GREEN COVE SPRINGS – To act, dream, express every aspect of who we are, speak up for what we believe in, and challenge ourselves to achieve our goals.

That was the mission of Miss Freedom USA at its core.

Maria Frost, a Filipino-American, mother of three, and resident of Green Cove Springs, recently represented Clay County and won the Mrs. Freedom USA title for her division. She was crowned in Jacksonville. She said this was her first time entering a pageant as an adult.

“My friend, Lynn Liske, owner of Sessions Modeling in Jacksonville, asked if I would enter the Miss Freedom USA pageant. Her two daughters, Loreal and Lyndsay, participated in the pageant for the Ms. and Miss divisions. She told me they needed someone to represent the Mrs. division, and I enjoy trying new things, so I obliged, and that was it,” she said.

Frost said she owes her accomplishments to the Liskie family for their support and camaraderie. She also thanked Ms. Cheree of CG’s Hair Salon in Callahan, as well as Bellaza Hair Gallery, BAJ Lashes, Salina’s Nails and Pura Vida, all on Fleming Island.

“I’m in Human Resources, so I’m used to presenting and addressing people, but I had to learn many pageant things, for instance, the Pageant walk. I’ve done some modeling before, but I haven’t done runway. They [Loreal and Lyndsay] had to educate me on that,” she said.

Besides walking a runway, delegates share their achievements and volunteer service, model fun fashion and evening gowns, and demonstrate their interview skills in front of a panel of judges, Frost said.

The Miss Freedom pageant is a stepping stone for different divisions (Teen and Miss) to get to the Miss Florida pageant. One lucky winner in each division walked away with a beautiful crown, sash, prizes and cash award. Although Frost said her pageantry days are over, she is excited to see what difference she can make in the community.

“One of the reasons I signed up is because the Pageant serves as a vehicle to showcase my cause on a different scale outside of a local, grassroots level,” she said. “And that animal advocacy.”

Frost said she has always loved animals, even since she was a little girl. She currently has six rescue cats and a dog.

“I always find time to volunteer at the Safe Animal Shelter; community service is integral to who I am. I foster cats and help find forever homes for them,” Frost said.

Her sister is a large part of why community service, especially animal advocacy, is essential to her, Frost said.

“My sister was studying veterinary science at the University of Florida. We have always rescued animals. She passed away during a car crash, but she was the one who really propelled me into action to do something good with my time,” she said.

Frost has since partnered with several local nonprofit groups. Her next goal is to promote a TNR (trap, neuter, release) program and educate communities on spay and neuter programs.

“Our community services just don’t have the staffing to do it effectively; they need our help,” she said.

In addition to animal advocacy, Frost supports Miss Freedom USA’s mission to support our military community, active duty and veterans, their families and the organizations supporting our heroes at home.

“Miss Freedom USA promotes the military and its supporting organizations, but more specifically, the Five Star Veterans Organization in Jacksonville, with whom they have a community partnership,’ Frost said.

There, veterans receive 24-hour housing, as well as mental health services. The veteran is immersed in different therapy modalities and outreach to reintegrate into society.

“I applaud all these people and organizations who support people in need, especially veterans because I come from a whole line of them,” Frost said.

“My father was a Lt. Commander in the USN, my brother is a retired flight engineer from the USN, my nephew is retired from the US Marine Corps, and my mother was a Staff Sergeant in the Army Reserves,” she said. “She could bark an order, that’s for sure. But she also taught me to be altruistic and always give when possible.”

It’s important to celebrate the strength and unity of these women, like Maria, her sister and mother, who are breaking barriers and supporting each other to ensure a better world for everyone. Celebrate the beauty of freedom, grace, and intelligence and inspire others to ignite change together.

“Just go for it,” Frost said. “If you are thinking about trying something new, just do it because you don’t want to have any regrets at the end of the day. Believe in yourself. Have faith in yourself.”