Miss Chattanooga – Ivy DePew
Miss Chattanooga – Ivy DePew, 18, Bartlett
Sophomore, University of Memphis/Marketing Management
Platform: HIV/AIDs Awareness
Talent: Flute, “Explosion”
Website: http://www.wix.com/ivydpw/ivydepew
Q: Why do you believe that you are the most qualified of the 36 applicants for the job of Miss Tennessee?
ID: I believe that my high levels of determination and dedication make me qualified to be Miss Tennessee. I became involved with the Miss America Organization in order to promote my platform, HIV/AIDS Awareness and Prevention.
Q: If you are selected as Miss Tennessee, what would be some personal goals on your agenda in addition to your official duties as the Governor’s spokesperson for A Safe and Drug Free Tennessee and visiting the schools?
ID: I feel that my platform fits closely with the state’s platform “A Safe And Drug Free Tennessee.” With the title of Miss Tennessee, I would have the opportunity to speak to young people across the state and spread awareness and education. I would like to see HIV education implemented in middle schools and high schools across the state of Tennessee.
Q: Besides the scholarship opportunities, what motivated you to become involved in the Miss Tennessee Organization?
ID: I began competing for the title of Miss Tennessee’s Outstanding Teen at the age of 16, and when I became old enough, I naturally decided to compete in the Miss division. Although I have won many different awards at state and local levels, I value most the opportunities for personal growth that the programs have offered me.
Q: What have you learned about yourself during your preparation for the state competition and since becoming Miss Chattanooga?
ID: Preparing for this pageant has taught me discipline in so many ways. I have learned that I really do enjoy working out! I find my way to my local recreation center daily. This has also helped me learn about time management and scheduling.
Q: Since this is your first trip to Miss Tennessee, are you more excited or nervous and what advice have you received from the returnees?
ID: I am much more excited than nervous about the pageant. I cannot wait to see all of the girls that I have made friends with over the years and get to know them even better. The most valuable advice that I have received from returnees is to relax and enjoy the experience!
Q: What have been some of the biggest sacrifices you have made in preparing for the pageant and what have you learned about time management?
ID: The biggest sacrifice that I have made was deciding to sell my flute in order to be able to afford my wardrobe. Any musician would understand the attachment one can develop with their instrument.
Q: Why did you select your platform and how have you implemented it as Miss Chattanooga? What plans do you have to expand it on a statewide or national level as Miss Tennessee?
ID: My platform is HIV/AIDS Awareness and Prevention. In 2005, a very close family friend passed away due to complications of the AIDS virus, and it has deeply affected me and my family. I am currently the Development and Communications Intern at Friends For Life, a nonprofit located in Memphis that provides many different services to people living with HIV. As Miss Tennessee, I hope to tie in my platform with “ A Safe and Drug Free Tennessee” and spread awareness throughout the state.
Q: How has social networking impacted your life and have you utilized it as Miss Chattanooga and how would you use it as Miss Tennessee?
ID: Social networking has greatly benefitted me recently. A Facebook message helped to get my internship! This has greatly helped me to spread my platform locally and will equip me with the tools necessary to spread my platform on a statewide level.
Q: How many Facebook friends do you have at last count?
ID: I have 896 Facebook Friends!
Q: Who is your American Idol?
ID: My biggest “American Idol” would have to be my mother’s boss, Cathy Fletcher (note: she lives in Hixson) . She became paralyzed from the waist down at the age of 14 and has never let her disability affect her. She is the strongest person I know and has become my “Auntie Cathy” in so many ways!
Q: Where do you want to go and who do you want to meet as Miss Tennessee?
ID: I would love to visit the Smoky Mountains, Dollywood, and of course, I would have to meet Memphis native, Justin Timberlake.
Q: Who is your most admired Miss Tennessee?
ID: My most admired Miss Tennessee is Jeni Stephens (1996) . She was the very first former Miss Tennessee that I had the pleasure of meeting, and she has helped me in so many ways.
Q: What has been your favorite moment as Miss Chattanooga?
ID: My favorite moment was one jammed packed, whirlwind trip to Chattanooga. In one day, I visited Chattanooga CARES (local AIDS resource center), did my very first radio interview (Pulse 95.3) and had the opportunity to spend time with amazing friends.
Q: Who is more nervous during this Miss Tennessee Week – you or a relative?
ID: My mother because we have family from all over the country coming to watch me compete, and they are all staying at my house.
Q: What are your career ambitions?
ID: Presently, I am an intern at a nonprofit agency while majoring in Marketing and Nonprofit Management. I am not entirely sure where I will go with my degree, but I am sure that I will be happy wherever I take myself.
Q: What will your first meal be after competing in swimsuit?
ID: I haven’t decided! I have recently been craving Italian food, Mexican food, and IHOP!
Q: What has been the most difficult decision – choosing the swimsuit, the interview outfit, the talent wardrobe or your evening gown?
ID: The most difficult piece of wardrobe for me to find was my interview attire. I shopped in New York City (while visiting her sister) before finding the perfect dress in Jackson, Tennessee!
Q: How do you respond to those who believes that pageants are not relevant and the friends who can’t believe you compete in pageants?
ID: Many people do not believe that I am a “pageant girl,” and I am often confronted by people that do not believe that the Miss America Organization is still relevant. I usually can change their minds by telling them about the JOB that Miss Tennessee has throughout her year of service.
Q: If you become Miss Tennessee, what won’t you leave home without?
ID: I will not leave home without my camera and its charger!