As a State title holder,I am privileged to represent Florida in the United States at the Petite USA pageant. My goal as Ms. Florida Petite is to simply enforce the famous quote by Ernest Holmes, “Change your thinking, change your life.” I am a firm believer that we have the power to heal ourselves and face mental challenges. Mental health problems are one of the main causes of the overall disease burden worldwide.

What if all we had to do was think more positively? My platform, “ Connected through Healing ( The IAM Initiative)” allows me to advocate for the importance of positive thinking. We are a psycho-physical unit. The late author Louise Hay was said to have cured herself of cervical cancer by simply shifting her thinking. She became one with the negative thoughts from experiences she held on to for years and concluded that her unwillingness to let go of resentment was the cause of her cancer diagnosis. Louise refused medical treatment, and began a regimen of forgiveness, therapy, reflexology, nutrition, and occasional enemas, and claimed she rid herself of the cancer. Lousie declared that no doctor could confirm this story, but swore it to be true. I believe once she shifted her mindset, she was able to change her life.

With my new state title, I am on a mission to spread the power of our minds. Mental health problems are one of the main causes of the overall disease burden worldwide. It is projected that by 2030 mental health problems (particularly depression) will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally. My agenda is to change this projection. One mind-shift at a time. I have a non-partisan message and I would love for you to join me on this journey in causing a ripple effect that can change the history of this country. Let’s change the world together! Starting with YOU!

LaKeisha is a renowned author and social worker. She was born in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and received holistic and religious training practice at the University of Sedona. Having experienced loss of loved ones to mental challenges, She had made it a personal and professional goal to provide holistic healing and care that promotes mental and emotional support for people who are bound by mental health issues; Providing a complimentary medical art that works on the mental and emotional while in concert with physical & mental medical treatments (Reiki).She believes changes only occur when people are helped to draw strength from within to realize their true potential and live happy lives despite their socio-economic challenges. To this end, she has founded Ka'neccted through Healing (IAM Iniative)

LaKeisha is a firm believer that we are a psycho-physical unit. The mind controls the body, and the body controls the mind. If you are not mentally and emotionally in a place to channel your highest healthy self, you should have someone whose sole purpose is to act as your support system to help promote healing. Aimed at encouraging community efforts, She collaborates with other stakeholders in supporting and honoring individuals who have faced diverse life challenges to help them reconnect with their society.