Keara to Miss Missouri USA

I am Keara Okolo, better known as Key. I was born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas. I graduated from Kansas's number one high school, Sumner Academy of Arts and Science. Post-secondary, I attended and graduated from Lincoln University of Missouri, obtaining my Bachelor's in Criminal Justice. After graduating from Lincoln, I pursued my Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of Southern Mississippi. I received 30 graduate credits in the Marriage and Family Therapy Master's program.

I then shifted to Jefferson City, MO, where I began my professional development as a Senior Recruitment Coordinator/Admissions Ambassador Supervisor at Lincoln University of Missouri.

I work for The HALO Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping reduce child homelessness. I have the pleasure of being the Jefferson City Program Coordinator. I've enhanced programs, provided services and necessary information to the community, and helped one more child spend one less day alone. Undoubtedly the career of my wildest dreams.

A year ago, I had the pleasure of participating in the 2022 Miss Missouri USA pageant, where I received two awards. Tricia Langa Service Award, honoring the contestant who performed the most community service with their local title. Along with the Mentor award, an honor voted on by Miss Missouri Teen competitors for the Miss Missouri contestant they most admired and looked up to as a role model.

If you sponsor or donate to me, here are three keys that help solidify the deal. I have pageantry experience. Having competed last year and helped 10+ young ladies prepare for pageants of their choosing. I am confident in myself. Truly a force. For five weeks, I led a "Self-Discovery" workshop with residents of The HALO Foundation. The goal was to provide positive examples of confidence. From knowing who you are, what you're consuming, and being aware of your outer appearance. I only completed this program because I was confident in my leadership ability. I am passionate. I love giving back, making a difference, and being a positive light in our community.

With my renewed mind, experience, confidence, passion, and financial support, I can enter and win the title of Miss Missouri USA and represent Jefferson City well.