About the Courage to Dream Calendar’s Mission

The "Courage to Dream" calendar is more than a motivational calendar. It’s movement. Thank you for purchasing this calendar to help spread our mission and movement. While developing my platform “Courage to Dream” as Mrs. CNY 2019 representing Central New York while competing for the Mrs. New York America pageant; the most prestigious pageant to celebrate the accomplishments of married women. After the competition was over, my platform became my life’s mission: motivating and encouraging women to find the courage to go after their dreams and goals.

After launching ACTION in 2019, my online membership program which focuses on helping small market models, actors and talent learn, connect and succeed. I felt compelled to create a physical embodiment of the mission that allowed women to both go for their dream of modeling all while sharing their “Courage to Dream” stories. We each are the key to unlock one another’s dreams and one person’s story can be the catalyst for transformation in someone else’s life. When we have the courage to share our story, even if it changes the life of just one person, a ripple effect occurs.

This calendar also allows me to pay homage to those who helped me find my own courage to dream. I’m so thankful to my parents, my husband, Sean McLeod, Ann Marie Stonecypher-Bick, and many friends and teachers without which I might not have had the courage to pursue my own goals and dreams.

Modeling professionally was my dream. However, I often felt voiceless; like what I had to say didn't matter. Models become public figures but only until recently through the internet and social media have models really gained the power to use their platform in a bigger way. For many years at photoshoots and on set models were told they are hired for their look and not what they have to say- meaning be quiet! However, I’m determined we continue to see that stereotype change.

We are each the key to unlock one another’s dreams and each of us has a unique story to share that matters and encourages others.

A portion of calendar sale profits will go to the Scholarship Fund for the Kaleidoscope Dance Theater based in Auburn, NY who teaches movement, dance and performance as a vehicle for their greater mission of women's empowerment, inclusion and diversity. I'm forever grateful for Sean McLeod and his team endlessly encouraging me to go for my dreams especially in times I didn't believe what was possible for myself. KDT has had a significant impact on my life. The calendar aims to support their mission so KDT can continue to support more students’ “courage to dream” for many more years to come.

A portion of calendar profits will also go to my hometown non-profit The House of Concern who are celebrating 50 years of feeding and clothing our neighbors in need in Central New York. Our annual fundraiser for which I was slated to be an emcee and on the board organizing the event was sadly cancelled due to the corona-virus outbreak.