Miss Quincy Scholarship Program hosts 3rd annual Women’s Empowerment Luncheon

QUINCY- At the luncheon on Sunday, three inspiring women gathered to empower and uplift the next generation of female leaders. The event, organized as part of the Miss Quincy Scholarship program, brought together young women, pageant titleholders, and guests from across the state for an afternoon of motivation and mentorship

State Trooper Tracey Lillard, Miss Windy City Mbayi Aben and Raquel Sparrow were the featured speakers at the event. They emphasized the importance of kindness, confidence and staying true to oneself. 

“There is an importance in beauty and being yourself, being respectful and being kind to one another,” Aben said. “There was just that theme in the speakers of making sure that you are that person, that friend, if you have a characteristic you really want a friend to uphold, make sure that you are that person. That is what I took with me today.” 

Raquel Sparrow, family liaison with the Illinois Department of Corrections said her daughter inspired her to speak.

”Having a 13 year old daughter of my own, I think it’s exciting to have a chance to show other young women what I have picked up along the way,” Sparrow said. 

Trooper Lillard has a large social media platform where she advocates for women in law enforcement. She spoke about the importance of passing on positive qualities to everyone around you.

“Be the person that is trustworthy, be the person that is patient, be the person that is on time, responsible or optimistic, has tenacity and empathy,” Lillard said in her speech. “If you treat others like that, if you go into the world and treat others with empathy and respect and talk to people… just know that you can be successful by treating people with respect.”

Lindsey Hess, director of Miss Quincy said she was inspired to start the luncheon after witnessing camaraderie of women in another pageant.

”I wanted to create that same culture within our organization,”Hess said. “It’s something I am deeply proud of and hope to continue it for many years to come.” 

Hess said this program is much more than what people think of when they hear about beauty pageants or a scholarship program. 

“This is an opportunity not only for scholarships but for personal and professional growth it opens so many doors for young women and it can truly change their lives,” Hess said. 

Miss Quincy 2024 Nicole Taylor said she will take away the empowerment she felt from the luncheon. 

“Being yourself and being empowered with who exactly you are because people ultimately look up to you,” Taylor said. “You should be happy and fulfilled with who you are, because people look up to that.” 

The new Miss Quincy will be crowned on Jan. 11 at Quincy Community Theater.