Sabrina Pinion - Mrs. Universe 2014 - visited Central Carolina Community College where she spoke out against domestic violence.
SANFORD -- "I am a true and firm believer that your circumstances do not determine your destiny."
That is just one of the messages delivered by Sabrina Pinion, Mrs. Universe 2014, during her visit to Central Carolina Community College this week to meet and greet college students, faculty, and staff.
Mrs. Pinion spoke out against domestic violence. As the reigning Mrs. Universe, she is the international spokesperson for "One Universe One Voice," a forum that supports domestic violence education and survivor support.
"I know first-hand the stress that a child especially can go through," she said, noting that she was fortunate to have mentors in her life who supported and encouraged her.
"What you choose to do with your story and with your challenges is really up to you," she said. "For me, being able to have the opportunity to live with a family in foster care for two years when I was 14 years old made a huge difference in my life. ... Living with this family really opened my eyes to see what a healthy relationship and family should be like."
Mrs. Pinion talked about being a positive role model. "When I share with kids positive role modeling and mentorship, anyone that looks at them and says, 'you can't,' you need to walk away from. This has been pivotal in my successes," she said.
Mrs. Pinion has begun a campaign - The Pledge Against Domestic Violence, which she says is an opportunity for men to stand up and speak out against domestic violence.
She was joined on the program by Rosa Portillo, Bilingual Advocate for HAVEN in Lee County, who talked about the local non-profit agency that is committed to providing safety to victims and survivors of domestic violence.
Mrs. Pinion was crowned Mrs. USA in June 2014 and later captured the Mrs. Universe title, becoming the first representative from the United States to become Mrs. Universe.
A native of Wilmington, N.C., her career has included modeling, dancing, public speaking, and the world of pageants. Throughout her career in the pageant industry, she has traveled the world and held local, state, and national titles.
Mrs. Pinion is the owner and founder of "Pageant Pros LLC" Consultants and Mentors. She has had the privilege of working with several state and national title holders in numerous pageants.
She is passionate about encouraging the talents, abilities, and strengths in young women, and helping them to embrace their authentic self and magnify their individuality and confidence.
As a youth development professional for "Celebrate Life International," Mrs. Pinion spends much of her time working with at-risk kids and as a volunteer mentor for "Teach One to Lead One," a leadership program which teaches students universal principals that equips them to become positive role models and a positive influence among their peers.
For more information about Central Carolina Community College, visit www.cccc.edu.
Sabrina Pinion - Mrs. Universe 2014 - visited Central Carolina Community College where she spoke out against domestic violence.