Philadelphia native and NABFEME member Renee Reynolds represented the city of “Brotherly Love & Sisterly Affection” and the state of “Virtue, Liberty, and Independence” in the World Finals of the Classic Universe 2021 Pageant, held at the Orleans Hotel and Casino in exciting Las Vegas. Congratulations to Renee Reynolds, who was crowned Ms. Classic Universe 2021-2022.
Renee Reynolds uses her Pageant platform to advocate against Domestic Violence with a focus on Human and Sex Trafficking. She uses her voice to share her story of being a survivor of Domestic Violence. In addition to using her voice to help others, Renee has a wide variety of specialties under her belt. Renee is an actress, model, bandleader, and radio host of Babygirl Says. Renee will be graduating from McFormalsdale Christian University with an Honorary Doctorate in Business and Domestic Violence in September 2021.Â
Renee has performed in a variety of settings, including opening the stage for great names like The Stylistics, The O’Jays, Vickie Winans, Avery Sunshine, and others. She served as band leader and opening act for Philadelphia’s McFadden & Whitehead for more than seven years.Â
I’ve had the opportunity to witness Renee in action as she performed in Rick Watson’s plays. I didn’t know much about the Pageant world, but Renee has taken time to educate me on pageants.
Shelly Shell: What prompted you to get into the pageant system?
Renée Reynolds: I decided to enter pageants to build self-esteem and empower other women to change their destinies. They can accomplish anything they set their minds to do, no matter how old or young they are.
Shelly Shell: Who do you admire along your pageant journey?Â
Renée Reynolds: Any woman that has the confidence to step out on the pageant stage and display the grace and style necessary to join the sisterhood of pageantry and build new relationships. The ultimate goal is to build yourself and others around you, and if you Shelly Shell: It seems to cost a lot to compete; how do you get sponsorship?Â
Renée Reynolds: Depending on the system you choose, registration fees vary. I have a very successful family (my sons), and they pay most, if not all, of my costs. I have several friends who choose to remain unannounced and have paid for various items such as Photographers, gowns, hair, makeup, or program books. I do not go out to grab sponsorships win, that is the icing on the cake. Pageantry can be costly; I know some who have spent $20K to compete and some as low as $250. It all depends on the notoriety of the system.Â
Shelly Shell: What’s next after winning?
Renée Reynolds: I plan to continue to travel around the country to bring awareness to Domestic Violence, Human/Sex Trafficking, Bullying, and Cancer Awareness. I am an advocate for those that cannot or who are afraid to speak for themselves. I am working very closely with several organizations here and in Africa to achieve my goals through public speaking, conferences, Zoom calls, and interviews. The organizations that I am working with now are Women Against Human Trafficking, Kisumu Happy Ladies.Org, and Peaches and Cream Foundation.Â
Renee is the proud mother of three children and three grandchildren. Renee strives to show women how her career trajectory took her from ashes to the big stage and how they can do the same. Her favorite scripture is Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” In her spare time, Renee enjoys photography, motivational speaking, singing, and hosting her Annual Pink Diamond Ball in Memory of her sisters, Teal Reynolds and Loretta Sakil. You can Contact Renee if you would like to sponsor her at: msclassicuniverse@gmail.com
PPC Radio ShowÂ
The PPC Radio Show airs every Wednesday 2 pm-4 pm hosted by Cynda Williams and Shelly Shell live on TheGrowneFolksRadio.com
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