Today we’d like to introduce you to Dina Alsaid.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My son was diagnosed with autism 5 years ago. It was very hard because we had no one to ask or even know who to ask about autism in what we need it to do to help my child thrive. I had to research in fine organizations and all of the services in my area. It was a very lonely time for my family. Fast forward it’s so 4 years. I finally interred my 1st pageant as an adult in 2017. As soon as you sign up for any pageant, they will always ask you what is your platform? And without even thinking I already knew, autism awareness. And then, you have to emphasize what exactly about autism awareness is your platform going to emphasize about. So, I was competing in miss Texas plus America 2017 as Mrs. Richardson plus America am I 1st platform was autism awareness with an emphasis is in implementing early childhood programs. I won my division, Mrs. Texas Plus America 2017 and Ms. Community Service. I would have never thought that all the work I was doing helping other parents navigate through the stress of a diagnosis in obtaining services and what else was available in their community was considered community service but it just so happened I had enough hours to when the community service award on the state level.
After I won, I wanted to continue the momentum. I would be competing in miss plus America that July and I also want it to compete again for community service because on the national level miss community service is an actual national titleholder. I contacted The Warren Center where my son was at that time and even today receiving services. I want to give back to the center just as show how much I appreciate what they have done for not just my son but from my whole family. The Warren Center offers therapeutic services, early childhood intervention programs, parent support groups, and workshops.
I also promised myself that I would donate my prize money from my year as Mrs. Texas to the Warren Center.
July 2017, I did not win the national title in my division but I did win the national title of Miss Plus America Ms. Community Service 2017 along with it came to prize money.
I dedicated my time as Mrs. Texas Plus America and as Miss Plus America Ms. community service to volunteerism. I wanted to impact as many families, caregiver, those dealing with disabilities.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Nothing is completely easy. Especially dealing with special needs children. There is no way to know what to expect. Every child on the spectrum is different, there are no two that are the same. We had struggled with our child being non-verbal, hyperactive, a runner, etc. We have struggled up until this year with potty training my son is nearly 8 and he has barely potty train this year. Every achievement, every milestone reached no matter how late it’s still amazing.
Please tell us about Pageant Queen/Autism Advocate.
I use pageantry to further my efforts in autism awareness. This year I will be competing in Miss Plus World 2018 as Miss Jordan Plus World. So now, I am taking my voice and not just for my community but now this is going to be an International effort of raising awareness and also education. It’s one thing to tell people to be aware of but what about preparing our children for their future? I want to Share my story with as many people as possible. I know the struggles with anxiety and depression and almost giving up. But if I can reach at least 1 person 1 family 1 caregiver then I am doing what I was destined for.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
The only thing different I would do is not internalize all the fear all the anxiety all the stress I would have reached out sooner for help.
Contact Info:
- Address: 439 Pittman Street
Richardson, TX 75081 - Phone: 214-395-7672
- Email: missjordanplusworld2018@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/download/?r=211810001
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Miss-Jordan-Plus-World-2018-175082103219879/
Image Credit:
Kieone Young of Dallas Texas
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