Stefanie M. Burger
Hometown: Auburn,Wa
Date of Birth: April 20, 1989
Education: Gonzaga University (Dec. 2013) Master’s in communication management & leadership; Central Washington University (Class of 2011) Bachelor in Arts Degree; public relations & pre- law; Auburn High School (Class of 2007) High School Diploma
Platform Issue: Fighting Obesity and Promoting Self Esteem through The Dove Movement
Scholastic/Career Ambition: To obtain a PhD in communication theory. To become President and C.E.O of a full service international PR firm.
Talent: Vocal Ballad
Scholastic Honors: : Communications Intern- President Obama; Public Relations Intern- Governor Gregoire; Student Ambassador- Spain; Dean’s List; Omicron Delta Kappa-national honor society; Lambda Pi Eta-communications honor society; Kappa Delta sorority- CWU; Auburn Rotary Scholarship; Auburn Leadership Scholarship; Sally Heet Memorial Scholarship for excellence in public relations; James Kramlich Memorial Scholarship; Stephonie K. Eddy Memorial Scholarship; Public Relations Intern- Ellensburg Downtown Association; Public Relations Intern- The Cashmere Agency; Marketing Intern- Dream Careers Incorporated.
Leadership Roles: Kappa Delta Sorority VP of Public Relations; VP of Equity & Community Affairs-ASCWU Board of Directors; President- Public Relations Student Society of America; Deputy Field Organizer 47th Legislative District; Chairperson- Equity & Services Council; Miss Teen Auburn; Miss Emerald Isle’s Outstanding Teen.
Accomplishments: First in family college graduate; earned over $10,000 from MASP; Studied Abroad- Madrid; Humanitarian Aid- Honduras; Voted Miss Congeniality 6 times; Children’s Hospital volunteer.
Interesting Facts: I was a little Sister in the Program in 1998; It is my secret dream to drive dragsters in the NHRA; I am an avid painter and love transformers (yes, the robots); I have spoken to Barrack Obama on the telephone; spent time with Vice President Joe Biden; made a secret service agent smile; Heroes include Arianna Huffington, Nickolas Kristoff and Zainab Salbi; Own a jewelry company “Legacy Designs” benefitting Children’s Miracle Network.
Employment: Freelance Publicist & Social Media Consultant; Stefanie Michelle Public Relations
How has the world you come from shaped your dreams and aspirations? I was raised to believe that I was capable of anything that I put my mind too. I grew up with constant support and positive reinforcement and was never turned away from something that I wanted to pursue. My parent’s constant support inspired me to reach for the stars and because of their support I have been given endless opportunities to excel in life.
Of all the ways you could succeed in your life, why have you chosen to succeed in the Miss Auburn Pageant? In 1998, my grandfather watched proudly as I danced across the stage with Miss Auburn Amy Crawford, he watched all the young ladies as they demonstrated their intelligence and poise. He was thrilled that his grand-daughter was involved in such a reputable program. Three months later, my grandfather died unexpectedly. It was always his hope that I would grow into a woman of grace much like the women he saw that evening at Miss Auburn. I continue to grow throughout my journey with MASP and I want to leave a legacy as bright and as vibrant as the one MASP has left on my life.
What social issue, other than your platform, will have the greatest impact on your generation and why? It is so hard to pinpoint one issue that will affect the world more than another but an issue that is becoming a pandemic in our country is dating violence. As a victim of dating violence and a trained advocate, I can testify to the long lasting effects of a relationship of this magnitude. It is statistically supported that 1 in 3 relationships among teens and young adults can be identified as abusive and that over 80% of high school students claim to have been in or known someone in an abusive relationship. Dating and Domestic violence does not only physically or emotionally affect individuals but it strips the victims of innocence, freedom and confidence and leaves them feeling defeated. I whole heartedly believe that our society’s disrespectful depiction of women is condoning such behavior and is encouraging the continuation of dating violence both emotional and physical. For more info on this topic visit www.breakthecycle.com.
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