KENWOOD — Quinniya Hearn, a college graduate and single mother, was homeless just 14 months ago.
On Sunday night, Hearn wore a flowing ball gown, carried a bulging bouquet of roses and had a crown placed atop her head. She had just earned the title of Miss Voluptuous Diva USA 2015.
Founded by Barbara Ellzey, Miss Voluptuous Diva USA is a scholarship pageant that aims to empower women to embrace their curves and pursue their dreams. The winning contestant is offered the opportunity to promote a cause they care about through public appearances and speaking engagements.
Hearn, now employed as a social worker, has overcome homelessness and lives in Auburn Gresham with her daughter, Phallyn. After hearing about the pageant through her church, she set out to win so that she could help women facing homelessness, like she once was.
This is the pageant's first year, but brought an audience of more than 100 to King College Prep Sunday night. Each of the 12 contestants, ranging in age from 20-51, all wear at least a size 14 dress size. They were judged by their performance in three categories: talent, gown presentation, and question-and-answer.
Taking home honors at the pageant were Trevia Crumiell (third place), Isha Wardell (second place), Barbara Williams (first place), and Hearn (Miss Voluptuous Diva USA 2015).
When Hearn's name was announced, she placed her face in her hands and openly cried on stage. Her fellow contestants circled her in a group embrace as the auditorium roared with applause.
After the announcement, Hearn was escorted to a private room where she was congratulated, photographed and interviewed. Phallyn was at her side, tugging on her mother's dress and repeating, "You did it, mama!"
Hearn was all smiles.
"It's not about me," she said. "It's for a great cause. My platform is eradicating homelessness and that's what I'm going to do. I'm ecstatic. I'm at a loss for words."
The contestants worked together for several months to prepare, and underwent modeling coaching, boot-camp style physical training, and workshops that fine-tuned their poise, speaking abilities and selected talents.
During the talent competition, Hearn performed a spoken word interpretative dance that reflected her journey from homelessness to stability.
She shared the power of overcoming personal struggles next to a sign with the words "unemployment," "ugly" and "failure" painted on it. In the background a song repeated the lyrics, "We fall down and we get up."
Other contestants shared their talents through singing, trumpet playing, hairstyling and motivational speaking.
Pageant contestant Stephanie Jackson said she felt privileged to be a contestant and that she felt like a stronger woman as a result.
"My confidence has went from 50 to 1,000," she said. "These women up here are amazing, each one of them has a story. I am very grateful and honored to have been a part of this experience. I've learned so much about myself in the process."
"We're gonna make this fabulous every year," Ellzey said. "We want to honor all women and give them the opportunity to do guest appearances and promote their platforms."
Proceeds from the evening's $25 ticket sales were donated to the nonprofit SISTAH, which works with women who struggle with substance abuse. Ellzey said the pageant will return in August 2016 and she's also planning a similar style pageant for teenage girls.
The announcements about the Miss Voluptuous Diva USA 2016 casting will be posted on the Voluptuous Diva USA Pageant Facebook Page.
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