It was a delightful experience to have an interview with Mrs. Tamara Abney, who embodies the story of Empowering Women and Changing Lives as a dedicated wife, mother, Menstrual Equity Advocate, and the reigning Mrs. Pittsburgh International 2024 in Pennsylvania.
Tell me about yourself.
I’m a devoted wife to the Honorable Aerion A. Abney and a proud mother of two beautiful sons, Aerius and Amari. My unwavering passion lies in advocating for menstrual equity, and I’m privileged to lead SisterFriend, Inc. Pittsburgh’s only non-profit dedicated to Menstrual Equity. My mission is to create a world where students can embrace their changing bodies with confidence and pride, free from any barriers.
Tell me a little about your platform?
My platform revolves around menstrual equity and education. I am incredibly passionate about empowering young women to embrace their bodies, ensuring they have access to menstrual products and the knowledge to manage their menstrual health. It’s about breaking down stigmas and providing the necessary resources for a confident and dignified experience.
What motivated you to begin participating in pageants?
Pageantry, for me, is not only a way to further advocate for menstrual equity, but also a fun opportunity to make new friends and support important causes. It’s a platform that allows me to extend my mission and connect with like-minded individuals who are equally committed to making a positive impact.
What achievement are you most proud of?
One of my proudest moments was being named the “Period Hero” for Pennsylvania by Wal-Mart and Always. This recognition is incredibly humbling and an immense honor. Menstrual equity is a cause very close to my heart, and receiving this title allowed me to further amplify our message. What makes this achievement even more special is the generous donation of 50,000 Always Pads that I received. These pads will go a long way in ensuring that no one is held back by their period. It’s a tangible step forward in our mission, and it’s a reminder that together, we can continue advocating for change and supporting those in need.
What have you learned from pageantry?
Pageantry has been a transformative journey, teaching me invaluable life skills that extend far beyond the stage. It has shown me the power of perseverance, resilience, and the ability to gracefully handle pressure. Pageantry has honed my public speaking skills, taught me the art of self-presentation, and developed my confidence. It’s also a remarkable platform for personal growth, helping me discover my strengths and passion for advocacy. Pageantry equips individuals with the tools to make a meaningful difference in their communities and the world.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
What many people may not know is that I met my husband, Aerion at SisterFriend’s very first community event. His presence was far from ordinary, as he showed up with a donation of pads and tampons. That moment marked the beginning of our friendship and journey together, fueled by a shared passion and commitment to making a positive impact in our community.
If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
If I had the opportunity to share a meal with someone, it would undoubtedly be Michelle Obama. As a fellow wife of a politician, I would cherish the chance to engage in a conversation with her about her unique experiences and how she harnessed her position to advocate for her causes on a broader scale. Michelle Obama’s commitment to education, health, and social issues is truly inspiring, and I’d love to learn from her insights and wisdom in using her influence to create positive change. Her journey and the impact she’s made align closely with my own aspirations to empower individuals and impact communities positively.
What objectives are you currently striving to achieve?
I am dedicated to a trio of specific goals associated with my platform: Menstrual Product Distribution: I launched a dynamic social media campaign called the “Period Party Challenge.” This initiative encourages individuals to organize and host product drives, collecting and donating menstrual products directly to schools in their local communities. Building Awareness: To create a more informed society, I’m conducting engaging and informative in-person and online workshops. These workshops shed light on the importance of menstrual education and advocacy. Participants not only gain knowledge but also the tools to become agents of change in their communities. Advocacy: A pivotal aspect of my goals is actively participating in and contributing to international summits and conferences that focus on menstrual equity. These platforms enable me to share SisterFriend’s impactful work, collaborate with global advocates on service projects, and advance the global conversation around menstrual health and rights.
What is one word that describes you?
One word that captures my essence is “Innovator.” I believe innovation is a key trait that has helped me push boundaries and create new solutions to address the critical issue of menstrual equity.
Let’s hear a story of your most embarrassing moment.
One memorable but slightly embarrassing moment occurred at an event when I mistakenly introduced a husband and wife to each other. I thought they hadn’t met yet, but it turned out they were already well-acquainted! I had a good laugh about it, and it served as a reminder that even in moments of embarrassment, we can find humor and connection. It was a delightful anecdote that we all shared a chuckle over that evening.
How did you get into pageantry?
My journey into pageantry is a story of passion, perseverance, and a deep desire to make a difference. Pageantry has held a special place in my heart since childhood, but my family’s financial circumstances couldn’t support my early aspirations. It was as an adult that I discovered “Mrs.” pageants, a platform that not only celebrated women’s achievements but also their dedication to causes and community impact. This realization was a game-changer. I saw the perfect opportunity to explore my passion for advocacy, amplify my voice for menstrual equity, and create positive change in my community and beyond. Pageantry opened a door for me to combine my love for the stage with my commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. It’s been an incredibly rewarding journey, and I’m honored to use this platform to advocate for a cause that’s close to my heart.
Any other information you would like to share?
Absolutely! I encourage you to join me in our mission to promote menstrual equity and education. Visit SisterFriend.org to learn more about our initiatives and how you can get involved. We’re currently running the “Period Party Challenge,” a fantastic opportunity for individuals to organize product drives and donate menstrual products directly to schools in their communities. Your participation can make a real difference. Additionally, if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor or want to learn more about the Mrs. Pennsylvania International Pageant, set to take place in Altoona, PA on March 16, 2024, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. Your support and involvement are crucial as we continue to impact the community and advocate for a more equitable and informed world. Let’s work together to create a world where no one is held back by their period. Your engagement can truly make a meaningful impact, and I look forward to connecting with you on this journey for change.
How can people contact you?
Email:
Tamara@TamaraAbney.com
IG: @tamaraabney
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