A year ago when Tyleen Caffrey competed in the U.S. United Pageant system in Atlanta, Georgia, she was named Queen of Queens. The rhinestone crown and sash will always be hers, but it is time for her to pass the title to the next deserving delegate. In July 2016, among women of all ages and sizes, she was crowned with the highest overall point title.

She said,"The pageant allows to me continue my personal mission of positive body image; beauty has no size."

The competition categories include interview, which is 50 percent of the score, fashion wear and evening gown – both 25 percent.

"I had an amazing time, meeting my rhinestone sisters from all over the country, and went to the pageant to have fun and meet new friends without thinking about winning the crown," Ms. Caffrey said. "I was in complete shock to earn the highest point title, Queen of Queens, over all division titles." Ms. Caffrey also competed in the optional talent competition with a song selection from the musical Chicago.

Since winning the title, Ms. Caffrey has traveled through her home area – the Four States and in New Mexico promoting her platform and nonprofit organization, Monarch Formals, and the pageant's national platform of Breast Cancer Awareness. She has participated in Relay for Life events, speaking with survivors, friends and family of those impacted by breast cancer – in addition to other unique opportunities, such as an opportunity to model with MacDuggal formal wear, emcee for a host of events, public speaking engagements and community service.

Ms. Caffrey notes the importance of representing your community. "I feel it is important for civic engagement and to donate our time to help other organizations and those in need. From playing my trumpet for the kettle campaign for The Salvation Army, supporting other pageant systems, Chamber of Commerce events or speaking to a group of new leaders on campus, all cultivate positive change for our community." Ms. Caffrey is an adjunct professor in social work at ENMU, and Title IV-E Field Liaison. In addition, she is employed with Rooney Moon Broadcasting, operates Party2Go Mobile Entertainment Services and is the founder of Monarch Formals in both New Mexico and Kansas.

She is pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Music. You can follow Ms. Caffrey's journey on her Facebook page: 2016 Queen of Queens-Tyleen Caffrey.