This year’s State Queen, Ms. California HeartShine beauty pageant, held during Black History Month, recognized five African-American women as queens. Shlanda Breeden, Deirdre Bolden, Diamond Bolden, Michalia Banks, and Zahara Mitchell are the women.
All of the winners are promoting a non-profit effort, but Shlanda is utilizing the limelight to raise awareness about pet cancer. Giving her to the Cancer Association and other animal organizations that help sick animals the coveted opportunity to represent the Golden State at the Run for National Queen next year.
Shlanda is leveraging her position as a community leader and animal champion on behalf of her community, while also collaborating with The Canine for Cancer Association and Miranda’s People, organizations that provide financial support to people who have cancer-affected pets.
Shlanda, as an entrepreneur, has even started a pet event planning firm called Kit Kat Poochie Parties.
When it comes to assisting animals in need, service is at the forefront of her devotion. Canines for Cancer was founded by her when her bullmastiff, Dutch, was diagnosed with cancer. When faced with the hefty cost of medical care that comes with being a pet parent, many individuals are forced to put their pets down. She uses her title to educate pet owners with life-saving financial information and to direct them on how to decrease costs for their pet’s veterinarian treatment.
Shlanda has collaborated with the National Canines for Cancer Foundation to educate dog owners (pet parents) on how to spot cancer in their pets early. She has also contacted Miranda’s People, an organization that provides financial support to families in need of medication or surgery for their cancer-stricken pets. Both groups are in critical need of donations in order to continue fighting this heinous sickness.
Shlanda, an ambassador, leader, and educator, intends to utilize her title to continue promoting canine cancer awareness in her neighborhood and to teach pet owners that they have a choice and do not have to euthanize their pets when they are diagnosed with a serious illness such as cancer. She also shows them how to get help and how to spot early symptoms of cancer in their dogs.
Shlanda is a multidimensional titleholder who is dedicated to service and animal care. She is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business management at Grand Canyon University. She also works as an accounting officer for the State of California and owns Kit Kat Poochie Parties, a pet party company. She also enjoys spending time with her four dogs, two pit bulls named Capone and Little Girl, and two chihuahuas named Little Boy and Peanut. She also enjoys athletics. She is a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan, as well as a Dallas Mavericks enthusiast!
Shlanda also received the President’s Volunteer Service Award, the highest honor in the pageant industry. She was also recognized as the greatest actor and artist. She was also highlighted in a number of news outlets, and she was one of six African American women crowned during Black History Month! What are the chances of that happening?! As a result, Shlanda appeared on KCRA Channel 3 news and Good Day Sacramento alongside the other African American women who won the state queen title.
The HeartShine Pageant Organization is open to people of all ages. A progressive national pageant system that honors inner beauty through a curriculum that empowers, inspires, and transforms lives. The pageant offers an extraordinary prize package that includes numerous chances and scholarships, and it also serves as a certifying organization for the Presidential Volunteer Service Awards. This Miss Heartshine Pageant takes pleasure in empowering girls and women through positive experiences, community service events, personal development workshops, modeling and performing opportunities, and so much more.