The end of a chapter and the beginning of a new one!

The entrance was spectacular...What a way to end an amazing year!!!



My Farewell!








I've had many friends ask to see pictures from the pageant and when I gave up my crown. It's touching to hear my directors remind me I never "give up" my crown, I just pass a new one along. It was a year of great opportunity and as I mentioned the opportunities are still coming. I have been booking various speaking engagements as well as book signings and a few appearances as well. I have started a new blog for friends to follow titled Lisa Dean. This blog was soley dsigned for my year as Mrs. Illinois America. I invite you to continue following as I will continue to journal and share all of life's great blessings: My family, friends, work, and service. I'm thankful to many who have sent such positive feedback in regards to my year. Receiving emails, letters, and messages on Face book have been countless. To hear that my year has inspired some of you to try new things, discover your gifts and talents, or know that you can, and do make a difference in the world are all amazing words to my ear. You have truly blessed me! . My new blog will be up and running soon. It will be filled with more speaking engagements, "vitamins for the mind", encouragement, and yes, family photos too! I'm grateful to all those that were sincere in their words and actions during my reign. please feel free to continue to follow me now at LisaDean.blogspot.com!

The Niewolny Family Photo for Mrs. Illinois 2008

Yes, I have been negligent with this blog but with good reason..so let me say I am sorry for that....and will post pictures from the pageant, speaking engagements, and Kennedy's pageant soon. The past few months have been quite hectic since giving up my crown as Mrs. Illinois America 2008. The year came to an end but the festivities and "pre booked" appearances did not. On top of that I am thrilled to say that our orphan home in Africa is now complete as well as a hospice we built with my mother and father. Through my year as Mrs. Illinois and the launch of my book, "Girls of Greatness", speaking engagements, plus a move, not to mention being a wife and mother, there were times when I felt a bit overwhelmed( to say the least). But I always know where my strength comes from and that is in God alone. He also has blessed me with an unbelievable family and genuine friends. It is at those times that you find out who you are and who you are amongst. I have had an unbelievable year as Mrs. Illinois and now that reign is over but the many responsibilities and my passions for purposeful living has not. I have had the opportunity to continue speaking as well as "meet and greets" for book signings, and every now and then still be asked to make an appearance as Mrs. Illinois 2008. With the encouragement of my directors, I do. I think it's wonderful if I can still bring exposure to the organization that has offered me so much. I have heard of other past queens getting together for a Breast Cancer Walk, or one making an appearance on Oprah, or one being a spokesmodel for a dentist. How wonderful that there are many queens out there bringing exposure to the organization that brought so much to their lives. So I say "Go Girls"..bring more exposure to the Mrs. Illinois Organization. It only strengthens the foundation of which it was built, while reaching many others throughout our state and beyond.
Some of you were unable to attend the pageant and have asked to see pictures. This is one of the pictures that Dan Duverney shot of my family for the program book for Mrs. Illinois. ....more to follow

Barrington Spa Appearance

It was a nice time to spend with the owners and patrons at the Barrington Nails and Spa in South Barrington. The owners had asked for an appearance and it was a nice time taking photos with guests and signing autographs. The owners were so gracious they greeted me with a warm welcome and beautiful bouquet of flowers. Thanks to all!

The Picture from my shoot with Clay Spann

This is one of the shots that was taken with Clay Spann. It turned out to be my director's favorite too! My last shot as Mrs. Illinois America 2008.!!!

My shoot with Clay Spann!

I have had the most unbelievable year as Mrs. Illinois. I have had the opportunity to shoot with some amazing photographers all over the nation. I shot with Dan Duverney who is a very near and dear friend of mine in Chicago. I've also had the pleasure to fly to New York and shoot with Fadil Berisha, who is the official photographer of the Miss. USA and Miss Universe Pageant. This past month I had the opportunity to fly to Alabama and shoot with Clay Spann. Here I am in his makeup chair waiting for the masterpiece to be finished. Clay is such an artist and every model...his pallet. He is amazing. It was a whirlwind trip. One day there and back. Here I am with Clay and then with a solider at the airport who wanted to take a picture with me...it was the hair and makeup I'm sure!

Mrs. Illinois is auctioned off!!!

The Barrington Junior Women's Club hosted an event at Pinstripes in South Barrington. The event was a fun filled event with over 200 in attendance and benefiting domestic violence. I have had the honor to speak at various events throughout the years in regards to domestic violence as well as the empowerment of women and children. This is a cause that is very near and dear to me. I was asked by the event chair if they could auction "me" off. what fun. It was a silent auction that was a day in the life of Mrs. Illinois. The day included a limo ride to a photo shoot, a lunch together, then a mini shopping spree. All things that any queen would want! I know some little girl will be thrilled to have won such an item, but I may be even more excited to get to do it with her! Here I am with my husband, Dean, and the event chair, Sonal Patel and her husband Vip.

Speaking Engagement at The Childrens' Museuum

I was asked to speak at the Children's Museum in Frankfort, IL. It was a pleasure to speak to a group of young girls and share my book "Girls of Greatness". It's always nice to hear feedback from girls that enjoy reading it, but it's even nicer when I get a chance to meet them in person and connect with them one on one. We discussed a few points in the book and I then did an activity with the girls. My mom and Kennedy joined me and the three of us had a great time not only at the museum but then jetting off to another appearance at Drury Lane in Oakbrook, that afternoon. Here I am signing books for patrons and then with the President of the Board for the Museum.

Our first Appearance Together

Not long after Kennedy won Pre Teen Miss Illinois USA Dream Girl we had our first appearance together. We were celebrity judges at the Wheaton Community Easter Bonnet Contest. We were also special guests at the lovely boutique, The Stork's Cradle, where we greeted guests. Kennedy got a kick out of all the little girls as they looked up to her and she served them special chocolate candy eggs. I have to say as a mom, I am proud of my little girl. It's a joy to share the same passions together and never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be sharing appearances with my daughter....I love it!!

This Friday I am a featured guest speaker at the annual Women's Helath and Business Symposium. It will be quite an experience speaking to a large group of women on balance. Something I have talked about with many women's organizations. The invite is open to all!!! And over 750 women are expected to attend.

Vegas and The Osmonds!!!!

This past year has been an amazing one to say the least. The appearances, talks, book signings, and my trip with my second family (aka, my directors), the Acetos. We went to Vegas for some sun, relaxation, and the Osmonds! My directors are very close friends with the Osmond family and so for our "mini vacation" they took me to Vegas! Julie and I relaxed in the sun every afternoon. Then, it was off for a late afternoon of shopping with Joe, Marcie, and BeBe. What a trooper Joe was, he didn't complain once, even when he carried the bags! We had a weekend of laughter, fun, and FOOD! The Acetos introduced me to the Osmonds and I introduced them to a true buffet!
Growing up I always remember watching the Donny and Marie Show as a young girl. Yes, I had a crush on Donny and of course I wanted to be Marie! Who would have thought years later I'd get to meet them in person? But, I did. We had such a great time at the show, they are unbelievable performers and they both still look soo young. Here we are with them after the show. "Would someone pinch me please!" It was definitely a highlight to my year!





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Like Mother Like Daughter!!

Kennedy won Miss Pre-Teen Illinois Dream Girl USA! It was a huge surprise considering she was the youngest in her division. I told her after the first night of competition that we are here for the experience and to just have fun. Well, after she got off the stage of first round competition she said, and I quote,, "We have work to do, let's go practice." She had me up till midnight practicing...it paid off! When they announced her name I became the loudest mom ever (like that would surprise anyone!). Here she is with her family, her proud brother, Caden, and the beauty in the lavender is, Nicole Framerin, a client I coach for Miss Teen USA.
We're all so proud and happy!!! Now, off to nationals...and yes, that's the weekend before I give up my crown as Mrs. Illinois America. It's going to be one busy month May!!!

Zazz Productions Strikes Again!!!

I have had so much fun this year modeling in fashion shows for various organizations. I have to say, though, that the most fun I have is when Tracy Tarrentino from Zazz Productions is involved. She is one of the most talented people I know and I believe this was my fifth or sixth fashion show I did for her. As always....a blast and a blessing!

Omega Restaurant Is The Place To Be!!

One of my directors' favorite restaurants is Omega's. After an earlier appearance that afternoon with Julie and Marcie we all met up at Omega's for dinner. Joe surprised us with a few special guests including a few judges from the pageant. It was great to see them again, share great conversation and talk about an amazing year I've had. Here I am with the head of the restaurant as well as a few valued patrons. They all knew Joe because he's a VIP customer too!

Last Weekend it was a privilege to serve as the Honorary Chairman of the Fellowship Housing Gala. It was the first annual black tie event benefiting Fellowship Housing. Their mission is to transform the lives of the homeless or at-risk single moms and their children by providing safe, affordable housing and holistic mentoring to guide them from crisis to long-term stability and independence. Women and children are heavy on my heartstrings and the core of my own mission work. I had the honor to not only serve as honorary chair but also deliver a speech to almost 300 people. The event, which was titled, "There is no Place Like Home", and held at the Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center in Schaumburg was a success and raised over $70,000.
Here Dean and I are with my directors, Joe, Marcie, and Julie Aceto.

Fellowship Housing Gala Board Meeting

A few months ago I was asked to serve as the honorary chair for the Fellowship Housing Gala coming up February 21st at the beautiful Renaissance Hotel in Schaumburg, Illinois. It will be a black tie affair that will benefit homeless women and children. Anyone that knows me knows that women and children are the main pull of my heartstrings. This isn't the first time that I will speak to a group about homelessness but it is just as important and meaningful to me to do my best. Here I am at one of the committee meetings speaking to the group, and then, shooting some publicity photos. The committee has done a phenomenal job in preparation for the event and I so look forward to an amazing evening.

Interview with Suburban Woman Magazine

It has been a very fulfilling year thus far as Mrs. Illinois America. I have had the opportunity to speak out on two causes very important to me and my family. One being global poverty and AIDS while the other is pouring into our youth. I have had the chance to meet with various magazines and television stations and speak about both topics. Here I am with Ashley from Suburban Woman Magazine. She was such a sweet gem to sit down with. We discussed the Mrs. Illinois America pageant, the "power of pageants" and having such great directors. I already began recruiting her for the pageant.....but we'll have to wait till she gets married!

Happy Birthday My Baby Caden!

Birthdays are a big deal in my family. We don't just celebrate one day, it's like a week long event. Here we are with my parents, brother and sister in law celebrating Caden's birthday. I can't believe he is now 7 years old. My baby is growing up so fast. It just brings to life the saying that time flies. This has been a realization for me in many ways this past year. We need to celebrate life, cherish our family and friends, live to make a difference while we are here, and never let a day go by without telling those that you love just how much you do!

NBC 5 Appearance

I had the honor of being asked to appear on the NBC morning show to discuss my book "Girls of Greatness". It was an early morning alright...I was to arrive and check in at 5:30 a.m.. I made sure to have my spark drink after waking up at 4:15. I got to chat with Ellie Pai Hong before our interview segment and found out that we attend the same church..what a small world. It has been quite some time since I've done live T.V so I admit there were some nerves that resurfaced. Ellie made it so comfortable, it was an easy interview. After, I had the chance to meet Ginger Zee. She is such a doll! Thank you to NBC for a wonderful opportunity! You can visit their site that features my book. WMAQ-TV Website and search Lisa Dean

Who Said It's All Work And No Play???

I have to say I have the best directors ever. I say this not because they were so supportive in preparing me for the national pageant, or because they awarded me with one of the best prize packages I've ever experienced, or that Mrs. Illinois America is the best pageant system out there. I say it because they truly are family. Once I had won the title of Mrs. Illinois America I became part of a family that I was not anticipating. Marcie and Julie are not only my directors, they are my extended family. Here we are celebrating Julie's birthday. We went to Hollywood Cinema for the great movie "Hotel for Dogs". All three of us have dogs and can relate to canine unconditional love. We laughed and cried...and ate and ate! It was an awesome day!

Making an appearance on Comcast Newsmakers

I was asked to make an appearance on Comcast News Makers. It was such an honor to be with Cindy and discuss my book, Girls of Greatness as well as the Mrs. Illinois Pageant. I have to admit, I'm used to being the one that does the interviewing and sitting in the drivers seat. This day, was not the case. I was in the passenger seat..oooh what a different feeling!

New Year's Eve with the Family!

It was New Year's Eve with my family. My brother and his family flew in from Texas as did my sister and her son. We had a ball sharing together. We did New Years like I did when I was young. I gave the babies and young children pots and pans to clang and bang to ring in the New Year. Poor Dean....for some reason all the neices and nephews wanted to clang their pots by him. He rang in the New Year with a definite "bang" in the ear. Family is everything!

Book Signing and Serving Fellowship Housing

I had the honor of being asked to attend the Fellowship Housing Christmas party for homeless women and children. It was even more meaningful because my family and I served these women and children together. I greeted everyone at the door when they arrived and gave them an autograph copy of my book. Dean and Caden were looking ever so snazzy in their "waiter" attire of black pants and a white shirt. Together, they sat the ladies and children then served them dinner. Kennedy had her own duty of making jewelry with the kids so they had a gift to then give their mom. It truly was a night of joy. For the women and children to know how special they are and that they matter. Also, for our family, to be able to use our gifts, each one different, and serve those less fortunate.