On
July 20, 2013 in Arlington, Virginia, LaFonda Parham, Mrs. Essence 2012
captured the title of Ms. Essence International 2013. This title is
given to one out of the five division winners from 2012 that had the
best overall year and is chosen by the Board of Directors.
LaFonda
Dandridge Parham is a native of Richmond, Virginia. She is a wife, a
mother of four beautiful and extraordinary children, a businesswoman, an
ambassador, an advocate and a volunteer in her community. Prior to
running Heating & Kooling, LLC with her husband she worked at the
Virginia Department of Health Professions for the Virginia Board of
Medicine. She and her husband run their own, thriving HVAC Company,
Heating & Kooling, LLC. She is also the founder and CEO of New
Blissful Cosmetics, LLC. She is a trained ambassador for the American
Diabetes Association and has coordinated ambassador trainings in
Richmond, Virginia for project POWER. She facilitated and started first
annual Bring Your Tennis Shoes to Church Day, and facilitated and
coordinated a team for Step Out Walk through the American Diabetes
Association. LaFonda is a member of National Association of Women
Business Owners National and Richmond Chapter.
She
received her Bachelor’s degree from George Mason University in Public
Relations. She then went on to receive her Graduate Certificate in
Business Administration from Strayer University.
LaFonda
always knew in her heart that she was put on this earth to make a
difference in the world. She didn’t know that her mission would come
from a very personal place. When her husband was diagnosed with Type 2
diabetes in 2011, the very next night after giving birth to their fourth
child, she was determined to help her husband conquer diabetes.
LaFonda’s
passion is her devotion to spreading the message of diabetes prevention
and awareness worldwide, in honor of her husband, in which she draws
her inspiration and ignites her passion to encourage him and others all
over the world to FIGHT diabetes! She is passionate about
finding the missing millions who either are diabetic and unaware of it
or that are pre-diabetic and able to prevent the diagnosis through
various lifestyle changes.
In
addition to promoting her platform, Making Strides to Diabetes
Prevention, LaFonda is a trained ambassador with the American Diabetes
Association with Project Power, where she engages in the in a variety of
year round activities, that provide lessons which improve the health of
those members living with diabetes, their families and the greater
community as well. She is a member of her church’s Health ministry, and a
member and Chaplin of her church’s Liturgical Dance Ministry. She has
also ministered through dance in the play “God’s Trombones” for two
years. LaFonda is a very active volunteer with HandsOn Greater Richmond
with the VA Food Bank, assisting in the distribution center by sorting
donations and restocking supplies, the Chimborazo Family Food Pantry in
partnership with the Virginia Food Bank hosting a monthly mobile food
pantry that serves over 200 families with healthy food. On April 26,
2012, LaFonda was honored by the American Diabetes Association for her
contributions to the community as an ambassador for the American
Diabetes Association in Richmond, Virginia.
She is also a team captain for the Step Out Walk, being held on October 12, 2013 sponsored by the American Diabetes Association.
LaFonda
believes that her time on this earth is a time of purpose and
fulfillment to others. She wishes to leave a legacy for the generations
to come and to inspire others to “Live your life so that others may be
fulfilled”.
During
her reign LaFonda is committed to promoting her platform Making Strides
for Diabetes Awareness and Prevention. She hopes to inspire others with
the story of her life and show them that they too can FIGHT diabetes!
LaFonda is also looking for opportunities to promote businesses and
individuals through appearances locally and nationally. Please contact Sue Drakeford at info@essencepageant.org if you are interested in having Ms. Essence International 2013 at an appearance.
About the Pageant
The Essence Pageant system was created by Sue Drakeford in 2007 The
Essence Pageant system signifies the “Essence” of Today’s Modern Woman,
striving to be the most stylish, urban, trend setting pageant around.
The
Essence Pageant System awards five different categories to celebrate
women of all ages: Teen, Miss, Mrs., Ms., and Mrs. Classic Essence. For more information about the Essence Pageant, please visit: www.essencepageant.org. To book LaFonda for an appearance at an upcoming event please contact Sue Drakeford at info@essencepageant.org or call 888.876.6555 Ext 4.
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