Mrs. International 2010

Participating in the Mrs. International Pageant was an amazing experience. I was honored to have the opportunity to represent my home state of California. The week was full of sightseeing trips, wonderful dinners and of course many rehearsals. It was great to meet all the other contestants. I love talking to them about their platforms and why they are passionate about them was a highlight for me. It is so incredible to see what these women are doing in their communities and states. I was so honored to have made the Top 10 and to stand with such a great group of outstanding women. Best of luck to the new Mrs. International 2010:Shannon Divine. My prayers will be with you all year as you inform the world about the importance of adoption. Thank you to everyone who sent flowers, text messages, cards and emails the week of the pageant. It meant so much to me to know that you all were thinking of me while I was in Chicago.
See you in September for the California State Pageant.
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XOXO
Ashley Pavletich
Mrs. California Intl. 2010

Bakersfield West Rotary July 2010

Last week I attended Bakersfield's West Rotary inaugural meeting for the 2010-2011 Club President Jim Darling. Since I know Jim personally he asked me if I would share with the audience my experience as Mrs. California Intl. 2010 and about my platform Character Counts. I was honored to speak at the meeting because it was full of people that my husband and I new. The Honorable Mayor Harvey L. Hall presented Doug Harvey, who is being inducted into Baseball's Hall of Fame at the end of the month, with a Key to the City of Bakersfield and spoke about his amazing accomplishments in Baseball.
Nicole Rubin who is the Executive Director of Ronald McDonald House Charities in Southern California gave an amazing and very educational talk about how the Ronald McDonald House Charities were started. They have 300 Houses in 30 Countries that help feed and shelter families who are taking care of sick children. Bakersfield opened it's own Ronald McDonald House in the Spring of 2009 and has offered many families the comfort, care and support that they need. I am so thankful that places like this exist for families. Part of the success of a Ronald McDonald House is due to donations and financial contributions from the city in which it is located. I am proud of my hometown and how the people here constantly give to others; We try to make the community the best that it can be. Our City slogan is " Bakersfield: Life as it should be", and it is so true.

XOXO
Ashley Pavletich
Mrs. California Intl. 2010

Create a photo album

Congressman Kevin McCarthy

Make an invitation

Mrs. Neighbert's 3rd Grade Class

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This week I was invited to talk to Mrs. Neighbert's class about Character Counts. This was a very special day for me. Mrs. Neighbert and I have been friends for a long time. It meant a lot that she would want me to come and talk to her students. Bringing Character Counts and the Six Pillars of Character to this classroom was amazing. We talked about each character trait and how we could apply it to our day at school as well as at home. The students asked some great questions and I was once again reminded by their wide eyes looking up at me, how much of an influence I have with children. Using the Pillars in everyday life has made me a better role model, wife, mother, daughter, friend and Mrs. California Intl. 2010. I am constantly impressed by the children that I talk to and hope they will remember long after I have left the classroom that it is always cool to make the right choices. I read a quote this week that really made me stop and think and hopefully it will do the same with you..." Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, and leave the rest to God!!!

XOXO
Ashley Pavletich
Mrs. California Intl. 2010

Hoffmann Hospice "Voices of Inspiration" 2010

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I attended the 16th annual "Voices of Inspiration" fundraiser. It supports Hoffmann Hospice, Bakersfield's only non-profit Hospice. Tickets to this event sold out with in two weeks after announcing that the guest speaker was college coaching legend Lou Holtz. Lou is one of the most accomplished coaches in the history of college football, probably best known for taking a struggling Notre Dame Football program and turning it into a national power house. He's had similar successes with five other college programs, affirming he's got what it takes to inspire others to greatness. The nights festivities began with a VIP meet and greet with Coach Holtz. After getting my own Notre Dame helmet signed my husband Paul and I had the opportunity to chat with the Coach about what he has been up too. For a 73 year old he has a ton of energy and I truly see why he was so successful in motivating his players to achieve greatness.
Dinner was served to all of us and that was followed by a live auction which featured 11 items, that even with the economy supporters of Hoffmann Hospice rose to the occasion and helped raise over $60,000.00 dollars.
Coach Holtz was introduced by Jim Scott and Robin Mangarin of KGET TV Channel 17. He spoke for an hour, but it seemed like it took less than a minute because he had all of us laughing so hard. After Lou finished his remarks and the program was officially over Coach Holtz started signing autographs. He continued for the next 3 hours till everyone had their autographs and photos taken with him.
This evening was a pleasure for my husband and I to attend. Not only are we big college football fans, but now we are Lou Holtz fans as well.

XOXO
Ashley Pavletich
Mrs. California Intl. 2010

Bakersfield Magazine Spring 2010

Recently I appeared in The Bakersfield Magazine as their "Citizen Kern". In each issue they select someone from the community who is making a difference. Attached is the article. Thank you to Bakersfield Magazine and Anika Henrikson for writing this story and for this wonderful opportunity.

XOXO
Ashley Pavletich
Mrs. California Intl. 2010

Bakersfield Women's Conference 2010

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On Thursday April 22, 2010 I attended the 21st Annual Bakersfield Women's Business Conference. The theme this year was "Options Unlimited": The Power of You!!! Helping women of all ages to achieve their personal and professional goals and enriching their quality of life. The keynote speaker for the event was Joan Lunden: host of Good Morning America for more than two decades. She has served as National spokesperson for Mothers Against Drunk Driving, The American Lung Association and the American Red Cross. Her latest project is the creation of Camp Reveille. It is a wellness retreat for women where they can energize their spirits, renew their sense of self, jump start their fitness and learn the tools needed to achieve a healthier balance in their lives. Another speaker was Cindy Solomon. She is a internationally recognized consultant, author and entrepreneur. She has helped organizations like the Mayo Clinic and Google to create and nurture the leadership and customer skills needed in today's challenging economy. She has helped many individuals, teams, and organizations find their strengths and courage as leaders, business owners and individuals. Delores Pressley also spoke. She is a International Motivational Speaker, Personal Power Expert and Life Coach. She founded Delores Pressley Worldwide and The Born Successful Institute. For 17 years she has helped individuals change their lives and utilize their own personal power.
Among these three amazing speakers the conference also had 36 local men and women who spoke during the breakout sessions throughout the day. Every topic from starting your own business, how to give back to your community and living a healthy lifestyle were talked about. During the day women had time to talk with each other, shop, and gather information at the Exhibitors Fair that featured over 60 local business vendors.
I was able to spend the day with the 2011 Bakersfield Titleholders. Mrs. Bakersfield: Megan Raymond, Miss Bakersfield: Katie Cooksey, Miss Teen Bakersfield: Makenzie Carter, and our local Director Gayle Tape. It was a wonderful day filled with inspiration and motivation for all women to make a difference in their life.

XOXO
Ashley Pavletich
Mrs. California Intl. 2010