MEET CORDELIA
"I use my past experiences and my pain to fuel my purpose."
Trauma is anything that overwhelms a person's capacity to cope each day. My greatest passion is to bring healing to children and families who have experienced trauma. I help individuals find healthy perceptions of themselves and strengthen their ability to create lifelong relationships so they can thrive. My educational background includes earning a bachelor’s from George Mason University and, a Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland's Advance Standing Social Work Program. As a former foster youth and now, foster system advocate; coach; author; speaker, former Miss District of Columbia USA 2019 and Licensed Graduate Social Worker; I founded a nonprofit organization, Acts of Random Kindness (ARK), a program that provides programs and resources to children and families facing life challenges that include incarcerated parents, homelessness, and foster care.
AS SEEN ON
MISS DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA USA
Cordelia's first priority as Miss District of Columbia USA 2019 was to help inspire others to turn their dreams into reality. She states, "No matter what life challenges you face, no matter how negative the circumstances are, we can always turn negatives into positives.” Cordelia traveled to local schools and youth groups, sharing her experiences and tools for success. She instilled hope in those who felt hopeless, encouraging them to believe we are all only one resource away from reaching our dreams.
BEATING THE ODDS
In May 2019, Cordelia had the honor to represent the District of Columbia at the 2019 Miss USA pageant in May. Although Cordelia did not bring the crown back to the District, she placed Top 10 out of the 51 contestants. Cordelia continues to show that no matter where your past has been, your future can be anything you can dream it to be.
