Mrs. Universe Juanita Brown-Ingram receives proclamation from Mayor Kelly
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Last fall, Juanita Brown-Ingram made history when she became the first black woman to be crowned Mrs. Universe.
Today, the Chattanooga native is back home to host a charity event called Dress for Success. Brown-Ingram received a proclamation from Mayor Tim Kelly on Friday for her commitment to giving back to her hometown.
“It means a great deal to me. I really appreciate it,” said Mrs. Universe Juanita Brown-Ingram. “The city of Chattanooga has always been extremely supportive. This is home. So, it always means a lot when home recognizes you.”
Representation matters. Brown-Ingram knows that she’s a role model, and she wants to change lives.
“Having someone that looks like them matters in this day and age. It is really important, not only because of the title of Mrs. Universe, but because Dress for Success is my charity of choice. And we are helping women economically become independent,” Brown-Ingram said. “Changing the lives of so many women and the trajectory of their entire household means a lot.”
Her pastor believes her impact in the community is even greater because of how much she has accomplished.
“Juanita Brown-Ingram has done so much, accomplished so much,” said Bishop Kevin Adams Sr., Senior Pastor of Olivet Baptist Church. “Coming from Chattanooga, traveling all over the world, and being the first black person, African American woman to go out and win, Miss Universe. ”
Brown-Ingram admits it hasn’t always been easy.
Success delayed is much sweeter than success denied.
“It would have been a different experience 10 years ago, but I am ready now, and it’s been a wonderful experience,” said Brown-Ingram. “I still get to be the first black woman to win, even 10 years later. It has been a really good experience, but I think it’s so important that when we set goals that we do not let go of them, that you hold on to them, no matter how long it takes. In the right season it will happen.”
She currently has a reality tv show available on Amazon Prime called “The Expats.”
