Why I'm Running for Mrs. Corporate America...Why is this the Right Journey for Me?

Mrs. Maine Corporate America 2013 Shawn Cunningham Explains Her Cause of Concern and Why Leadership Comes Naturally To Her and How She's Been Working Her Platform All Her Life

(June 2012)--My life’s credo is "You can either sit on the sidelines watching life's parade pass you by...or you can lead it, marching proudly!" I have always chosen to face life head on. I've learned that hard work does reward a feeling of accomplishment and payoffs and why its incredibly important to pull myself up by my own bootstraps...through planning, determination, and confidence…dreams can be realized....and above all you can't be a winner and a whiner at the same time, or at all. I also learned that I can encourage, motivate and inspire other people to be leaders. I know how important it is to be around like-minded people...to distance yourself from naysayers and lean toward positive thinkers, speakers and people of action.

I think all people are innately born to win. What sets us apart is making that realization, facing tough choices, looking ahead and being able to persevere through difficult circumstances. Not standing stoic in that situation for any length of time. We also need to learn from past mistakes, unwise decisions and not be weighed down because you made a stupid decision every once in a while. It took me years in this profession, and I'm still learning how to master the art of being Shawn. I'm enjoying the journey (especially through this Mrs. Corporate America experience) of learning new things about myself, appreciating who Shawn is, being proud of where I come from and being excited of where I'm going. I know thinking with an affirmative attitude is key, maintaining that can do attitude is an absolute must! Sometimes my devotion to serving the community can stress me out (with the multitasking, juggling and taking on more) And I've also learned the importance of balance and how to say no, sometimes. But above all else, what drives me, what fuels me is knowing I'm making a difference and somehow leaving an imprint of excellence on those I come in contact with.

I know I can do the same, extend that endeavor if you will, as the next Mrs. Corporate America 2013. My platform "The Business of Service" is all about that. I've engaged in community service for what feels all my life. If you count collecting money in the tray at church as a kid, yeah...it definitely would be all my life. And service isn't something I'm just thrown myself in for a pageant title, its an endeavor my whole family is devoted to...including my husband AJ. Its something we're passionate about and share as a couple and want to pass onto our kids someday.

I am ready and equipped to take on the title of Mrs. Corporate America because I am a leader. This is a TREMENDOUS life-fulfilling dream and opportunity to implement my passion for community service, volunteerism and servant leadership paired with the business community. And while all the women who participate in this outstanding system are dynamic in their chosen professions, industries, as entrepreneurs and of course community leaders, I KNOW what commitment, leadership and excellence I can bring to this program following in the footsteps of so many other women who've contributed to MCA, their communities and promoting their issues of concern. I am a person who makes things happen and evokes change. My main goal is to continue to promote this system because I think it is remarkable.

I'm no stranger to being a queen, but representing the title of Mrs. Maine Corporate America 2013 is a designation of great pride to me because it partners service with professionalism.

My formula for success:

SERVICE + BUSINESSES=PROFESSIONALLY EQUIPPED LEADERS +STRONGER COMMUNITIES

Mrs. Maine Corporate America Emcees TAMC Day Parade in Presque Isle

Mrs. Maine Corporate America Shawn Cunningham Emcees TAMC Day Parade, Celebrating The Aroostook Medical Center's 100th Anniversary of Providing Healthcare in Local Community

(June 2012)--Everyone loves a parade and this one was a hundred years in the making. The Aroostook Medical Center has been providing quality healthcare to county residents for a century now. And to celebrate the milestone, the healthcare site received an official proclamation designating June 10th TAMC Day at City Hall, then marched on to an official parade with more than fifty floats, concluding with a celebration barbeque with all the fix'ins at TAMC's hospital campus.

I was honored to be asked to see as emcee and co-host with my great friend and phenomenal community leader Theresa Fowler, the Executive Director of the Central Aroostook Area Chamber of Commerce. Did I also mention Theresa received the well deserved honor of being a past Maine Chamber Director of the Year. She does Northern Maine exceptionally proud!

We had a blast and only prayed for one thing. That the cloudy skies would give way to sunshine and warm temperatures throughout the day. After all alot of planning went into these events which also featured the annual Presque Isle Citywide Yard Sale. So having great weather is key. The sun fought a few battles, but some showers won their share as well. Still, wet weather aside, we forged through not letting anything dampen our spirits.

I loved seeing everyone come out to support the parade along Main Street and leading up Academy to the hospital. There were military floats, the Shriners, lot's of queens, clowns and of course TAMC employees who had themed floats depending on their department or decade saluting some historical fact of TAMC's continued contributions to the county community. Even The King himself, ELVIS was very much alive and not in the building...but in the streets!

Then I made my way to the hospital site for the barbeque and meet and greet with the community. Awesome day, awesome parade. Thank you TAMC for all that you do!

Happy 100 years! 

Mrs. Maine Corporate America Takes on The Big Apple and Professional Women in America

Mrs. Maine Corporate America Shawn Cunningham Attends NAPW National Networking Conference in NYC

(May 2012)--The National Association of Professional Women held their annual networking and leadership conference in New York City at the Sheraton Ballroom and Towers. It was an honor to be among more than a thousand woman who came from all over the country to attend this exciting event. Well when the Mistress of Ceremonies is TV empressario and 'would be' Apprentice Star Jones Esq. I can understand why so many wanted to see the STAR power up close and personal. And I had a front seat, in the VIP section as a month before the conference the organization had contacted me with the humbling news that they had selected me as a 2012 Young Career Woman of the Year for all my career and community service achievements...including representing my state at the upcoming National Mrs. Corporate America Competition next year. One big perk for the distinction, was a front row seat at the conference. Another big perk, my honoree plaque which should be arriving at work anyday now. (can't wait to get it!)

The conference started bright and early 8:30 AM with registration and early meet & greet/pre-networking with other conference attendees. I was loving the dress I was wearing. Purple is power! and I was feeling it in that hotel from the moment I walked in.

These were some dynamic women. I met a woman who drove in from southern Virginia and had started her own youth girls motivational organization. Then another woman had started her own cosmetics line. There were women from the south, upstate New York, Texas, even as far as California. All attending with the promise of personal success and mental fulfillment. After all, success really does begin in your mind. You achieve what you believe!

And then the event began, with meeting Ms. Star herself! This woman is a powerhouse. Accomplished, talented and confident. Fully aware of her self worth. And the leadership panels throughout the day were no less filled with dynamic, extraordinary women. Women including Rachel Zuckerberg (a cofounder of Fcaebook), Christie Hefner (who ran Playboy Enterprises), The CEO of Saks Fifth Avenue, the CEO of CNN Worldwide. The keynote speaker was Sara Blakely the founder/owner of SPANX, an innovative idea that she turned into a multibillion dollar business and enterprise.

There were alot of advice and suggestions in achieving success...but one thing continued to echo the ballroom. "Persistence Does Pays Off...Giving up should NEVER be an option or a consideration if you want to SUCCEED!" They also talked about how sometimes you have to be your only support system, biggest cheerleader, and loudest voice if you want to prevail. Against other naysayers, even your inner voice telling you to quit. You just can't!

The other thing they suggested was have that success mentor...one you come in contact with and perhaps one you've never even met. Find the shared characteristics of successful people and try to adopt some of those traits. I have already have one...a stubborn determination to succeed!

After lunch and both leadership panels, including the keynote speaker talk...we had a half hour speed networking session. Its kind of like speed dating except you sit across from the other person and in ten minutes talk about yourself, what you want to accomplish, and how you're working to meet that goal. Its a GREAT exercise, because another great asset to have in success is GREAT COMMUNICATION SKILLS and not being afraid to sell yourself, market your idea and a deep love or passion for your endeavor. We also exchanged business cards and I happily gave all mine away by the end of the day. And collected even more. It was a successful day indeed.

I'm so thrilled to be a member of this organization and to be in contact with so many diverse women 'doing BIG things.' I plan to work with the state chapter of NAPW and continue to invite more working/professional women into this fold of achievement, success and solidarity.

Can't wait till next year's conference. I wonder who they'll have...Someday I plan on being their keynote speaker. Maybe as Mrs. Corporate America. One can dream...and work to bring that dream into fruition! (wink)