Celebrating Jude Maboné: Miss District of Columbia’s Journey to Miss America

Send-off Party

I was happy to attend the send-off party for the reigning Miss District of Columbia, Jude Maboné . Jude is not just another pageant contestant, she embodies resilience, dedication, and a spirit of service, making her journey to the Miss America finals not only inspiring but profoundly impactful.

Six-Time Heart Attack Survivor

Nope, that wasn't a typo; she has had and survived six heart attacks. Diagnosed with a heart condition at a young age, she turned her adversity into advocacy. Working with organizations like MedStar Health , Simon's Heart , and the American Heart Association , Jude has become a vocal advocate for heart health. Her efforts are not just about raising awareness, they are deeply personal and a testament to her unyielding spirit.

Supporting Veterans and Community

She is deeply involved with the Honor Flight Network , dedicating her time and energy to supporting military veterans in the D.C. area. For those who don't know, Honor Flight provides veterans with free trips to Washington, D.C., to visit memorials dedicated to honoring their service and sacrifices. (Next time you are at DCA, check out gate D38.) This commitment to those who have served our country is a reflection of her compassionate nature and her desire to give back to the community that has supported her. We often don't do enough to support our Veterans, however Jude goes the extra mile and gives up her free time to do so.

Professional Ambitions

In addition to her advocacy work and competing in pageants, Jude's professional and academic pursuits are equally remarkable. Working full-time at a law firm in D.C. (I'm biased, but a great employer Seward & Kissel LLP ), she is also focused on furthering her education, applying to business school. Her drive to balance a demanding career, academic ambitions, and extensive community service is nothing short of inspiring.

Public Perception of Miss America

My understanding of the Miss America pageants has been profoundly reshaped, largely thanks to following Jude's journey. I've gained a new perspective, seeing it as more than just TV events and YouTube videos. It is a year-round program that offers participants opportunities for personal growth, community engagement, and skill development. Jude's journey has highlighted the empowering and impactful nature of these pageants. So I thank her for that.

What's Next?

The Miss America finals are scheduled for January 14th, 2024, at 7:00 PM in Orlando, and tickets are sold out. So I ask you to support by watching the final via streaming or supporting one of Jude's causes easily found within her Instagram page.

Miss DC's Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missamericadc/

Miss America's Website: https://www.missamerica.org

Conclusion: Rallying for Jude at Miss America

Please join me in supporting Jude in her quest for Miss America. Her journey transcends the competition; it's about celebrating the spirit of a woman who's redefining what it means to be a beauty queen in today's world. Jude Maboné is more than Miss District of Columbia; she's a symbol of hope, strength, and the power of dreaming. + a really good friend!