FORT BENNING, Ga., (Aug. 27, 2014) -- Mrs. Georgia, Eiesha Horsley, is taking on a new challenge as she competes for the Mrs. America crown Aug. 27-29 in Tucson, Arizona.
The Midland, Georgia, resident was crowned Mrs. Georgia June 29 in Atlanta, beating out 13 other competitors in categories such as formal evening gown, fitness and on stage answer and question. Horsley, wife of Capt. Jarrell Horsley, said it was exciting to earn the crown more than 10 years after competing in her last pageant.
"I was former Miss Norfolk State University and competed for Miss Virginia in 2002," she said. "I just got married May 3, so I qualified for Mrs. America and thought I would try it out and see how it goes. It definitely worked out in my favor."
Horsley is serving her one-year commitment to her title by competing for Mrs. America and using her platform to promote various causes in the local community. She is involved with the Boys and Girls Club of America, Girl Scouts of America, Paint the Town Pink and volunteers with various churches and highlights women's equality issues.
"This gives you the opportunity to have a platform in many variations and it's different from the 'Miss' pageants because with your life experiences you are able to do so much more," Horsley said. "Now you are dealing with women across the world who have careers and our wisdom is more extended than our younger years, so we're more passionate about different things in our community."
Horsley said her husband has been one of the strongest supporters of her title as they strive to work together as a team in their personal and professional goals.
"As a military spouse, we travel often and we are the main support for our husbands," she said. "It's very difficult to balance a career and Family because of the frequent moves, but my husband was very positive when I said I wanted to try something new."
Horsley is also an entrepreneur who coaches young girls in gymnastics, dance, etiquette and pageant preparation through her business, MADE Today. Horsley said she is hopeful to earn the Mrs. America title and continue to inspire youth in her community and across the country.
"I would do it with or without a crown, but there's something about touching children's lives when they see that crown on your head -- there's nothing like it," she said. "It totally changes their perspective and makes (your platform) more appealing to others."
For more information, follow Horsley's Facebook page, Eiesha Horsley-Mrs. Georgia America 2014, her Instagram page @Eiesha or on Twitter @EieshaW.
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