A Lehigh Valley woman will soon be heading half way around the world to compete in the Mrs. International World competition.
But she says winning the crown is only a small part of her mission.
Heather Davenport has won more than a few titles, including Mrs. Pennsylvania and Mrs. USA International World, but the title she’s most proud of is “mom.”
“We’ve competed at one pageant together as a family. It’s a little bit crazy, but we love it,” she said.
Davenport has been in pageants since she was 13 years old. Now, her 5-year-old daughter is following in her footsteps.
“She sees how much community service I do, and how I’m out there in the community, and making my children happy, makes me happy, so it keeps me going, gives me a purpose in life,” Davenport says.
And to Davenport, the pageants are about more than just the crowns. They are a way to make a difference.
“I do this to help other women, men and children out there. I want to show them that their past doesn’t define them, as a victim and survivor of domestic violence,” she said.
Through her pageantry, Davenport was able to create the nonprofit “We Are Strong.”
“I put people up into hotels while they’re waiting to get in a shelter, and give them food, clothing and resources,” she said. “I started it last November, and I was able to help over 200 families in the past year.”
She says she couldn’t have done it without her titles.
“When you have a national title, people are like, ‘oh, I want to meet you. I want to talk to you. Let me hear about you. Let me help you.’ When I’m just Heather, I have to push harder and work harder, so I feel like it goes hand in hand,” she said.
Now, in March she’ll be flying to Malaysia to compete for the title of Mrs. International World.
But even though it’ll be her last competition, her legacy is far from over.