NOTE: The contestants were alphabetized by last name on 5/31/07

All contestants for Iowa are listed.

Two remaining contestants (Coral Hildebrandt and Bethany Hubbard-Lord) are competing for the title of Mrs. Wisconsin-America 2007.

Good luck to everyone!

Jayne Black (Mrs. Green Bay - WISCONSIN)

Hello! My name is Jayne Black. I am very proud to be Mrs. Green Bay! I was born in Green Bay and love the beautiful state of Wisconsin. I am a manager for Estēe Lauder Cosmetics. I love my job -- I get to play with makeup every day! What girlie-girl wouldn't love that! Of course, I do a lot more than play with makeup, but it is the best part of my job. This year our Estēe Lauder counter is projected to be a Million Dollar Counter!


My husband Craig and I have been married for three years. We actually were high school sweethearts. We reunited and married and now we have a beautiful little boy, Cooper. Cooper is two-years-old but is as big as a four-year-old! He is our little linebacker and we are very blessed to have him in our lives. Cooper has a huge family, which includes two step-sisters and three step-brothers, that love him very much!

"Family is first" with us and we make a great team! I never could have dreamed that my life would be filled with so many wonderful blessings. Everyone in our family is a HUGE Packer fan. My mother-in-law's backyard backs up to the Lambeau Field stadium parking lot. Supporting the Packers is a family event. We have season tickets and rarely miss a game. Even in the dead of winter when it is freezing, and I have so many clothes on I can't move, and enough hand warmers tucked into my mittens to cook eggs, we still have fun!

My husband and I love to do things together, and we share a passion for golf. One of my main goals in life is to beat my husband at golf because he would hate that!!! For a golfer there is nothing better than dancing on the green! If you golf, you know exactly what that means.

One of the most important things in my life involves promoting my platform, "Learning Disability Awareness." I grew up with a learning disability that did not get diagnosed until my second son, Sam, was diagnosed when he was in second grade. I made a promise to Sam, whose strength and perseverance I admire very much, that I would do whatever I could to help people understand what a learning disability is. My passion to do whatever I can to make sure people understand what a learning disability is, and what the early warning signs are, comes from my own personal experience of not getting diagnosed because of a lack of knowledge. I do not want any other child to miss the opportunity to go to college, as I did, because they did not get the intervention they needed when they needed it most--when he or she is in grade school, or even earlier. A chance to believe in and understand themselves is what these kids need to be successful! It is my goal to insure that our youth have every chance to be successful in their education and in life. Out of my own personal experience and passion to make a difference, I stared my own non-profit organization that helps children and youth with learning disabilities. You can check out my mission and check out more than a few facts about learning disabilities at my website: www.missionabc.homestead.com I also have the great privilege of working with The Learning Disability Association of Wisconsin as a speaker, support group leader, and advisor for people with learning disabilities.

I love competing in pageants, and being a part of the Mrs. Wisconsin-America Pageant is a great privilege. I started on my journey to become Mrs. America eight years ago. Pageants have opened many doors for me, such as my job, fashion modeling, and numerous opportunities to promote my platform. One of the best parts of competing in pageants are the special friendships I have walked away with. I am still very good friends with a special lady from the very first pageant I competed in! I have always walked away from a pageant with so much more than I came with -- and that is saying a lot, being that I am still waiting to have my dream come true of winning one day! I look forward to sharing this wonderful opportunity and experience with you!

Melanie Cholka (Mrs. West Allis - WISCONSIN)

Hello, I am Melanie Cholka, Mrs. West Allis 2007.

“Wife”, “Mother of Two,” and “Commercial Real Estate Investor” are my other current titles, but I have learned that life is less of what we are called, and more of who we are deep inside.

My husband Brian and I have been married 9 years and have two beautiful and active boys, Adam,8, and Aaron, 6. As anyone with a loving family will agree, a successful marriage and children are the most important aspects of life. While my children are young, I feel time is of the essence, and being a Commercial Real Estate Investor gives me that precious time needed to raise our two young sons.

Flying Cessnas and ultralites, and skydiving have now given way to more earthbound hobbies such as photography, singing in our contemporary worship ensemble, performing in local civic theater, modeling and practicing yoga. My life has been filled with wonderful adventures that range from white water rafting on the Colorado river, to taking two rambunctious boys to the grocery store. That adventurous spirit is what led me to enter the Mrs. Wisconsin pageant.

My crusade is for True Cancer Prevention, campaigning at health clubs, seminars, and food preparation companies with information on how to “Live Your Best Life Now”. Combining the three pillars of health--Mind, Body, and Spirit--offers the best opportunity to achieve a healthy lifestyle and avoid serious health issues.

Many components included in the pillars of health can be encouraged through Civic Responsibility. With this in mind, I feel compelled to volunteer, but also enjoy volunteering for area chamber of commerce and service club fundraisers, assisting at Special Olympics events, organizing women’s ministries, and coordinating parenting seminars.

You may never realize the outcome of all your efforts, and “To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world”.

Melanie Cholka
Mrs. West Allis 2007

Penny Godbout (Mrs. Hudson - WISCONSIN)

Hello Everyone!
My name is Penny Godbout, Mrs. Hudson 2007. On March 27th, my husband David and I shared our 15th wedding anniversary. That’s when I committed myself, and entered the Mrs. Wisconsin America pageant.
David and I have been together for 17 years. Dating near and far, to marriage, grand opening my own business, Penny’s Nails, in 1991. Along the way, we had time to fit in four beautiful children, Jolie Anne 14, Beau Wagner 11, Cole Wagner 7 ½, and Belle Mae 4 ½. The half marks matter to the children, so that’s why they are there. After our third child, Cole, my second career presented itself. But my husband was recruiting me, Penny’s Nails retired. At this moment in my life, it found new meaning. Where I discovered the best in myself should be given to my husband and children. I once read, to hire a stay-at-home mom and do all that I do, it would be a six-figure salary. To me, my children are gifts from God. We are truly blessed, and our continually amazed by their inner beauty and how much they learn so fast. Time does really fly, when you’re married with children.
Going back in time, I was born in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. My family lived across the river, in LaCresant, Minnesota, till I was five. Then we headed north and I ended up living most of my life in Stillwater, Minnesota. In the last fifteen years, I have moved 8 times. In July of 2005, my husband, who is a District Manger for Circuit City, moved our family, to Southern Florida. Where everyday was like a vacation. He did such an awesome job, that one year before his contract was over; they gave him a raise and said “Do you want to go home?” Of course, we said “yes!”
Traveling is my favorite hobby. Our family tries for one or two trips a year. We were just on a two week vacation, in Marco Island and Daytona Beach, Florida. This trip was unique, for we drove, except Jolie flew. I loved sitting by David for 15 hours straight, we had the longest date ever! We had the best time navigating every step of the way. We couldn’t live with out modern technology, such as, our GPS, radar detector, a DVD player, etc, Of course, we brought an atlas.
Throughout the years, I have been able to do some pretty important things. I used to work with my grandfather, in California, on Channel 42 where I phone counseled callers with any problem, through talking and prayer. I worked in Mexico twice, working with orphans, helping them learn to take care of themselves. I also, had a modeling contract for a tour company; both jobs were a lot of work.
I’m also grateful, for the best parents on the planet. They were and our still my mentors in life. Thanks so much, to everyone that supports me in the race for the crown.

God bless,
Penny Godbout
Mrs. Hudson-WISCONSIN 2007

Jennifer Schluga (Mrs. Waukesha County - WISCONSIN)

Hello Everyone, my name is Jennifer Schluga and I am proud to be named Mrs. Waukesha County Wisconsin. I run an animal rescue called Wisconsin Critter Rescue. We have had our doors open for 4 years. We deal mainly with exotics, but do take in the occasional dog & cat as well. We have helped rehabilitate and re-home close to 160 furry friends since we opened.

I have been married to my husband Robb for going on 6 years now. He married into five, yes I said FIVE, daughters. What a great guy, but I'm not sure he knew what he was in for. Regardless, he has taken to parenting quite well. As I said earlier I have five beautiful daughters, whom are all awaiting a win for me so they can start on the pageant trail. Sammy (dare I call her Samantha in public) is going to be 15 this year and has been a tomboy her entire life. Jade is going to be 13 this year and besides the numerous make up, hair and fashion tips that she gives me on a daily basis without asking, is praying everyday that I can finally win a state title so she can give it a whirl. Cassy is 12 this year. Yes, they are very close in age. I figured that I would have them close so they had friends growing up. Boy, that didn't exactly turn out quite as well as I had hoped. Sometimes I feel as though I am crouched behind home plate with a face mask on, but everyone is still alive so I guess I'm doing something right! Madison is next on the list. She is going to be 10 this year and was the miracle baby. I was told I could no longer have any children from the chemotherapy and radiation treatments I had for my Leukemia. Boy, were they wrong! Not much more then a year later out popped Sydney, my youngest that will be 9 this year. They are the joy of my life. Robb and I are hoping to have one more...whew!

I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (a type of blood cancer) when I was 22 years old. I was pregnant with Cassy at the time and opted to hold off on treatment until she was delivered. The doctors gave me 12 months to live without treatment, but making sure my daughter was safe in the womb was my top priority. I started treatment December 21, 1994 at 3:30 p.m., just five hours after the birth of what was supposed to be the last child I was to ever give life to. After months of treatment, blood tests, and exams they told me I no longer had to come back for my weekly trips. There were exactly 37 different ways to get to the hospital from my house in under 20 minutes and I was overjoyed that I did not have to make the trip as frequently anymore (even though most of the time I did not remember the ride home). I have now been in "remission" for almost 6 years now. And I am grateful and thankful that I am still here.

The first pageant I entered was in 1996. I entered it just to celebrate life. I had lost all of my hair going through the toughest battle of my life, but did not let it phase me too much. Most people thought I did it to copy Sinead O'Connor because I "didn't look sick". I tried the wigs and nothing felt right, so I competed with no hair. Needless to say they were not looking for a bald Ms. Wisconsin at that time. From that moment on I was bound and determined to win a title. To prove it was the inner YOU that mattered and not just the hair and glamour.

I do not believe that Mrs. Wisconsin should only have one platform, and she should want to help many different charities and organizations, but the Leukemia Society and Cancer Awareness are on the top of my list for obvious reasons. I already volunteer with a few organizations and if I do win the title of Mrs. Wisconsin, it brings that much more recognition to what we (as my entire family volunteers) already do. We volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, we are active with the Elmbrook Humane Society and WI Dog Rescue, and the kids and I also volunteer with the Children's Miracle Network & Children's Hospital Cancer Center.

Fishing has to be of the best things I have learned from my husband. The first gift I received from him (at least the first one I liked, ha ha) was a fishing pole. It is so peaceful and relaxing when you are fishing. No phones, no cars, no distractions. Granted, the first few times I did not particularly relish taking the fish off the hook or baiting my hook for that matter. I also have started archery. My husband does not trust me enough yet to shoot an apple off of his head, but we will get there. I can do anything once I put my mind into it. I love to try new things and meet new people. I can not say that I am even an ounce shy, which sometimes can get me in trouble, but I'm working on it. I think one of the best parts of pageantry is the amount of learning you do about yourself and your beliefs. We are never too old to learn!

I am happy to see more married women getting involved in pageants. We are wives, mothers, daughters, teachers, employers, and role models. We all have our own stories to share. We are ALL WINNERS already, if you ask me! I hope to find you all safe, healthy and happy as we meet June 8th to celebrate all the wonderful women of Wisconsin...oh and Iowa too...and of course Minnesota as well.

Good Luck to us ALL! And remember, relax and try to have fun or it is not even worth the trip!

Jennifer Schluga
Mrs. Waukesha County- WISCONSIN

Ellen Sendelbach (Mrs. Onalaska - WISCONSIN)

Hi, I am Ellen C. Sendelbach, and I am Mrs. Onalaska. My husband Mark and I have been married for over 18 years and live in the awesome river city of Onalaska. (Affectionately referred to as a suburb of La Crosse) We both have siblings that will be celebrating their 30th wedding anniversaries this summer, so when I say that we have been married for 18 years it feels like we are newlyweds and just starting out our lives together! We both come from farming backgrounds. Mark was raised in central Iowa and I was raised on our family farm on the edge of the Mississippi River Valley. As I say, “every day on the farm we had 3 choices,… you could a) work, b) work or c) work! But working with our family businesses and family members makes us who we are today! Between our 2 families, Mark and I are the VERY PROUD aunt and uncle to 17 nieces and nephews as well as 1 great nephew, Jackson, and 2 great nieces, Madyson and Kylie. ( You will hear me talk about “the kids” a lot!!)

I work as a flight attendant for Northwest Airlines and I am based in Minneapolis/St. Paul. I love working in an environment where each day is different, my office continually has a different view and I am exposed to so many walks of life; all while performing my safety and security duties. Some flight attendants have found our annual recurrent training/testing daunting but I find it a perfect fit for my personality. I love the challenge of being put on the spot and “testing out” on our aircraft and emergency management procedures. The review reinforces my love for a program that I founded called Aviation Knowledge.

Aviation Knowledge is a program that educates the public on cabin safety. Unfortunately this basic information is not something that people hear or discuss on a regular basis and knowing about it is as important as knowing how to budget your finances. My program offers a fun presentation on the importance of cabin safety and why there are rules and regulations in place for our safety. The bulk of my audiences members are Girl Scout Troops but the parents and other civic groups enjoy it as well.

On the flip side of working in corporate business, I have a strong creative side which led me to starting my business E Designs, LLC. This company handles my jewelry line named “by Ellen Clare.” It’s a great outlet for exercising my artistic abilities and it gives me the challenge of continually flexing my brain on marketing and finances. Last year I designed a bracelet that denotes our country’s patriotism and honors our troops. I sell this bracelet as a fundraiser for the Coulee Region Chapter of Operation Homefront. I also use my jewelry line for fundraisers for school libraries and local charitable organizations.

Our favorite charity is the Casa Hogar Orphanage and Medical Mission located in Lurin, Peru. This charity is literally a family event for us. All of my siblings, nieces and nephews, and my mother participate in working, collecting, and transporting donated medical and living supplies. We also sponsor children at the orphanage. My trip to Lurin was the BEST trip I have ever been on! I worked long hours every day with the Eye Team and it was worth every ounce of energy! And, there is nothing like waking up every morning to 96 vivacious, happy and beautiful children! What a treat!

I have always been surrounded by a positive image of pageantry so I am thrilled to be able to step out from behind the scenes (of production work) and compete in front of the judges. No matter where I travel, I still believe that I live in the most beautiful area of the world and I would love to represent Wisconsin in the Mrs. America Pageant!

Sarah White (Mrs. Kenosha County - WISCONSIN)

Hi! My name is Sarah White, Mrs. Kenosha County (Wisconsin). I am the proud wife of Brady and mom to Gavin (5) and Maya (1). Brady and I have been together since we were 15 and got married my senior year in College. We are the 3rd generation of High School Sweethearts that ended up getting married in his family!

As a family, we love to travel and take our kids on adventures. It is pretty easy to do when your family is as spread out across the country as ours is. Brady and I have a grandparent or sibling in Wisconsin, Missouri, Arizona, Oregon and Idaho! Up until recently - we also had New York on that list!! Each year we try to get the kids out to visit family and do one "no family" vacation to the beach or Disneyworld, etc.

Gavin will be in 1st grade next year - it is amazing how time flies! He is really excited for the pageant because of the hotel stay -- can't beat a pool inside! This June he also gets to be the ring "bear" at my brothers wedding. During the summer, Gavin plays T-ball and goes hiking with us. He also spends the whole month of June going back and forth on what his theme
should be for his birthday :)

After having Gavin, I thought it was impossible to ever love another person as much as I did him. Then Maya was born and I realized it was possible! Maya will turn 2 in September. She is such a beautiful baby and has just the right personality mix for our family. My grandparents say that she looks just like me when I was a baby - and after seeing some baby pictures I
have to agree. Maya is preparing to be the flower girl in my little brother's wedding June 23rd.

Due to some complications with pregnancies, we were told half way through the pregnancy with Maya that she had to be our last. While we were very disappointed, I was excited to have a healthy baby girl to "complete" our family. It also really made me look at my working priorities and decide that life was too short to work full time.

Two months after Maya was born in 2005, I owned my own Talent Acquisition Strategies consulting firm called White Consulting Group. It was an amazing venture that allowed me some amazing opportunities - one of them only working 25 hours per week! The most recent was being approached by a large non-profit association to become their Recruiting Solutions Director! As of this month - I am now an employee with them being able to help their member organizations improve their recruiting and retention strategies! The best part is that they are still giving me the flexibility to work only 30 hours a week - primarily from home!

As for pageants, I decided to enter the Mrs. Wisconsin pageant as a way to motivate and encourage other women to follow their dreams and give them encouragement. For the past 5 months, I have been blogging my adventure on www.beautyqueenchallenge.blogspot.com completely transparent telling all about my challenges and weight loss stories. To make it more realistic for most people - I have set a $500 budget on myself for all pageant related expenses!! It has been AMAZING the feedback I have gotten from people, current queens encouragement from across the country and even media!! I have had the opportunity, because of the blog, to be featured in a NBC news segment on Mrs. Pageants as well as many newspapers around the country!

I am very excited to meet everyone!
Sarah White
Mrs. Kenosha County WISCONSIN 2007

Tashina Azure (Mrs. Davenport - IOWA)

Hello my name is Tashina Azure-Billy. I am a tribal member from the great nations of Turtle Mountain Chippewa and Meskwaki from Iowa. I am 24 years old and I recently graduated with my B.A. in American Indian Studies from Haskell Indian Nations University. I am married to my wonderful husband Robert and we have a beautiful son Ittibi Imachokmah who is 11 months old. We have been together for 3 years and just married November 30, 2006. My life so far has taught me many things and I’m excited to describe a little bit about that.

When I first got to college, I was scared but happy because it was my first time away from home. Growing up wasn’t always easy, my family has a history of alcohol abuse, violence, and homelessness. I can honestly say that when I got there I was very proud that I had even been accepted, I figured no University would let me in with the grades I had from high school. My mom who has always been my backbone has told me to strive and do my best so I figured that since Haskell was welling to give me a chance I would go the extra mile for them.

That extra mile started in the fall with cheer-leading, and Red Planet Hip Hop Club where I served as the Campus Activities Association Representative. In spring 2002, I was a Student Senate Representative, served as the co/chair of the New Student Orientation committee, served on the Curtis Hall committee, served as a Student Court Justice, was nominated for Homecoming Queen for SPIRIT club, ran for Miss Haskell and graduated with my associates of natural science in May 2003.

My senior year at Haskell, my husband and I were blessed with the pregnancy of our son. During my pregnancy I carried 25 credit hours, served as Campus Activities Association president, and did my internship with the Pelathe Community Resource Center. While president of the Campus Activities Association I planned events for the entire student body, put together a donation drive for the Houma Tribe of Louisiana hurricane Katrina victims, and campus activities also raised funds for the widowed wife of an alumni student that currently passed on in a horrible automobile accident.

My internship at the Pelathe center has me taught me how important community relations are in all societies. This internship has given me many opportunities to get more involved with the youth through the youth photography project that is still in the developing stages, but also has given me experience in the grant writing process which I know will help me in the future. Working with young native youth that have a similar background as mine is why I chose to represent higher education in Indian country. Statistics of American Indians living on reservations show that 51% of the reservation population lives below the poverty line. If these children are living below the poverty line, then it is important to understand that these children are 20 times more likely to do drugs and drink alcohol which can lead up to prison or suicide. This is why it is important for them to go to college and bring back to their tribal community to help the betterment of Indigenous people in the United States.

Right now I am currently working on a project for the Native youth of the Quad Cities. The project is a Non-profit organization which will be based on cultural awareness for Native youth by implementing programs like native dance, tribal language classes, theater, games, and tutors to help with homework. This project is still in the beginning phase but I am excited to see the overall outcome.

One of my future plans amongst others is to go on to law school. Community and family are my main focus points at the moment; I know with law school I can help indigenous communities all over the United States. Law school will be tough but I know I can achieve this goal and will do my best in the process. Further more I want every one to know that becoming Mrs. Iowa would mean a great deal to me. I will try my best to represent for the whole state of Iowa if given the opportunity. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Tashina Azure-Billy

Taryn Schuyler (Mrs. Des Moines - IOWA)

The Wizard Of Oz is my all time favorite film. It's my signature movie you might say. I've always loved the story of a young girl traveling towards the unknown, risking it all for the chance to get home, the place where she felt most safe. I think of my own story as a journey towards Oz. My son Coleton was born as I attended college in Arkansas in 1996. It took a lot of courage and determination to succeed and grow as a single mother. I graduated and became a nurse in the summer of 2000. My husband Jayd and I married the next year and decided to move our family to South Dakota where Jayd had grown up and his family still lives. To cap off our already hectic first year of marriage, we welcomed our baby girl Sidda to our family one week shy of our first anniversary.

We now live in Johnston, IA, a suburb of Des Moines. We love raising our family here. My husband trains thoroughbred racehorses for owners from all over the country. Our business is called Schuyler Racing. Prairie Meadows, a race track near Des Moines, is one of the many reasons we moved here. I work as a nurse in a Family Practice/Urgent Care Clinic. I feel very blessed to work at something I am so passionate about. I enjoy shuttling Coleton and Sidda to and from their various activities. When I have the opportunity, you can find me out on a golf course. As a mother with a full time job and two children it doesn't happen as much as I would like. The horses also keep us very busy.

This will be my second pageant. I was second runner up in Mrs. South Dakota 2005. It was a very positive experience which is why I thought I'd try my pageant shoes on one more time. I would be honored to represent Iowa as a woman who embraces challenge and learns from my adventures. Becoming Mrs. Iowa would give me a greater opportunity to educate people on my platform issue which is prevention and early detection of cervical cancer.

My own yellow brick road has held all kinds of twists and turns along the way. I've encountered some triumphs, some setbacks, some detours, just like any woman. I do believe, however, that the real gift you get from the Emerald City is the one you have inside you the whole time. I've always had strength and love, I just had to find my place in this world to let it shine, that place is in Iowa. I am not Iowan by blood, just by heart. I look forward to meeting you all soon.

Taryn Schuyler
Mrs. Des Moines - IOWA

Bridie Sellers (Mrs. Urbandale - IOWA)

Hello! My name is Bridie Sellers, and I am very excited to be taking part in my first pageant, representing the City of Urbandale. I have spent most of my life in the Des Moines area, and am lucky to be surrounded by many wonderful friends and family members here.

I have been married to my husband Chad for almost 4 years, and we are the proud parents of Gavin, who is nearing 3 years old. I can’t believe how fast the time goes! Chad and I were high school sweethearts, and reconnected after college. He is a wonderful husband and father, and has been so supportive. Gavin is our miracle baby; he was born 3 months premature, but came out fighting. He spent 82 days in the hospital, endured blood transfusions, infection, and surgery. He has now “caught up” in all areas of development, and people give us looks of shock when we tell them how little he was at birth (less than 2 ½ pounds!). Life with a toddler is so fun, frustrating and funny – he’s always coming up with new things to do or say.

I graduated from Drake University with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting in 2003. While working full time as an accountant, and raising a newborn, I completed my MBA in 2006. I now work as a financial analyst with Wells Fargo Financial. It’s a challenging job, but I am lucky to work for people that understand the importance of work/life balance. My first career aspiration was to dance with a professional ballet company, and although I have gone another route, I am very excited to begin teaching classes at a local studio this fall.

It’s probably not surprising that I have chosen the March of Dimes as my platform. I recently participated in WalkAmerica. It was very moving to see how many people turned out for the walk, and heartbreaking seeing all the shirts with angels on them representing babies that have been lost. I would be honored to be able to bring more awareness to this growing problem.

I’m looking forward to the pageant experience and to meeting all the other ladies!

Welcome!

Welcome to the Mrs. Wisconsin & Mrs. Iowa America 2007 Contestant Blog!

Here you will find photos and information on the ladies competing for the titles of Mrs. Wisconsin America 2007 & Mrs. Iowa America 2007. The photos and information posted are directly from the contestants, so enjoy getting to know these fabulous and accomplished women...and stay tuned to see who will win the crowns!!!