Gumbo Judging!

For me, one of the benefits of working in film and TV is getting to judge contests. So far, I’ve judged a beauty pageant in Mississippi, the Royal Sonesta’s Greasing of the Poles and last year’s gumbo contest at Valero. As much as I enjoy beautiful women, I was thrilled to be asked back to Valero this year. Gumbo, the official dish of Louisiana, is my favorite metaphor for New Orleans – a melting pot where each ingredient added is meant to retain its original flavor. Even the history of the dish is a trip through the many cultures that have come to this city and the traditions they’ve added to our stew. 

Beauty Pageant Judge

Last weekend, I had to choose between attending the gallery opening of Women in Film and Television’s “A Woman’s Work” and judging a beauty pageant in Mississippi. Since I’d committed to the pageant first, the choice was easy – but I did go through a post-feminist battle in my mind. I was excited to see my clips included in WIFT’s documentary of interviews with over 50 Louisiana women in the industry (and I will make it to the exhibit at the CAC before it closes July 27th). But, I honestly wouldn’t be in this industry if not for a pageant I entered at 17.