BECOME A CONTESTANT in the 2011 MRS. ILLINOIS INTERNATIONAL PAGEANT! CLICK HERE

  

 

 

           MRS. ILLINOIS
   INTERNATIONAL 2010
(and the 2010 Congeniality Award Winner)

            JENNIFER
                       NAIDA

1st Runner Up –
     Terri Karch, Mrs. Mt. Vernon
Fitness Wear Winner –
     Holly Torbeck, Mrs. Vandalia
Evening Gown Winner –
     Dena Porter, Mrs. Gurnee

     Jennifer is the founder and support group leader of the Northern Illinois Vasculitis Foundation Chapter and will spend her year promoting her personal platform, Help and Hope: The Vasculitis Foundation.. Her work with the Vasculitis Foundation (VF), spans nearly 20 years. She has assisted hundreds of patients and caregivers in their journey with these rare auto-immune diseases. Jennifer is herself a long-term survivor of Wegener’s Syndrome, a form of Vasculitis. She has received numerous citations and letters of recognition from the VF, including the 2008 Best New Fundraising Event Award. She serves as a Legislative Advocate for the national organization, corresponding with local and state government officials to elevate awareness of the disease and provide research funding.  In 2009, Jennifer worked with her Illinois State Representative, developing landmark legislation, Illinois House Resolution 176, which officially recognized Vasculitis Awareness Week. Since then, several other states have followed suit, creating a national movement of awareness.  Jennifer will speak at the 2010 VF Symposium and educate other leaders on how to reach out to their local lawmakers. 
     Jennifer’s career in the field of medicine spans over 13 years, as an administrator, medical assistant and patient advocate. She has developed numerous programs for medical practices that address patient-doctor communication, self-advocacy, and specialist referral. Jennifer’s knowledge of medical terminology, procedures, and the patient perspective has set her apart from her peers. She considers her work to be joyful, relevant and rewarding beyond words. She has contributed articles relating to chronic health issues in several national newsletters and magazines. Her goal is to become the published author of her own journey with vasculitis, Chronicling the victories and challenges associated with being a long-term survivor. 
     Jennifer is the proud wife to Ron, a Lieutenant/Firefighter in his civilian career and a Command Master Chief (FMF) (OSHU Great Lakes, IL) in the United States Navy Reserve. Together they enjoy traveling, editing a military magazine, entertaining for family and friends, embracing their healthy lifestyle and commitment to living a Christ-centered marriage.

Please visit Jennifer’s website and blog: http://jennifernaida.weebly.com/
For more information on vasculitis: http://www.vasculitisfoundation.org/

Kristin Melton, FIRST RUNNER UP TO MRS. INTERNATIONAL 2009 (photo by Clay Spann)

Mrs. Illinois International 2008 - Michelle Beckwith

Mrs. Illinois International 2007 - Randa Allen, Top Ten Finalist; Mrs. Midwest 2009, 4th Runner-up to Mrs. International 2009.

Mrs. Illinois International 2006 - Tanya Tsiaousis, 4th Runner-up to Mrs. International 2006, Winner of the Mrs. International Best in Evening Gown Competition and tied for Best in Aerobic Wear Competition.

Mrs. Illinois International 2005 - Beverly Turkowski

Mrs. Illinois International 2004 - Kendra Muhammad 3th Runner-up to Mrs. International 2004

Mrs. Illinois International 2003 - Amy Yount

Mrs. Illinois International 2002 - Donna Beering, 4th Runner-up to Mrs. International 2002

Melissa Kolssak

Mrs. Illinois International 2000 - Robyn Fina

Mrs. Illinois International 1999 - Ann Mazzotti

Mrs. Illinois International 1998 - Robin Khayat

Mrs. Illinois International 1997 - Iolanda Goodfellow

Mrs. Illinois International 1996 - Peggy Glenn

Mrs. Illinois International 1995 - Connie Hoos

Mrs. Illinois International 1994 - Lacey Johnson, Mrs. Indiana 2003 - 2nd runner-up to Mrs. Indiana International 2003, Mrs. Great Lakes International 2005 - 1st runner-up to Mrs. International 2005

Mrs. Illinois International 1993 - Susan Santeforte

Mrs. Illinois International 1992 - Janel Spencer

Mrs. Illinois International 1991 - Judy Wells 

Mrs. Illinois International 1990 - Susie Rambo

Mrs. Illinois International 1989 - Lynn Jones

First Mrs. Illinois USA and Mrs. Illinois USA 1988 - Annie Whitehead