| Ms. American Elegance Sophisticate 2011-12 Leslie Bates |
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| Leslie L Bates is a double graduate of Eastern Illinois University earning at Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Education and a Master of Science Degree in Training & Development. She believes that education is the key to any successful future and is currently an Educational Liaison for incarcerated youth at the Cook County Juvenile Detention Center. As a proud mother of two "pageant girls" she continues to instill values and integrity in her children. Leslie is a member of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church and believes that all things are possible with the help of God. She is also an active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. where she mentors young ladies in the community and volunteers countless hours with organizations throughout the Chicagoland areas. Leslie focuses a lot on Cancer Awareness Activities because when she was 19 she lost her mother to a battle with Cancer. Leslie's platform is "rebuilding self-esteem in young girls." There are many young ladies in today’s society that feel inadequate because of their appearance and they need to be shown/told that they are “Daughters of Royalty” and therefor are perfect expressions of what God has intended them to be! |
