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September 2009
Wendi Winburn Russo
Alpha Iota, University of Vermont
Wendi Russo is Mrs. Minnesota-America 2008, and this pageant queen is one real, strong woman. Wendi is passionate about mentoring, serving the Kinship of Greater Minneapolis organization as a Senior Speaker on mentoring. Along with her devotion to mentoring, Wendi is currently working in conjunction with the Music Education National Committee—raising signatures for their petition to present to Congress asking that music education funding remain in our schools. She also keeps very busy with her full-time job as co-host for “Daybreak” on Shop NBC.
Why she’s real:
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I automatically want to help others believe in themselves and go for their dreams because I didn't feel that support while growing up, and I know how important it can be to hear "you can do it."
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Why she’s strong:
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I can weather any storm with the power of God, friends, family and faith.
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Hometown:
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New Canaan, Connecticut
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Dream job:
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My current job but located in Hawaii
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Best piece of advice:
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Know your best quality, your outstanding gift—nurture it and use it to help other people.
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Proudest moment:
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When I was hired to be a host with Shop NBC, and when I beat the odds by winning Mrs. Minnesota-America 2008. I became the only woman over 40 to win the title and to win every category with a unanimous vote. |
Favorite quote:
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“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant,gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” This inspiring quote by Marianne Williamson is from her book, A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles
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Favorite books:
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A Return to Love and A Woman's Worth by Marianne Williamson
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Favorite movies:
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Fireproof and The Notebook
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Hobbies:
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Blackbelt in shopping, attempting new challenges, working out, taking classes, traveling and trying new food. |
Find out more about Wendi at www.mrsminnesota2008.blogspot.com and http://wendirusso.weebly.com.
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