www.katelundspeaks.com/my-story [https://www.katelundspeaks.com/my-story] Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-optimized-mind/id1648306501 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-optimized-mind/id1648306501] Dr. Kate Lund Bio: Dr. Kate Lund is a clinical psychologist, keynote speaker, published author, and resilience expert dedicated to helping individuals and families thrive within their own unique contexts. With advanced training from three Harvard-affiliated hospitals and decades of experience in clinical practice, Dr. Lund specializes in emotional intelligence, stress resilience, and sustainable well-being for parents, athletes, and high performers. She is the author of Bounce: Help Your Child Build Resilience and Thrive in School, Sports, and Life and Step Away: The Keys to Resilient Parenting. Dr. Lund also hosts Resilient Parenting with Dr. Kate, a podcast that explores the science and lived experience of resilience through conversations with parents, educators, clinicians, and leaders. Known for her relatable, evidence-based approach, Dr. Lund blends clinical expertise with personal insight as the mother of twin boys and while working as a volunteer with her dog Wally as part of the animal assisted therapy program at Seattle Children's Hospital. Whether on stage, in session, or on the air, she empowers people to step away from overwhelm and step into clarity, connection, and confidence.