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!