USA Crown and So Much More: A Journey of Jewish Leadership, Service and Purpose

When I was crowned Mrs. USA Globe 2026, many people saw the crown before they saw the journey.

For me, however, the crown is not the destination; it’s an opportunity to serve my community on a larger platform.

As an African American Jewish woman, my life has been shaped by communities that have challenged me to lead with courage, compassion and purpose. Those experiences have taught me that leadership is not about titles or recognition. It is about showing up for others, especially when they need you most.

One of the organizations  that has profoundly shaped my leadership journey is Hadassah.

As an alumna of the Hadassah Evolve Leadership Fellows (Hadassah’s leadership development program for young women) and longtime member of Hadassah Hawaii, where I served as advocacy chair and co-president, I have experienced firsthand what makes Hadassah so extraordinary. It is a community where women are encouraged to find their voice, develop their leadership and advocate for issues that matter while they build lifelong friendships rooted in shared values.

The Evolve program, in particular, invests in the next generation of women leaders by strengthening our connection to community, Israel and meaningful service. I have been mentored by life members and prominent leaders within Hadassah. Their investment in me reinforced something I have always believed: Leadership is most powerful when it is rooted in intention and action.

That belief has guided every chapter of my professional life. Today, my work revolves around occupational safety, risk management and emergency preparedness, as I pursue my doctorate in Occupational Safety and health.

I also serve as an international emergency responder for Kenyon International, global leaders in crisis response, and remain ready to deploy internationally as a standby emergency responder during humanitarian crises.

Earlier in my career, I worked closely with children and families as a Montessori teacher. My public service work included the White House Internship Program of spring 2015, and later an internship with the Hawaii State Legislature.

Although these experiences may seem different on the surface, they are connected by one simple mission: helping people stay safe, prepared and resilient.

That mission became even more personal when I founded Camp Safe &

Sound in 2025, an organization dedicated to teaching emergency preparedness to children ages three to 11 through music, movement, storytelling and play. I believe preparedness should empower children, not frighten them. By giving families practical tools before an emergency happens, we help build confidence that can last a lifetime.

As a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), I have also witnessed the unique vulnerabilities many children face. These experiences continually remind me that preparedness is about far more than emergency kits. It is about protecting children, preserving families, organizing important documents, planning ahead and creating communities that care for one another.

In many ways, these ideas reflect Jewish values that have guided generations before us in that Judaism teaches us that every person has the responsibility for repairing  the world (Tikkun Olam). It reminds us that preserving life, caring for our neighbors and strengthening our communities are sacred responsibilities. Those values have influenced my career choices, my volunteer work and the way I hope to use my platform as Mrs. USA Globe 2026.

Representation also matters. As an African American Jewish woman, I recognize that my story may challenge assumptions about what Jewish leadership looks like. The Jewish community is beautifully diverse, and every person who shares his or her story helps broaden our understanding of who we are.

Throughout my journey, I have been grateful for mentors and organizations like Hadassah that have created spaces where women from different backgrounds can lead authentically while remaining united by shared values.

Receiving the Mrs. USA Globe title has given me a larger platform, but my purpose has not changed. I hope to continue advocating for children’s safety, family resilience, emergency preparedness, women’s leadership and stronger communities.

Whether I am speaking to parents, teaching children, serving in my community or representing our country on stage, I carry the lessons Hadassah has reinforced throughout my leadership journey: lead with integrity, serve with compassion and never underestimate the difference one woman can make.

The crown I wear today is temporary. The impact we leave through service is what lasts.

I hope my journey encourages other women to say “yes” to leadership opportunities, even when they feel uncertain. You never know where one act of service, one fellowship, or one opportunity to lead may take you.

For me, it has led to a more wonderful life. More importantly, it continues to lead me toward a life of purpose.

The author does not speak on behalf of Hadassah and the views expressed herein are the author’s own and not necessarily those of Hadassah.

Frances is a member of the Hadassah Writers’ Circle, a dynamic and diverse writing group for leaders and members to express their thoughts and feelings about all the things Hadassah does to make the world a better place. It’s where they celebrate their personal Hadassah journeys and share their Jewish values, family traditions and interpretations of Jewish texts. Hadassah members are proud of their Zionist mission and their role as keepers of the flame of Jewish values, traditions and beliefs as well as advocating for women’s empowerment and health equity for all. Since 2019, the Hadassah Writers’ Circle has published nearly 800 columns in The Times of Israel Blogs and other Jewish media outlets. Interested in writing? Please contact hwc@hadassah.org.