Women’s empowerment advocate and Hyattsville resident, Kristus M. Ratliff has been crowned Mrs. Maryland Plus America 2014. She will compete with women from all over the United States for the title of Miss Plus America Elite in July of 2014. “It is an honor to represent the State of Maryland in the Miss Plus America Pageant.
“I hope to bring the title home to Maryland this July and continue spreading my positive message of empowerment and self-love to girls and women,” she said.
As Mrs. Maryland Plus America 2014, Ratliff will have the opportunity to further promote her platform: Sing Your Own Song. “Sing Your Own Song is my way of encouraging girls to use music as a tool to share their unique perspectives with the world and conquer their fears,” she said.
Music was an integral part of Ratliff overcoming the challenges of bullying and childhood abuse. “It was like free therapy,” she remarked. “When I was on stage, I was forced to silence my insecurities, and forget about my painful past. It required a level of focus and attention that left no room for my baggage. Through music, I was able to push past my fear and discover a powerful young woman inside of myself.”
This year, Ratliff will partner with Girls Rock! DC, a local non-profit organization that operates two, two-week long camps each summer for girls in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area. The camp offers girls exciting opportunities like: learning an instrument, performing on stage for a crowd, developing leadership skills, learning how to work as a member of a team and learning to take risks.
The Miss Plus America Pageant system is unlike any other pageant concept. It celebrates the inner beauty of each contestant, as well as recognizing their commitment to their communities. Melissa Stamper, executive director for Coronet Productions says, “Kristus is an ideal candidate for the Miss Plus America Pageant. We are proud to have her as a state titleholder.”
A graduate of American University, Ratliff works for an IT consulting firm as a senior project manager. Ratliff is also a serial entrepreneur, having launched several successful businesses. In her current project, Ratliff Events and Lifestyle Experts (www.ratliffevents.com), she partners with women-owned businesses to develop unique, educational health and wellness events.
For more information concerning this outstanding woman, visit www.kristusratliff.com.