Talia Markham Interview
Miss West Virginia 2009
Why did you decide to compete in the Miss Capital City pageant?
I obtained my bachelor’s degree from the University of Charleston and worked in the Charleston area during that time and after. So, I feel like Charleston is just as much my home as Ripley is. Also, the director who organizes this pageant is a close friend of mine and has had much success with coaching Miss West Virginia winners.
What was going through your head when you were announced as the new Miss West Virginia?
God is good! I have wanted to hear my name called for 4 years and it was finally me! God has a plan for my life and his plan is so much better than mine. He knew and I knew that I was ready to take on the job of Miss West Virginiaand he promised me this title when I was 18, the first year I competed.
Tell us about your platform you are using during your reign as Miss West Virginia.
Child Abuse & Neglect: Breaking the Cycle. This is a platform that is very heavy and seems to be a taboo discussion topic in today’s society, but is so prevalent. During the school tour I will be speaking to children about the 4 types of abuse and neglect, but the second part of my presentation will be centered around the statement “no matter where you come from, doesn’t define who you can be” and followed up with many inspiration stories and push to pursue your dreams.
I have partnered with Mission WV – Frameworks to start a recruitment and promotional media campaign for foster parent and adoptive parents. I plan to work on legislation that will address the salary for Child Protective Service workers and vacancies within the department.
How does a typical day go during your reign as Miss WV?
Busy and each day is different! One day I will be giving a speech at a Youth in Excellence Awards Ceremony and the next day be at an autistic camp taking pictures and interacting with the capers.
What are you most looking forward at Miss America?
Meeting the other contestants and my personal interview. I love to meet new people and I feel that the caliber of women that participate in the Miss America program are above the rest. To have these “movers and shakers” as close friends, would be an honor to me.
Also, I think my platform needs to be addressed and given the megaphone of Miss America. I will be able to get this opportunity when on Miss America stage that is nationally televised.
What are you currently studying in college/university?
Graduated from the University of Charleston with a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and minor in Leadership. I plan to use my scholarship dollars after my reign as Miss West Virginia to attend WVU’s Integrated Master’s Marketing Program.
What would be your main goal as Miss WV?
To recruit more foster and adoptive families for the 4,000 children that are within the system, never to return home. Also, have the governor address many of my personal legislative issues within the 2010 Legislative Budget.
I obtained my bachelor’s degree from the University of Charleston and worked in the Charleston area during that time and after. So, I feel like Charleston is just as much my home as Ripley is. Also, the director who organizes this pageant is a close friend of mine and has had much success with coaching Miss West Virginia winners.
What was going through your head when you were announced as the new Miss West Virginia?
God is good! I have wanted to hear my name called for 4 years and it was finally me! God has a plan for my life and his plan is so much better than mine. He knew and I knew that I was ready to take on the job of Miss West Virginiaand he promised me this title when I was 18, the first year I competed.
Tell us about your platform you are using during your reign as Miss West Virginia.
Child Abuse & Neglect: Breaking the Cycle. This is a platform that is very heavy and seems to be a taboo discussion topic in today’s society, but is so prevalent. During the school tour I will be speaking to children about the 4 types of abuse and neglect, but the second part of my presentation will be centered around the statement “no matter where you come from, doesn’t define who you can be” and followed up with many inspiration stories and push to pursue your dreams.
I have partnered with Mission WV – Frameworks to start a recruitment and promotional media campaign for foster parent and adoptive parents. I plan to work on legislation that will address the salary for Child Protective Service workers and vacancies within the department.
How does a typical day go during your reign as Miss WV?
Busy and each day is different! One day I will be giving a speech at a Youth in Excellence Awards Ceremony and the next day be at an autistic camp taking pictures and interacting with the capers.
What are you most looking forward at Miss America?
Meeting the other contestants and my personal interview. I love to meet new people and I feel that the caliber of women that participate in the Miss America program are above the rest. To have these “movers and shakers” as close friends, would be an honor to me.
Also, I think my platform needs to be addressed and given the megaphone of Miss America. I will be able to get this opportunity when on Miss America stage that is nationally televised.
What are you currently studying in college/university?
Graduated from the University of Charleston with a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and minor in Leadership. I plan to use my scholarship dollars after my reign as Miss West Virginia to attend WVU’s Integrated Master’s Marketing Program.
What would be your main goal as Miss WV?
To recruit more foster and adoptive families for the 4,000 children that are within the system, never to return home. Also, have the governor address many of my personal legislative issues within the 2010 Legislative Budget.