Miss Northern States
Stacey Mulinex, Miss Northern States Founder and Director
Stacey’s love of pageantry is what inspired her to launch Miss Northern States. Miss Northern States is a regional system providing opportunities for girls and women of all ages in the northeastern territory of the United States and Canada. MNS is a service-based system that focuses on sharing kindness. Stacey has over 13 years of experience in the industry and worked at a national pageant level for many years. After listening to feedback from young women and families there was common theme that more opportunities are needed which includes local pageants and training, so at MNS you will find various events throughout each year.
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Stacey spent 30 successful years in higher education supporting students. Stacey is a business professional with high ethical standards and values inclusion, innovation, learning, and partnerships. Stacey believes it is extremely meaningful to help others reach their life goals and through pageantry she is able to help support girls, and young women reach their fullest potential all while sharing her passion for community service to make a positive difference in local communities throughout the country. In her spare time, she is a busy mom, wife, and loves traveling with her family.
Rose Davis, Judges Chair
Rose M. Davis was the reigning 2022-2023 UIE Ms. Great Lakes Legend. She was born in Saginaw, Michigan. She has a bachelor's degree in engineering from Michigan State University and a master's degree in manufacturing operations from Kettering University. Rose has worked for General Motors for over 27 years as an engineer! A fun fact is Rose is a 21st Century Rosie at the American Rosie the Riveter Association (ARRA) Willow Run Chapter. This is a national organization founded in 1998 to preserve the legacy of the working women of World War II. Rose has been involved in pageantry since 2015 and her daughter, Ashley won numerous titles. Her motto is that she "believes that God can use every person's life story good or bad for HIS glory and that we should never be ashamed to share our journey. In doing so, we encourage and motivate others to LIVE beyond their current situation".
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As the Judges Chair, Rose has the important job of maintaining the exemplary standards set by Miss Northern States to ensure there is a consistent, fair, and equitable judging process. She will be responsible for processing the official scoring tabulation and will deliver the secure results to the emcee.
Kyle Strohecker, Audio Visual and Technical Manager
Kyle Strohecker has a vast background in the audio visual field. Starting out his career at The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, he played a major roll designing a national award winning animal show, along with designing and installed audiovisual equipment throughout the zoo. From there he went to the corporate sector where he learn how to run and manage large scale events. Now working at Columbus State Community College as an in-house AV Technician, Kyle is volunteering his skills and expertise to create an exciting stage production.
Mariah Saldana, Choreographer &
Opening Number Coordinator
Meet Mariah! Mariah Saldana was the reigning 2023-2024 Miss Northern States Ambassador. She is the creator of her service platform, Channel Your Inner Warrior! She encourages and supports others when they need a friend at difficult times. Mariah trusts in God and knows there is always a plan. Mariah's love for dance started when she was just a little girl! Now 14 years later, she is still a competition dancer and holds numerous national titles. She is classically trained in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Modern, Musical Theater, and Lyrical. Mariah is also a seasoned pageant competitor! She is excited to share her love of dance with the contestants!
McKenzie Mulinex, Production Assistant
Meet McKenzie Mulinex! Kenzie is excited to support her mom and assist with pageant duties. She is a 12th grade student, enrolled in a competitive Dental Assisting Program, is a model, and supports various community service projects. Kenzie is no stranger to pageantry as she has competed at a local, state, national, and international level. She enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and her cats, Willow and Ju Ju. In the summer she loves traveling to her favorite place - the beach!
Chris Hawks, Professional Photographer
Chris Hawks is the owner of Chris Hawks Imaging. Chris has 25+ years of professional photography experience. He was a chemistry and physics teacher, university instructor at Ohio University, and is now working in the field of instructional design. Chris is a husband to his wife, Beth, a father of three, and now enjoying the role as grandpa! Visit his website at chrishawks.com to see some of his incredible photos. Chris will support Miss Northern States as the stage photographer at MNS pageant events and for special projects.
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Joni Marie Foster, Videographer
Miss Joni's Photography Founder, Joni Marie Foster has loved photography since she was very young. She made it her career at age 19 and has not looked back in 34 years. Joni is married with three children, one amazing grandson, and two very spoiled dogs. She loves to spend her free time shopping with her grandson or cooking. Joni will support Miss Northern States as the Videographer and support special photography projects.