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Miss Northern International
Global Team
Stacey Mulinex, Founder and Global Director
Stacey’s passion for pageantry led her to establish Miss Northern States after accumulating significant experience in national scholarship pageantry. Officially launched in 2023, Miss Northern States serves as a national organization that provides enriching opportunities for girls and women of all ages. On June 1, 2025, Miss Northern States officially transitioned to Miss Northern International to serve all of the United States and Canada for 2026.
At its core, Miss Northern International operates as a service-centered organization, prioritizing the values of community engagement, kindness, and empowerment. With over 14 years of experience in the scholarship pageant industry, Stacey has become adept at recognizing and addressing the specific needs expressed by young women and their families. Through careful listening and evaluation of their feedback, she identified a widespread call for increased access to local pageant opportunities and training programs. Miss Northern International organizes events throughout the year, ensuring participants have a pathway to explore pageantry, gain skills, and make meaningful connections.
In addition to her pageantry achievements, Stacey brings an impressive 33-year background in higher education, where she dedicated herself to nurturing student success and fostering an inclusive academic environment. As a seasoned business professional, she adheres to high ethical standards and champions the principles of inclusion, innovation, continuous learning, and collaborative partnerships.
Stacey deeply believes in helping others achieve their personal and professional aspirations. She empowers girls and women to unlock their fullest potential while simultaneously promoting her passion for community service. Through these efforts, she aims to make a positive difference in local communities, inspiring others to give back. In her personal life, Stacey is a devoted mom and wife, balancing her professional commitments with family time. She loves exploring new destinations and cultures, often traveling with her family to create lasting memories.
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Rose Davis, Judges Chair
Rose Davis, Judges Chair Rose M. Davis is the 2024-2025 Senior Miss Black America Michigan Delegate and the past 2022-2023 UIE Ms. Great Lakes Legend. Born in Saginaw, Michigan, she earned a bachelor's degree in engineering from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in manufacturing operations from Kettering University. With over 29 years of experience as an engineer at General Motors, Rose exemplifies dedication and resilience. Her journey includes being a 21st Century Rosie with the Michigan Rosie's -Rosie the Riveter Association of Michigan honoring the legacy of women who paved the way during World War II. Involved in pageantry since 2015, her daughter Ashley has also found success in this arena. Rose believes that every person’s life story, whether marked by triumph or trial, can serve a higher purpose, inspiring others to overcome their challenges and live fully. As the Judges Chair, she upholds the esteemed standards of Miss Northern International, ensuring a fair and equitable judging process while meticulously managing the official scoring tabulation and delivering secure results to the emcee.
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Kyle Strohecker, Technical Manager
Kyle Strohecker has an extensive and diverse background in the audio-visual field, marked by creativity and technical proficiency. He began his career at The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, where he played a pivotal role in designing a national award-winning animal show that captivated audiences and showcased the zoo's commitment to education and conservation. In addition to this, Kyle was responsible for designing and installing state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment throughout the zoo, enhancing visitors’ experiences and enabling dynamic presentations.
Following his impactful tenure at the zoo, Kyle transitioned to the corporate sector, where he honed his skills in running and managing large-scale events. His experience in this fast-paced environment equipped him with the ability to orchestrate productions, balancing the demands of logistics, technology, and audience engagement. Today, Kyle is an in-house AV Technician at Columbus State Community College, where he continues to leverage his extensive expertise.
His journey reflects a unique blend of technical know-how and creative vision, making him a valuable asset in every project he undertakes.
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Soleil White, Social Media Manager & Emcee
Meet Soleil White! With years of dedication and experience, Soleil has competed in numerous national pageant systems, showcasing her talent and grace. Currently, she proudly holds the title of Miss Northern States for 2024-2025. Soleil is not just a titleholder; she is also a college graduate with a degree in Fashion Design, where she honed her skills and creativity. Her passion for sustainable fashion was recognized when she won the prestigious 2024 Columbus Recycled Runway Show for the second consecutive year, impressing the judges with her innovative designs crafted from recycled materials.
Beyond her achievements in fashion and pageantry, Soleil is enthusiastic about her role as the Social Media Manager for Miss Northern International. She is dedicated to using her platform to inspire others, promote positive messages, and engage her audience through creative content that reflects her values and experiences. With her dynamic background and unwavering passion, Soleil is excited to make a meaningful impact in the MNI community and beyond!
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Amanda Medina, Boutique & Event Manager
Amanda Medina has devoted many years of her life to the world of pageantry, where she has actively engaged in numerous prestigious national pageant scholarship events. Her daughter, Camila Pearl Medina, earned the noteworthy title of Miss Elementary America Kindergarten 2023. This achievement not only highlights Camila's confidence but also the family's commitment to fostering a vibrant and supportive community within the pageant sphere.
In addition to her involvement in pageantry, Amanda is the Founder and Owner of Matti Pearl Patches, a brand renowned for creating stunning custom apparel and unique gift items that beautifully reflect her passion for creativity and design. Recently, she proudly launched an exclusive line of Miss Northern International apparel and promotional swag, allowing contestants and fans alike to wear their pageant pride.
Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors, Amanda plays an integral role in the planning and organization of the highly anticipated Miss Northern International Global Event scheduled to take place at the Cherry Valley Hotel from November 14-16, 2025, this event promises to be a spectacular celebration of talent, beauty, and empowerment. Amanda’s hands-on approach and keen attention to detail are sure to contribute to the success of this remarkable gathering, as she works to create unforgettable experiences for all involved.
Chris Hawks, Professional Photographer
Chris Hawks is the owner and creative force behind Chris Hawks Imaging, where he combines his passion for photography with extensive experience that spans over 25 years. His journey began in the classroom, where he made an impact as a chemistry and physics teacher before transitioning to become a university instructor at Ohio University. There, he not only taught but also inspired students to appreciate the intersection of science and art, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors in photography and instructional design.
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In his current role as an instructional designer, Chris utilizes his teaching expertise to craft engaging learning experiences, showcasing his ability to blend creativity with educational principles. Outside of his professional life, Chris is deeply devoted to his family. He and his wife, Beth, enjoy life as proud parents to three wonderful children, and Chris has recently embraced the joyful title of grandpa, delighting in spending quality time with his grandchildren. To explore the stunning visuals that define Chris's photographic style, you can visit his website at chrishawks.com, where a curated selection of his work highlights his keen eye for detail and artistic composition.
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Chris is excited to lend his talent as the stage photographer for the Miss Northern International events, capturing the essence and emotion of these special moments. His involvement with the MNI also extends to various special projects, where he aims to support and showcase the extraordinary journeys of the participants through his lens.
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Emma Rose Lewis, Assistant
Emma Rose Lewis has an impressive 14 years of pageant experience, during which she has competed in various prestigious national pageant systems and secured numerous titles. As the Founder and Owner of Fearless Coaching, she is dedicated to empowering aspiring pageant contestants by providing comprehensive coaching that covers all aspects of pageant preparation. Her specialties encompass interview techniques, public speaking, talent development, and crafting impactful personal platforms that resonate with judges and audiences alike.
In addition to her coaching expertise, Emma is a talented Bridal, Prom, and Pageant Stylist, using her keen eye for fashion to help clients look their best on stage and at special events. Her artistic flair is further enriched by her professional training as an opera and musical theatre singer in New York City, where she honed her vocal skills and stage presence.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Emma enjoys a fulfilling personal life. She loves spending her free time cuddling with her cats, Karma and Betty, and her dog, Felix, finding joy in the companionship of her furry friends. Moreover, Emma proudly serves as an official sponsor of Miss Northern International, demonstrating her commitment to supporting the pageant community. For more information about her coaching services, feel free to reach out via text at (646) 881-4366.
McKenzie Mulinex, Assistant
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Meet McKenzie Mulinex, or Kenzie as her friends call her! A determined and ambitious high school graduate, Kenzie is fully committed to supporting her mom by taking on vital behind-the-scenes pageant duties. With a certification in Dental Assisting, she is not only focused on her passion for pageantry but also on her future in the healthcare field.
Kenzie has a wealth of experience, having competed at local, state, national, and international pageant levels. This journey has deepened her love for pageantry and nurtured her skills in public speaking, modeling, and personal development. Beyond the stage, she treasures the moments spent with her close-knit circle of friends and family, appreciating the laughter and support they provide.
At home, Kenzie enjoys her cats, Willow, Ju Ju, and Penelope who never fail to bring a smile to her face. During the summer months, Kenzie finds her greatest joy at the beach, where she enjoys soaking up the sun, swimming in the ocean, and creating lasting memories with her loved ones. Her enthusiasm and positive spirit shine through in everything she does, making her a cherished presence in her family.
Kelly Brushaber, Judges Chair
For more than two decades, Kelly Williams Brushaber’s work as a Commercial Transactions attorney for Amway, the world’s largest direct selling company, has included writing and negotiating commercial contracts, as well as advising Amway’s U.S. affiliate regarding direct selling and regulatory issues related to the manufacture of nutrition, beauty and household products sold by independent business owners. Kelly has served in various leadership positions on the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan Western Region Board of Directors, including its President, Vice President, and Regional Representative, in addition to serving as a Director At Large to the State Board. For several years, Kelly chaired her Region’s Annual Charity Softball Game between women lawyers and local judges, an event that has raised over $500,000 for the YWCA West Central Michigan since its inception 41 years ago. Based on her contributions to the organization, Kelly was honored to receive WLAM’s Regional Leadership Award. In addition to her professional life, Kelly spends time with her daughter, son-in-law and new baby grandson, enjoys the antics of her two Goldendoodles, fosters dogs through Michele’s Rescue of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and supports the Miss Northern International Pageant system with scholarships and community service efforts.
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Kelly brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to upholding the high standards of the Miss Northern International organization. She is dedicated to ensuring a fair, transparent, and equitable judging process, which is vital to the integrity of our pageant organization. Kelly will oversee the meticulous management of the official scoring tabulation, guaranteeing accuracy and reliability in every evaluation. Additionally, she will be responsible for delivering secure and timely results to the emcee, ensuring that the announcement of winners is conducted seamlessly and with the utmost professionalism.
Volunteer Roles
Natasha Colwell, Choreographer &
Opening Number Coordinator | Volunteer Role
Natasha Colwell is the proud Owner of the Michigan Dance Company, a vibrant institution dedicated to nurturing the art of dance in students of all ages. As a professional in the industry, she brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for movement to her teaching, inspiring her students to express themselves through dance. Natasha has also embraced the world of pageantry over the past few years, finding fulfillment in both the community service aspect and the opportunity to empower participants by enhancing their communication and leadership skills. In addition to her professional pursuits, Natasha is the supportive mother of four children and her daughter, Caleigh, currently holds the title of 24-25 Miss Northern States National Jr. Princess.
This year, Natasha is particularly excited to work with the 2025 Miss Northern International contestants, where she eagerly anticipates sharing her passion for dance by teaching them an engaging and dynamic opening number routine. Stay tuned for exciting updates and insights from Natasha as she embarks on this journey in the coming months!