LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Nevada’s first Ms. Corporate America titleholder made history at the national competition, becoming the first deaf person to win at that level in the organization’s 17-year history.
Angela Lynn stepped in as first runner-up with just 10 days to prepare for the national competition after the original queen was unable to compete. Lynn finished in the top 10 at nationals.
“So I felt very honored to be the first Deaf Queen for MCA at that level. In their 17-year history, they never had a Deaf person win on the national level,” Lynn said.
Recognition and platform
When Lynn returned from the competition, Mayor Shelley Berkeley honored her with a certificate of commendation for her service.
Lynn’s platform is called Project Belonging, which focuses on promoting diversity and inclusion in the community. She said she hopes her story opens doors for others.
“Because children that are growing up, I’m a role model for them, and they see people like me and say, ‘Oh my goodness, she’s a queen. I want to do that one day,’ so I can give positive influence to them. And maybe family members will realize that deaf people can do more than they thought, and they’re not limited, and that it’s open for them to grow,” Lynn said.
Support system
Ami Jo Greer, a lifetime ambassador who helps promote the organization, interpreted for Lynn during the competition. Greer learned sign language after her daughter lost her hearing.
Greer said competition week required teamwork and timing, especially during dancing and choreography segments where Lynn had to match timing with music she couldn’t hear.
The Ms. Corporate America organization expanded to include Nevada last year. The state director launched the organization but became ill with leukemia before the competition, leading to the appointment of a queen who was later unable to compete at nationals.
Ms. Corporate America focuses on connection, networking, and building lasting relationships among participants.
“If I could sum it up in one word, it would be sisterhood. I think the end game is for all of us to be sisters, to have someone that you can lean on, to have someone you can work with, to have someone help you throughout life,” said Ambassador Pajan Willis.
Nevada’s first Ms. Corporate America titleholder made history at the national competition, becoming the first deaf person to win at that level in the organization’s 17-year history.
