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Ivana Hamilton, Mrs. Tennessee American 2025, is a shining example of resilience, service, and women’s empowerment. With deep roots in both healthcare and community advocacy, Ivana has built a life centered on helping others feel confident, cared for, and seen. She holds two Bachelor of Science degrees — one in Nursing from Delaware Tech and another in Culinary Arts & Food Service Management from Johnson & Wales University — showcasing her unique blend of compassion, creativity, and commitment to excellence.

With over a decade of experience as a Registered Nurse, Ivana has specialized in Women’s and Children’s Same Day Surgery and Plastic Surgery, dedicating her career to supporting patients during some of their most vulnerable moments. Her gentle leadership, clinical expertise, and unwavering dedication to patient care have made her a respected professional in her field.

Beyond her nursing career, Ivana is deeply passionate about serving her community. She volunteers with organizations such as TenThirtyFive and Archie’s Promise, using her time and talents to uplift families and individuals in need. Through her personal platform, “Ready to Be Radiant,” she champions women’s confidence by providing clothing, care resources, and encouragement to help every woman recognize her worth and discover the radiant diamond within herself.

Outside of her service and professional life, Ivana enjoys exploring theme parks with her husband of eight years, Dan — with Dollywood and Disney World holding a special place in their hearts. She is also an enthusiastic gamer, finding joy and connection through her love of gaming.

As Mrs. Tennessee American 2025, Ivana continues to use her voice, her story, and her passion to empower women across Tennessee and beyond. Her mission is simple yet powerful: to inspire every woman to embrace her inner radiance, step into her confidence, and shine boldly in all that she does.

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In this episode of Defying the Odds, host Abby Vaden sits down with Maya Ramsahoye — international pageant queen, Miss Queen of the World 2024, and powerhouse entrepreneur redefining what it means to lead with both grace and grit.

From the runways of international pageants to the boardrooms of her own modeling and management companies, Maya has turned her crown into a catalyst for change. As the National Director for Queen of the World Canada and Director of MIЯROR Management International, Maya shares how she built an empire grounded in empowerment, authenticity, and development.

Maya opens up about her journey from a small-town girl in Alberta, Canada, to a global advocate for inclusivity in beauty and fashion. Through her EveryBODY Fashion Show and MIЯROR Consulting, she’s championing confidence, representation, and real growth — proving that power and purpose go hand in hand.

This episode dives deep into:
✨ How Maya transformed her pageant platform into a global movement
✨ The business principles behind her leadership success
✨ Why authenticity is the foundation of sustainable influence
✨ What it takes to lead women — and an entire industry — with heart

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning passion into purpose, this episode will leave you inspired to rise, lead, and redefine your own version of success.

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In this episode of Defying the Odds, we sit down with Christina Messer—founder of Clues & Co. Tax Solutions and a creative force with over 20 years of experience in marketing, communications, and business strategy. After facing an unexpected tax bill herself, Christina discovered powerful tax strategies once reserved for corporations and the wealthy. Now, she’s on a mission to make those strategies accessible to entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and high-income families. With her detective-like approach, Christina helps clients uncover hidden tax savings, build financial clarity, and turn stress into strategy. Tune in to learn how Christina continues to defy the odds by transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and success.

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