News from last year's exciting event...

Photos from previous pageants

Hundreds came to be a part of the Plus USA Woman Pageant and Convention weekend of empowerment held November 2-4, 2001 in Downtown Cleveland, OH. With 60% of American women size 14 or above, the event broadened the definition of beauty while giving a voice to the majority of women often left out of main-stream fashion and beauty events.

More than a contest, the National Plus USA Woman Beauty Pageant and Convention offered an entire weekend of seminars, lectures and workshops with comprehensive advise and tips on full figured beauty, health, fashion and self-esteem. Led by top celebrities and industry leaders, this year's line-up included Catherine Schuller, Former Retail Fashion Editor of MODE, Michelle Weston; Author of "Learning Curves", Judy Molnar, Team Active Dreamers, Barbara Harris, The Fabulous You and Cynthia Tivers of a Big Attitude. Each shared personal stories and discussed their triumphs as full figured celebrities.

Monica Stouder of Jacksonville Florida, was crowned the Plus USA Woman '02. As a child Monica demonstrated her leadership and public speaking abilities at an early age. She participated in and was team captain for various sports including volleyball, basketball and softball. Academically, Monica was the team leader for her debate and speech team. She won a Washington State speaker award for her interpretation of "Pride". She was elected her Associated Student Body President in high school and used this position to chair an early morning class of other students in leadership positions. In addition to these mentioned activities, Monica was active in the schools drama department and played the flute in the school's award winning marching band.

As the reigning Plus USA Woman 2002 Monica hopes to develop a platform in which she can speak to other plus women on such motivating issues as 'Tools for Continued Life Successes', and 'Self and Size Acceptance'. Additionally, with this newfound notoriety, Monica hopes to have an opportunity to address some of the negative issues regarding plus sizes in the fashion industry.

DeLores Pressley, who is the woman behind this fabulous event, has been the personification of full figured grace and beauty since winning the prestigious Full Figure Model Award in 1983. "The purpose of this Convention and Pageant is to promote positive images of plus size females and to create an avenue and launch successful careers in the modeling and entertainment industry.", states Pressley. Pressley has graced the pages of national magazines and received national press. Her many achievements have earned her prestigious awards and is a sought after motivational speaker on topics of self-development, modeling and fashion. Her motivational message to plus-sized women is that a full figured woman can be beautiful, healthy and successful. The empowerment to do so comes from within, and every woman has the capacity to be the best she can be.

PLUS USA WOMAN FINAL WINNERS AND RUNNERS UP

PLUS USA WOMAN 2002

Monica Stouder

PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION

Candace Palmertree-Werginz - Ms. Plus Photogenic
Monica Stouder - Runner Up

PAGEANTRY COMPETITION

Division I

Kyra Hardwick - Winner
Candace Palmertree-Werginz - 1st Runner Up

Division II

Lee Johns - Winner
Gaundhi Hays - 1st Runner Up

Divison III

Vikki Washington - Winner
Jacqueline Lawrence - 1st Runner Up