Deanna McCray-James (Official EduSerc Awards Spokesperson) Mrs. Maryland United States 2005 & Ms. Black Continental US 2004   What better way to celebrate educators on the red carpet and receive your award from one of the Queens of Awards as EduSerc’s Official Spokesperson: Deanna McCray-James, the reigning 2005 Mrs. Maryland for the United States of America.  Deanna’s beliefs in education & participation at the 2006 EduSerc Awards are proof that it is worth honoring educators. EduSerc is serious about it’s vision; and Deanna and EduSerc are both proud to serve together for the cause.       2005 Mrs. United States Pageant Deanna McCray-James has been married to her wonderful husband, Darrin, for three years. They blended their lives and now have a lovely family with two beautiful children, Amira and Demitri. They currently reside in Montgomery County, Maryland and love spending time with their friends cooking, playing cards and watching comedy films. She is the CEO of Nicholas Jordan Associates, a marketing and consulting firm specializing in association management. Pursuing success in this field has motivated her to join such great professional associations such as: Montgomery County Young Democrats - Diversity Chair, American Society of Association Executives, American Business Women’s Association, Association for Financial Professionals and the National Black MBA Association-DC Chapter and National Association of Female Executives. Deanna attended public schools in the P. G. County School System and graduated from Forestville High School.  During this time she was fortunate to participate in the T.A.G. and Humanities and Social Sciences Magnet Programs. In high school she participated in the Interactive Television Program allowing her to take Advanced Placement (AP) courses taught by teachers at one high school, while viewing the class and interacting with students via closed circuit television in a studio at her home school.  Pursuing an early interest in politics and government she served as a State Page in the Maryland Senate as well as a Congressional Intern for the Honorable Albert R. Wynn, (D-MD) during the 104th Congress’ 2nd session and the Democratic National Committee. Mrs. McCray-James is a graduate of the University of Maryland University College with a B.S. in Management Studies and is currently pursuing a dual Master of Science in Management/M.B.A. degree with a focus in Public Relations from the University of Maryland.   In 2003, she formed the Metropolitan Young Ladies Council, a program dedicated to mentoring young women ages 13-18. Through MYLC, she mentors and works with young ladies in middle and high school to assist them to reach for their dreams as well as stressing the importance of giving back through volunteerism. She is also an active volunteer and member with National Organization for Women, Alzheimer's Association - National Capital Area, Asthma & Allergy Foundation, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, American Cancer Society, Food and Friends, a local reading academy, House of Ruth, Black Women's Health Imperative and the Arthritis Foundation. Deanna became interested in pageantry in college and was please to be crowned Miss Black Student Alliance 1994 at Frostburg State University.  She was encouraged by the support of her husband to return to competing after their marriage. Since doing so, she has been honored to serve as Ms. Black Continental U.S. 2004 and was 2nd runner up to Mrs. Maryland America 2004.  With her titles she has been able to promote her platform of Healthy Women and Domestic Violence Prevention and Awareness. She is a member of the International Pageant Honor Society, Queens for Causes, and the Ms. America Ambassador Organization. As with any ‘Queen’ winning is important, however Deanna is most proud of the examples that she is setting for her children and mentees through pageantry. These examples include time management, academic pursuits, community service, positive personal interaction and achieving excellence.