My name is Toshia Shaw-Lacy, I am 35 years old, a wife, mother of two, an office manager in the ER department of a busy hospital, community HIV/AIDS activist, grad student, and currently forming Purple Wings, a non-profit for disadvantaged girls. This non-profit is being formed to target girls in the age range of 11-18 to deter them from the sex industry, gangs, and destructive behavior in my city, Las Vegas, Nevada.
 
 I have been natural since the year 2001, and I haven’t looked back since. I currently wear cultivated long locs with bangs. I try and live a natural hairstyle, and encourage other natural beauties everyday through blogging on my blog, ontheroadtoqueendom.com. It is a loc and natural hairstyle community where I uplift, encourage, and educate women.
 
 I believe I have what it takes to become Miss Nappturality because I truly try and “Be the change I wish to see in the world.” I give back tirelessly, but I remember to take care of myself. This is something women must do. We tend to be nurturers by nature, but we should not forget to love ourselves in the process. I want to show black women that its okay to love yourself, your “real” self without apology. God made us in his image, and God don’t make no junk!
 
 Thank you, and I hope to be able run for the title and represent women in their thirties!
 
 Sincerely,
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