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)

And I Took The Road Less Traveled By...

A Journey Into The North Maine Woods Is A Lot Like Competing For Mrs. Corporate America...

OK, so this blog entry, I feel is related to my Mrs. Corporate America endeavor in a roundabout way...its about the courage to attempt to do something you've never done before...taking risks and above else enjoying the journey, even when its hard and you want to turn around and go back.

This past fall my husband AJ and I aong with four of our other friends (two other couples) embarked on a daylong trek DEEP into the North Maine woods to find these historic abandoned trains from the early 1900's. Historically, they were used to bring lumber from the woods and deposit them into the nearby lake for transportation to other parts of the world. They are indeed artifacts. And well, it was an adventure I shall never forget. Yes, this chic city girl braved a dawn's early rise, a long sojourn into muddy waters, the fear of coming face to face with Maine's wildlife, and above all else wearing bright hunter's orange.

We started bright and early at 5:30 am on a Saturday morning. We rented a van and made our way up to Ashland to the entry point of the North Maine Woods. Its called the six mile gate. Our friends Mitch and Wanda Guiggey served as tour guides as Mitch loves to hunt and goes up there several times a year. He knows these woods like the back of his hand. (despite getting us lost the first time we went...LOL) So actually this was our second group attempt. With music blaring and our excitement brewing, we embarked. I have to admit, I didn't know what to expect. I'm used to concrete jungles, not actual forests. But, I've always been a risktaker, and I wasn't gonna let a thing like fear of the unknown hold me back. Now maybe fear of questionable fashion choices might be more correct? Did I mention, we had to wear BRIGHT hunter's orange. Afterall, we went during deer hunting season (or so I was told) I hope I wasn't being hazed. Check out my gear...

During the ride, I called my parents to tell them what we were doing and where we were going. Truthfully, I just wanted witnesses case I would never be heard from again. Some kind of verification. When I told my mom she replied, "Let me get this straight, you're going WHERE? to do WHAT?...and of YOUR OWN FREE WILL?" Her response was "Have fun and good luck." The beauty of the woods and nature is unmatched. Its breathtaking in fact. Little did I know, our trek would NOT occur from the safety and comfort of the inside of our van. We had to walk. But before we did, we ate. And we ate GOOD. We barbequed and our bellies were full. Probably too full. But it didn't matter cuz we were gonna walk it off, actually hike it off.

And so the real work would begin. AJ, the supportive and nurturing husband that he is told me he'd be there the entire time. Nothing to worry about, and we'd be at the trains in no time. He knew me well enough to know, in cases like this, its best to LIE to me. Yes, lie to me. Because I might be tempted to turn tail and run. But the weather was great, it was a little warm and I came fully prepared with boots, warm clothes and an optimistic attitude. What could go wrong. I was amped for this. Openminded ALL the way! Plus, our fearless leader Mitch knew where he was going. He'd been there many times. He could lead us there and back blindfolded. Did I mention, he couldn't even find the right route there the first time we went last August. That this was our SECOND attempt. I love you Mitch...

Anyway, after a half hour, I was like, okay, where are the trains? This doesn't feel good, I'm not getting a good feeling about any of this. And isn't this the way MOST of those horror films start. Six unsuspecting suckers walking into the woods for a good time and then a psycho killer hacks them to death. Yeah, I think that's how most of those movies start. I'm walking in the woods, thinking I'm in one of these movies and there's absolutely NO WHERE to run. I'm surrounded by trees and forest, and trails that pretty much look the same in EVERY direction. I'm thinking if there is a psycho killer out there, just come and get me now! LOL! And my husband (whom I love devotedly) is so full of crap! OK, so we're walking, and walking, and walking, and walking...over trails, and big rocks and through trees and clearing...oh, and then, it starts to RAIN! And don't think just because you're deep in the woods, you can't feel the rain, cuz you can. So now we're walking, and walking, and walking, through trails, and trees, and rocks, and its SLIPPERY and WET!
Then I discover another nature enemy, MUD! Now I love mud, what girl doesn't. Afterall, a good mud soak makes you feel and look beautiful when its said and done. But this is the deep Maine Woods, not a spa. And I literally STEP KNEE DEEP IN IT! With both feet. And my feet and legs are soaked, saturated if you will in MUD. And I feel like MUD spelled backwards! LOL. Now this entire time, Mitch is leading us through the woods based on these colored ribbons on the trees. And I start to think, how on earth are we supposed to find our way back. Based on some shocking pink or lime green ribbons. Are you kidding me? What's stopping someone from just, oh I don't know...taking the ribbons from the trees? Then we're lost. Just another lost tour group who are never heard from again. Missing in the woods for days , then finally eaten by wolves. I'll end up on CNN the WRONG WAY! Uuuuuggggghhhhhh!!!!! So we continue walking, and walking, and walking...over trails, through trees, and rocks, in the wet, slippery rain, in deep mud puddles...and then it happens. My BIG fear kicks in as I hear a sound. The sound of an animal I'm not sure what or where it is. But in my mind, I'm thinking its huge and furry and has more of a chance at eating me, then me eating it. I think its a bear. That's my big fear. Because I've been told if you ever encounter a bear in the woods you're not supposed to run, or climb a tree, or attack it, or pretty much do anything. So my question is, WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU SUPPOSED TO DO THEN? Oh, I know I'll just say, "Mr. Bear, I've lived a pretty ok life up til now, please go ahead and eat me." That is after I pee on myself and cry myself into oblivion. So I hear this sound, and I'm convinced I'm a gawner. So I jump to conclusion...literally and figuratively. 

And there in the deep North Maine woods, fear had me whipped for a good five minutes. And I wanted to turn around and go back. I thought, what on earth am I doing here? I can't survive this. I started to cry. But I dug down deep (in my mud soaked boots) and I persevered on. I was determined to make it through this experience and see it through. And I got my second wind. I wasn't going to let these woods beat me. And suddenly, through the clearing we see the first signs we've made it. Old machinery and train tracks. They're rusted and beautiful. And I'm exhausted but glad we've arrived. And then walking a bit further, THERE THEY ARE! Two larger than life locomotives! They look like props out of a movie, but they're clearly real. Historic artifacts standing taller than me.

And as if seeing these two beautiful trains weren't amazing enough. We walked a little bit further through another clearing, and made it to a nearby river or lake where the lumber was shipped onto. The name escapes me now but Mitch said there were HUNDREDS of small and big lakes in that area. Hundreds, can you imagine? The clearing was beautiful, peaceful, tranquil. And after that long walk we all just sat a spell and took it all in. And what a sight, see for yourselves.

And after a long day, we had to make our way back. Its funny heading back didn't tire me out or scare me as much as going. I guess because I knew what to expect heading back. But I am so proud I did it. And happy to have great friends and a loving husband who supported me and made the experience fun to enjoy. I did a lot of introspective thinking on the way back. That's really when I made the decision to compete for Mrs. Corporate America. I thought to myself, with enough self will, hard work, and stubborn determination I can make it through anything. I'm tougher than I look, seem and think at first glance. Its that second wind that will blow you away. And I've got that, in spades! PLUS, I have an important message to share with my community and the country for that matter. All it takes is perserverance, putting one foot in front of the other and energy to make it happen...to make a difference.

Sometimes life isn't as hard as a trek through the woods, but the unknown can sometimes be even scarier. Still, I've never been one to shy away or back down from accmplishing a goal. I'm sometimes my own worst enemy...but the flipside is I'm more often my biggest champion. And taking a risk paraphrasing my favorite poet Mr. Robert Frost..."taking the road less traveled by...has INDEED made all the difference " to me!